1 Corinthians 11:33
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 11:33
33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 11 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, hope, redemption. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-34: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 11:33
33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.
Analysis
Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another—Paul concludes with practical instruction. Ὥστε, ἀδελφοί μου (wherefore, my brothers)—affectionate address after stern correction. Συνερχόμενοι φαγεῖν (coming together to eat)—the fifth use of synerchomai in this section (vv. 17, 18, 20, 33, 34), emphasizing corporate dimension.
Tarry one for another (ἀλλήλους ἐκδέχεσθε)—ekdechomai means to wait for, receive hospitably. The wealthy shouldn't start eating before the poor arrive. This simple command addresses the root problem: selfishness, class division, and contempt for poorer members. Waiting embodies the gospel: Christ waited for us (Romans 5:6-8, 'while we were still sinners'), so we wait for each other. The Table is communal, not individualistic. Mutual love must characterize the meal, or it's not the Lord's Supper (v. 20). This applies beyond the Table—all Christian community should be marked by patience, preference of others, and mutual love (Philippians 2:3-4).
Historical Context
Roman meals were rigidly timed and stratified. The elite dined early; lower classes ate later with inferior food. Paul demands countercultural practice: wait. This seemingly small act undermined Roman social hierarchy and embodied gospel equality. Early church agape feasts were meant to display radical generosity and unity across social classes (Acts 2:44-46, 4:32-35). Paul calls the Corinthians back to this vision: the Table unites rich and poor, slave and free, Jew and Gentile (Galatians 3:28) in Christ's broken body.
Reflection
- How does the simple act of 'waiting for one another' embody the gospel and challenge cultural norms?
- What modern practices in churches subtly divide rich and poor, honored and marginalized—and how can they be corrected?
- How can congregations cultivate patience, mutual honor, and genuine community around the Lord's Table and beyond?