1 Corinthians 1:11

KJV

For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them [which are of the house] of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} it hath been declared {G1213} unto me {G3427} of {G4012} you {G5216}, my {G3450} brethren {G80}, by {G5259} them which are of the house {G3588} of Chloe {G5514}, that {G3754} there are {G1526} contentions {G2054} among {G1722} you {G5213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For some of Chloe’s people have made it known to me, my brothers, that there are quarrels among you.

Berean Standard Bible

My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.

American Standard Version

For it hath been signified unto me concerning you, my brethren, by them that are of the household of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 1:11, the Apostle Paul immediately confronts the severe internal divisions plaguing the Corinthian church. This pivotal verse reveals the credible source of his alarming information—individuals from the household of Chloe—and establishes the primary pastoral concern that will drive much of his subsequent instruction throughout the letter, emphasizing the urgent need for unity and the detrimental nature of strife within the Christian community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant pivot in Paul's opening remarks to the Corinthian church. Following his customary salutation and an initial expression of thanksgiving for their spiritual gifts and standing in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:1-9), Paul abruptly shifts to address a grave problem. The "For" (G1063) at the beginning of the verse signals that what follows is the reason or explanation for his preceding exhortation in [1 Corinthians 1:10](/1_corinthians/1-10 "1 Corinthians 1:10 - Paul's Appeal for Unity"), where he passionately appeals for the Corinthians to "be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." Verse 11 provides the concrete evidence and impetus for this urgent appeal, setting the stage for Paul's extensive rebuke of factionalism and disunity that dominates the first four chapters of the letter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient city of Corinth was a thriving, cosmopolitan Roman port city, strategically located on an isthmus connecting mainland Greece. Its immense wealth, diverse population, and bustling trade routes also fostered a reputation for moral laxity, idolatry, and a culture that prized rhetoric, philosophical debate, and social status. The church in Corinth, though blessed with spiritual gifts, was deeply influenced by this surrounding culture. The "contentions" mentioned in this verse were not mere disagreements but deep-seated factions, likely stemming from a worldly admiration for eloquent leaders (like Paul, Apollos, or Cephas, as hinted at in [1 Corinthians 1:12](/1_corinthians/1-12 "1 Corinthians 1:12 - Divisions Over Leaders")), philosophical schools of thought, and social distinctions that permeated their gatherings. The mention of "the house of Chloe" suggests a prominent and reliable household within the Corinthian Christian community, whose members had direct knowledge of the internal strife and felt compelled to report it to Paul, highlighting a vital communication network in the early church.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme introduced by this verse is the pervasive problem of **Divisions and Factions** within the church. The Greek term for "contentions" (G2054, _eris_) denotes strife, rivalry, and quarreling, indicating a serious breakdown of unity. This problem is not merely a social issue but a theological one, undermining the very nature of the church as the unified body of Christ. This verse also underscores Paul's **Apostolic Awareness and Pastoral Concern**; he is not detached but deeply invested in the spiritual health of the church he founded. His immediate and direct address of the problem demonstrates his commitment to upholding the integrity of the Christian community. Furthermore, the specific mention of "the house of Chloe" highlights the importance of **Reliable Information** in addressing church issues, indicating that Paul's intervention is based on verifiable reports rather than unfounded rumors, setting a precedent for handling sensitive matters within the body of Christ. These themes resonate throughout [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "The Book of 1 Corinthians - Paul's Letter to the Church in Corinth"), as Paul consistently calls the church back to unity in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **declared (Greek, _dēlóō'_):** From G1213, meaning "to make plain (by words):--declare, shew, signify." This word emphasizes that Paul received a clear, unambiguous report, not vague rumors. It implies a direct communication that made the situation evident to him, giving him a solid basis for his subsequent admonitions and instructions.
* **brethren (Greek, _adelphós'_):** From G80, meaning "a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote." Paul's use of "my brethren" is significant. Despite the severity of the issues he is about to address, he maintains a pastoral and familial tone. This term underscores the shared spiritual kinship and family bond that should characterize believers, making the presence of "contentions" all the more grievous in light of their identity in Christ.
* **contentions (Greek, _éris'_):** From G2054, meaning "a quarrel, i.e. (by implication) wrangling:--contention, debate, strife, variance." This is a strong and negative term. It describes more than simple disagreements; it points to a spirit of rivalry, discord, and active quarreling. In the New Testament, _eris_ is frequently listed among the "works of the flesh" (e.g., [Galatians 5:20](/galatians/5-20 "Galatians 5:20 - Works of the Flesh")), indicating a behavior that is antithetical to the Spirit-filled life and destructive to Christian fellowship. Its presence signifies a serious spiritual malady within the Corinthian church.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren,"**: Paul begins by revealing the source of his knowledge about the Corinthian church's internal state. The phrase "it hath been declared unto me" indicates that he received a definite, clear report. His address "of you, my brethren" immediately establishes that the report concerns the Corinthian believers themselves, whom he still affectionately calls "brethren," highlighting his pastoral care and the inherent contradiction of strife within a spiritual family.
* **"by them [which are of the house] of Chloe,"**: This clause specifies the credible source of Paul's information. The mention of "the house of Chloe" (likely a prominent Christian household in Corinth) signifies that Paul's knowledge is not based on mere hearsay or rumor but on reliable, firsthand accounts from trusted individuals. This detail lends authority to Paul's subsequent rebuke and demonstrates the importance of responsible communication within the early church, where genuine concerns were brought to apostolic leadership.
* **"that there are contentions among you."**: This final clause states the core problem that has been reported to Paul. The word "contentions" (Greek: _eris_) points to deep-seated strife, quarrels, and factions, not just minor disagreements. This revelation sets the stage for the entire letter, as Paul will systematically address the various manifestations of this disunity, emphasizing that such divisions are contrary to the nature of the gospel and the unity found in Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse to powerfully convey his message. The use of **Apostolic Disclosure** is prominent, as Paul transparently reveals his source of information ("the house of Chloe"). This directness not only lends credibility to his claims but also establishes a clear, factual basis for his subsequent admonitions, preventing accusations of rumor-mongering. Furthermore, Paul utilizes **Pathos** through his affectionate address, "my brethren." This term, despite the impending rebuke, appeals to the shared familial bond and spiritual identity of the believers, underscoring the incongruity of "contentions" among those who are united in Christ. The very choice of the strong Greek word _eris_ ("contentions") functions as a form of **Direct Confrontation**, immediately and unequivocally naming the grave spiritual disease afflicting the Corinthian community, leaving no room for misinterpretation about the seriousness of their disunity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological significance of 1 Corinthians 1:11 lies in its immediate exposure of a fundamental contradiction: the presence of "contentions" within a community called to embody the unity of Christ. The church, by its very nature, is the body of Christ, a spiritual organism designed to reflect the harmonious diversity and singular purpose of its Head. Divisions, therefore, are not merely social inconveniences but a profound theological offense that mars the church's witness, hinders its mission, and ultimately dishonors Christ Himself. Paul's immediate address of this issue underscores that unity is not an optional extra but an essential characteristic of authentic Christian fellowship, rooted in their common calling, shared baptism, and the singular Lord they proclaim.

* [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Unity of the Spirit")
* [Romans 16:17](/romans/16-17 "Romans 16:17 - Avoid Divisions")
* [Philippians 2:2](/philippians/2-2 "Philippians 2:2 - Be of One Mind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The message of 1 Corinthians 1:11 resonates profoundly with the challenges faced by Christian communities today. Just as in ancient Corinth, modern churches can fall prey to internal strife, factionalism, and divisions rooted in personal preferences, theological disagreements, social distinctions, or loyalty to particular leaders. This verse serves as a potent reminder that such "contentions" are deeply detrimental to the health, witness, and mission of the church. It calls believers to a rigorous self-examination: are we contributing to unity or division? Are our loyalties primarily to Christ and His body, or to our own opinions, groups, or perceived leaders? True Christian maturity involves prioritizing the peace and purity of the church over personal agendas. We are challenged to cultivate humility, charity, and a spirit of reconciliation, actively seeking to "maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" ([Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Unity of the Spirit")). Furthermore, the mention of Chloe's household reminds us of the importance of responsible communication; genuine concerns about the church's well-being should be brought to appropriate leadership for resolution, rather than fueling gossip or further division.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do personal preferences, theological nuances, or loyalty to specific leaders sometimes overshadow our commitment to Christian unity?**
* **In what ways might "contentions" (strife, wrangling, factions) manifest in our own church or Christian community today, and how can we biblically address them?**
* **What is our individual and collective responsibility when we become aware of divisions or disunity within the body of Christ?**

### FAQ
**Who was Chloe, and why is her household mentioned by Paul?**

Answer: Chloe was likely a prominent Christian woman, possibly a leader or head of a household in Corinth, or perhaps even a resident of Ephesus (where Paul was writing from) who had strong connections to the Corinthian church. Her household members (often servants, freedmen, or family) traveled and brought a reliable report to Paul about the significant problems, specifically the "contentions," occurring within the Corinthian church. Paul's specific mention of "the house of Chloe" lends credibility and authority to the information he received, indicating that his knowledge was based on trustworthy, firsthand accounts rather than mere rumors. This detail also highlights the practical networks of communication and mutual concern that existed among early Christian communities.

**What kind of "contentions" were present in the Corinthian church, and why were they so problematic?**

Answer: The "contentions" (Greek: _eris_) were not minor disagreements but serious quarrels, rivalries, and factions that had developed among the believers. As Paul elaborates in [1 Corinthians 1:12](/1_corinthians/1-12 "1 Corinthians 1:12 - Divisions Over Leaders"), these divisions were often centered around different apostolic leaders, with some claiming allegiance to Paul, others to Apollos, and still others to Cephas (Peter), or even directly to Christ in a way that excluded others. These factions were problematic because they undermined the fundamental unity of the church, which is meant to be one body in Christ. Such divisions reflected a worldly mindset that valued human wisdom, eloquence, and social status over the simple, unifying message of the cross. They hindered the church's witness, disrupted its fellowship, and ultimately dishonored Christ, who is not divided ([1 Corinthians 1:13](/1_corinthians/1-13 "1 Corinthians 1:13 - Is Christ Divided?")).

**Why did Paul address the issue of contentions so early in his letter to the Corinthians?**

Answer: Paul addressed the issue of contentions immediately after his opening greetings and thanksgiving because it was the most pressing and foundational problem plaguing the Corinthian church. Their disunity threatened the very fabric of their Christian identity and fellowship. By tackling this issue first, Paul established the critical importance of unity as a prerequisite for addressing the myriad other ethical, theological, and practical problems he would discuss throughout the letter (e.g., immorality, lawsuits, spiritual gifts, resurrection). For Paul, a divided church could not effectively live out its calling or bear witness to the unifying power of the gospel. His prompt and direct confrontation underscores that unity is not a secondary concern but central to the health and integrity of the body of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "contentions" Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians 1:11 stand in stark contrast to the unifying work of Jesus Christ. The New Testament consistently presents Jesus as the ultimate unifier, who came to break down all walls of hostility and reconcile humanity not only to God but also to one another. In His high priestly prayer, Jesus fervently prayed for His followers "that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me" ([John 17:21](/john/17-21 "John 17:21 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity")). This prayer highlights that Christian unity is not merely a practical ideal but a theological imperative, essential for the church's witness to the world. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ has "broken down the middle wall of division" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), creating "one new man" out of Jew and Gentile, thereby establishing a new humanity founded on peace and reconciliation. The very essence of the church as the body of Christ, with many members but one Spirit, underscores this divine design for unity ([1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")). Therefore, the presence of contentions among believers directly undermines the finished work of Christ and His ongoing desire for His church to reflect His own perfect unity and love.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Galatians 5:26

Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

1 Timothy 6:4

He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

2 Timothy 2:23

But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

2 Timothy 2:25

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

1 Corinthians 3:3

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas [there is] among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

Proverbs 18:6

¶ A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

Genesis 27:42

And these words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah: and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, [purposing] to kill thee.