1 Corinthians 10:16

KJV

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

KJV (with Strong's)

The cup {G4221} of blessing {G2129} which {G3739} we bless {G2127}, is it {G2076} not {G3780} the communion {G2842} of the blood {G129} of Christ {G5547}? The bread {G740} which {G3739} we break {G2806}, is it {G2076} not {G3780} the communion {G2842} of the body {G4983} of Christ {G5547}?

Complete Jewish Bible

The “cup of blessing” over which we make the b’rakhah — isn’t it a sharing in the bloody sacrificial death of the Messiah? The bread we break, isn’t it a sharing in the body of the Messiah?

Berean Standard Bible

Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?

American Standard Version

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a communion of the body of Christ?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 10:16 is a profound rhetorical question posed by the Apostle Paul, designed to underscore the deep spiritual reality of the Lord's Supper. It asserts that partaking in the consecrated cup and bread is not merely a symbolic remembrance but a genuine, intimate participation in the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus Christ, connecting believers directly to His body and blood. This verse lays the theological groundwork for understanding the sacred nature of Christian communion and its implications for believers' conduct and worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial section of Paul's letter (1 Corinthians 10:1-22) where he issues a stern warning against idolatry and spiritual compromise. Immediately preceding this, Paul recounts the failures of ancient Israel in the wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:1-13), using their experiences with manna, water from the rock, and subsequent judgment for idolatry and immorality as cautionary tales for the Corinthian believers. He draws a direct parallel between Israel's spiritual food and drink and the Corinthians' participation in Christ. The rhetorical questions of [1 Corinthians 10:16](/1-corinthians/10-16 "1 Corinthians 10:16 - The Communion of Christ's Body and Blood") serve to establish the profound spiritual reality of Christian communion, which then forms the basis for Paul's subsequent argument against participating in pagan sacrificial meals (as seen in [1 Corinthians 10:21](/1-corinthians/10-21 "1 Corinthians 10:21 - The Lord's Table and the Table of Demons")). The passage emphasizes the incompatibility of true worship of Christ with any form of idolatry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a vibrant but problematic community, situated in a major Roman port city known for its diverse religious practices, including numerous pagan cults and temples. Many Corinthian Christians, having previously participated in pagan feasts and sacrifices, struggled with the temptation to maintain social ties or avoid offense by continuing these practices. These feasts often involved eating meat sacrificed to idols, which was then sold in the marketplace or consumed in temple dining rooms. Paul addresses this directly in [1 Corinthians 8](/1-corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Sacrificed to Idols") and continues the theme here, highlighting the exclusive nature of Christian worship. The concept of "communion" or "fellowship" (koinonia) was understood in the ancient world as a shared participation, often involving a common meal that signified unity and allegiance to a deity or group. Paul leverages this understanding to explain the unique and exclusive nature of Christian communion.
* **Key Themes:** The passage in which [1 Corinthians 10:16](/1-corinthians/10-16 "1 Corinthians 10:16 - The Communion of Christ's Body and Blood") is found contributes significantly to several major themes in 1 Corinthians and the broader New Testament. A primary theme is **Communion and Participation**, emphasizing that the Lord's Supper is a profound spiritual act of sharing in Christ's atoning sacrifice, not merely a memorial. This leads directly to the theme of **Spiritual Unity**, as the shared meal unites believers not only with Christ but also with one another as one body, a concept further developed in [1 Corinthians 10:17](/1-corinthians/10-17 "1 Corinthians 10:17 - One Bread, One Body"). Furthermore, the verse underscores the **Sacredness and Exclusivity of Worship**, warning against syncretism and highlighting that true devotion to Christ precludes participation in idolatrous practices. Paul argues that one cannot partake of the "table of the Lord" and the "table of devils" ([1 Corinthians 10:21](/1-corinthians/10-21 "1 Corinthians 10:21 - The Lord's Table and the Table of Demons")), reinforcing the singular allegiance demanded by Christ. This theme is crucial for understanding the sanctity of the ordinance and the need for worthy participation, which Paul elaborates on in [1 Corinthians 11:27-32](/1-corinthians/11-27-32 "1 Corinthians 11:27-32 - Unworthy Participation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **blessing (Greek, _eulogía'_):** From the same root as "to bless," this word signifies "fine speaking," "commendation," or "adoration." In a religious context, it refers to benediction, consecration, or the act of giving thanks. Here, "the cup of blessing" refers to the cup over which thanks and blessing are given, consecrating it for its sacred purpose in the Lord's Supper, echoing the Jewish Passover tradition of the third cup, which was blessed.
* **communion (Greek, _koinōnía'_):** This is a rich theological term denoting "partnership," "participation," "fellowship," or "sharing." It implies a deep, intimate bond and a common experience. In this context, it signifies a profound spiritual participation in the reality and benefits of Christ's sacrifice, not merely a symbolic remembrance. It is a genuine sharing in the atoning blood and broken body of Christ.
* **break (Greek, _kláō'_):** A primary verb specifically used for "breaking bread." This action is highly significant in the context of ancient meals and especially in the institution of the Lord's Supper. It points directly to the physical breaking of Christ's body on the cross, a tangible representation of His suffering and sacrifice for humanity's redemption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?"**: This rhetorical question asserts that the cup, over which believers pronounce a blessing or give thanks, is intrinsically linked to the "blood of Christ." The term "communion" (koinonia) here emphasizes a profound, active participation in the atoning sacrifice represented by His shed blood. It's not just a symbol, but a shared reality, connecting the participants to the very act of redemption and the covenant established by Christ's blood.
* **"The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?"**: Similarly, this second rhetorical question affirms that the act of breaking and partaking of the bread establishes a "communion" or participation in the "body of Christ." Just as the bread is broken, so Christ's body was broken on the cross. This signifies a shared identification with His physical suffering and death, and by extension, with His resurrected life. Together, the cup and the bread represent the complete sacrifice of Christ, inviting believers into a deep, communal bond with Him and with each other.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs **Rhetorical Questions** in this verse, asking questions not to elicit information but to make a forceful, undeniable assertion. By framing these statements as questions ("is it not...?"), he compels the Corinthians to affirm the profound spiritual reality of the Lord's Supper, making the truth more impactful than a simple declarative statement. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, presenting two structurally similar clauses concerning the cup and the bread. This parallel structure highlights the unified nature of Christ's sacrifice—His blood and His body—and the unified participation of believers in both aspects. Furthermore, there is profound **Symbolism** at play: the cup symbolizes Christ's shed blood, representing the new covenant and atonement, while the bread symbolizes His broken body, representing His suffering and sacrifice. These physical elements serve as tangible representations of spiritual realities, drawing the participants into a deeper understanding and experience of Christ's work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 10:16 profoundly articulates the nature of the Lord's Supper as a real, spiritual participation in Christ's atoning work, rather than a mere commemorative act. This understanding is foundational to Christian theology, emphasizing the intimate union believers share with Christ through His sacrifice. It underscores the concept of the New Covenant established by Christ's blood, offering forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God. The shared meal also signifies the profound unity of believers as the body of Christ, bound together by their common participation in Him. This theological depth calls for a reverent and discerning approach to the ordinance, recognizing its sacred significance and the implications for one's walk with God and fellow believers.

* [Matthew 26:26-28](/matthew/26-26-28 "Matthew 26:26-28 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")
* [Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood")
* [John 6:53-56](/john/6-53-56 "John 6:53-56 - Eating Christ's Flesh and Drinking His Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 10:16 compels believers to approach the Lord's Supper with profound reverence and understanding, moving beyond a mere ritualistic observance to a deep spiritual encounter. It calls us to remember that when we partake of the bread and the cup, we are not simply recalling a historical event; we are actively participating in the ongoing reality of Christ's sacrifice and its benefits. This participation should lead to a renewed sense of gratitude for the immense cost of our redemption and a deeper commitment to living a life worthy of such a gift. It also serves as a powerful reminder of our unity with fellow believers, as we all partake of the same Christ, fostering reconciliation, love, and mutual care within the body. Furthermore, the verse implicitly challenges us to examine our lives for any form of spiritual compromise or divided loyalties, ensuring that our communion with Christ is exclusive and unadulterated, free from the "table of devils" that Paul warns against.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the Lord's Supper as "communion" (participation) rather than mere "remembrance" change your approach to it?**
* **In what ways does your daily life reflect your "communion of the body of Christ" with other believers?**
* **What "tables" or influences in your life might be competing with your exclusive communion with Christ, and how can you address them?**

### FAQ

**Does 1 Corinthians 10:16 teach that the bread and wine literally become the body and blood of Christ?**

While the verse emphasizes a profound spiritual reality and participation, it does not explicitly define the precise nature of Christ's presence in the elements, leading to various interpretations throughout church history. The Greek word *koinonia* (communion/participation) suggests a deep spiritual union and sharing in the benefits and reality of Christ's sacrifice, rather than a physical transformation of the elements themselves. Different theological traditions (e.g., Transubstantiation, Consubstantiation, Spiritual Presence, Memorialism) interpret the "is" in "is it not the communion" differently. Paul's primary intent here is to highlight the sacredness and spiritual efficacy of the Supper, contrasting it with pagan practices, and underscoring that partaking in it means a genuine connection to Christ's atoning work, whether through literal presence or profound spiritual union. The emphasis is on the reality of the *participation* in Christ's body and blood, not necessarily on a change in the physical substance of the elements.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Corinthians 10:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the Lamb of God whose body was broken and blood was shed for the sins of the world. The "cup of blessing" and "bread which we break" point directly to the historical reality of Christ's crucifixion, the ultimate act of self-giving love and atonement. Jesus Himself instituted this meal on the night He was betrayed, declaring the bread to be His body and the cup to be His blood of the new covenant ([Matthew 26:26-28](/matthew/26-26-28 "Matthew 26:26-28 - Institution of the Lord's Supper"); [Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - The New Covenant")). This communion is not merely a memorial of a past event but a present participation in the benefits of His finished work, allowing believers to partake in His righteousness, forgiveness, and eternal life. Through this sacred meal, believers are united with the resurrected Christ, who is now seated at the right hand of God ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")), and are spiritually nourished by Him. It foreshadows the ultimate communion believers will share with Christ in the heavenly banquet, the marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), where the full reality of our union with Him will be perfectly realized.

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

Matthew 26:26

¶ And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed [it], and brake [it], and gave [it] to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

Matthew 26:28

For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

1 Corinthians 11:23

¶ For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the [same] night in which he was betrayed took bread:

1 Corinthians 11:29

For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

Acts 2:42

¶ And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Hebrews 3:14

For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;