1 Corinthians 10:17

KJV

For we [being] many are one bread, [and] one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754} we {G2070} being many {G4183} are {G2070} one {G1520} bread {G740}, and one {G1520} body {G4983}: for {G1063} we are {G3348} all {G3956} partakers {G3348} of {G1537} that one {G1520} bread {G740}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Because there is one loaf of bread, we who are many constitute one body, since we all partake of the one loaf of bread.

Berean Standard Bible

Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf.

American Standard Version

seeing that we, who are many, are one bread, one body: for we all partake of the one bread.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 10:17 profoundly articulates the supernatural unity of believers in Christ, drawing a powerful connection to their shared participation in the Lord's Supper. Paul asserts that despite their individual diversity, Christians are collectively "one bread" and "one body," a truth made manifest and sustained through their common partaking of the communion bread, which symbolizes their corporate identity and spiritual nourishment in Christ. This verse serves as a foundational statement on ecclesial unity, contrasting the unifying power of Christ's table with the divisive nature of idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's extended discourse on Christian freedom, responsibility, and the dangers of idolatry, spanning from [1 Corinthians 8](/1-corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Sacrificed to Idols") to [1 Corinthians 10](/1-corinthians/10 "1 Corinthians 10 - Warnings Against Idolatry"). Paul has just used the history of Israel in the wilderness as a cautionary tale, highlighting their spiritual privileges (baptism in the cloud and sea, spiritual food and drink) and their subsequent failures due to idolatry and disobedience ([1 Corinthians 10:1-13](/1-corinthians/10-1-13 "1 Corinthians 10:1-13 - Israel's Example and Warning")). He then transitions to a direct warning against participation in pagan sacrifices, emphasizing the incompatibility of "the cup of the Lord" and "the cup of demons," and "the Lord's table" and "the table of demons" ([1 Corinthians 10:21](/1-corinthians/10-21 "1 Corinthians 10:21 - Do Not Partake of Both Tables")). Immediately preceding verse 17, [1 Corinthians 10:16](/1-corinthians/10-16 "1 Corinthians 10:16 - The Communion Cup and Bread") establishes the Lord's Supper as a "communion" (koinonia) with the blood and body of Christ, setting the stage for the declaration of unity in verse 17. Thus, the unity described in verse 17 is not merely an abstract theological concept but a concrete reality experienced and expressed through the shared meal of communion, which stands in stark contrast to any fellowship with idolatry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, a melting pot of diverse cultures, religions, and philosophical schools. Pagan temple worship was prevalent, often involving communal meals where meat sacrificed to idols was consumed. These meals were not merely social events but acts of religious devotion and fellowship with the deity. The Corinthian church itself was characterized by significant internal divisions, including factions based on allegiance to different leaders ([1 Corinthians 1:10-13](/1-corinthians/1-10-13 "1 Corinthians 1:10-13 - Divisions in the Church")), social stratification evident in their observance of the Lord's Supper ([1 Corinthians 11:17-22](/1-corinthians/11-17-22 "1 Corinthians 11:17-22 - Divisions at the Lord's Supper")), and disputes over spiritual gifts. Against this backdrop of external pagan influences and internal disunity, Paul's emphasis on "one bread" and "one body" served as a powerful corrective and a call to radical unity, asserting that Christian fellowship through the Lord's Supper was fundamentally different from and incompatible with pagan feasting.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in this section of 1 Corinthians is the **nature of Christian fellowship and worship**, particularly as it relates to the Lord's Supper and the avoidance of idolatry. Paul emphasizes that the Lord's Supper is not merely a symbolic ritual but a profound act of **communion with Christ** and, by extension, **communion with one another**. This leads directly to the theme of **the unity of the Church**, which Paul consistently portrays as the **Body of Christ** throughout his epistles, notably in [1 Corinthians 12](/1-corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ") and [Romans 12](/romans/12 "Romans 12 - Living Sacrifices and Spiritual Gifts"). The "one bread" serves as a tangible symbol of this spiritual reality, signifying that diverse individuals are made one in Christ through their shared participation in His life and sacrifice. This unity is presented as both a theological truth and a practical imperative, demanding that believers live in harmony and avoid practices that would undermine their shared identity in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bread (Greek, _ártos'_):** (G740) Derived from a root meaning "to lift" or "to raise," referring to bread as something lifted up (from the ground, or dough that rises). In this context, _ártos_ refers to a loaf of bread, specifically the bread used in the Lord's Supper. It is a tangible, singular item that is nevertheless composed of many grains, symbolizing the unity formed from diverse individuals. Its singular nature ("one bread") underscores the corporate identity of believers.
* **one (Greek, _heîs'_):** (G1520) A primary numeral meaning "one." Its repeated use ("one bread," "one body," "that one bread") powerfully emphasizes the singular, unified nature of the Christian community. It speaks to an essential, indivisible unity that transcends individual differences, highlighting the profound spiritual reality of being united in Christ.
* **partakers (Greek, _metéchō'_):** (G3348) From _metá_ (with) and _échō_ (to have), meaning "to share or participate; by implication, to belong to, eat (or drink)." This word denotes a deep, communal participation and sharing. It's not merely individual consumption but a mutual sharing that binds participants together. The act of partaking in the "one bread" signifies a shared identity and a common spiritual experience that unites all believers into one body.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For we being many are one bread,"**: Paul begins by stating a profound paradox: despite the numerical multiplicity of believers ("we being many"), they are fundamentally unified as "one bread." This metaphor draws directly from the nature of bread itself—many individual grains of wheat are crushed, mixed, and baked together to form a single loaf. Similarly, diverse individuals, through their faith in Christ and participation in the Lord's Supper, are transformed into a singular, unified entity. The "one bread" here primarily refers to the communion bread, which serves as a visible symbol and means of their corporate spiritual identity.
* **"[and] one body:**": This clause extends the metaphor from "one bread" to "one body," a concept central to Paul's ecclesiology. The Church is not merely a collection of individuals but an organic, unified organism, the "body of Christ." The transition from "bread" to "body" reinforces the idea that the unity symbolized by the communion bread is the very unity of the Church itself. Just as a physical body has many members but functions as a single unit, so too the Church, composed of many believers, is one cohesive spiritual entity.
* **"for we are all partakers of that one bread."**: This final clause provides the theological rationale and experiential basis for the preceding declarations of unity. The reason believers are "one bread" and "one body" is precisely because they "all partakers of that one bread." The act of common participation in the Lord's Supper is not merely symbolic; it is the means by which their spiritual unity is affirmed, deepened, and expressed. It signifies a shared life in Christ and a common spiritual nourishment that binds them together into an indivisible whole. The repetition of "one bread" underscores its centrality to this unity.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in 1 Corinthians 10:17 to convey his message of unity. The primary device is **Metaphor**, where the Church is directly equated with "one bread" and "one body." The image of "one bread" is a powerful and tangible metaphor for unity, as many grains are combined to form a single loaf, symbolizing how many diverse individuals are united into one Christian community. This is immediately followed by the well-known Pauline metaphor of the Church as the **Body of Christ**, reinforcing the organic and interdependent nature of believers. The phrase "one bread" also functions as a **Synecdoche**, where the part (the communion bread) represents the whole (the entire act of the Lord's Supper and the unity it signifies). Furthermore, Paul uses **Repetition** of the phrase "one bread" and "one" (applied to both bread and body) to emphasize the core concept of unity. This repetition, combined with the **Parallelism** between "one bread" and "one body," creates a rhythmic and memorable statement that underscores the singular, unified identity of the Christian community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 10:17 stands as a cornerstone for understanding the nature of the Church's unity, rooted in its shared participation in Christ. This unity is not merely organizational or social, but deeply spiritual, forged by the Holy Spirit and expressed in the communal act of the Lord's Supper. It reflects the very nature of God as a unified Trinity, and the new covenant reality where believers, regardless of their background, are brought together into one family. The verse highlights that communion is not just a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, but an active participation in His body and blood, which inherently binds believers to one another. This shared life in Christ transcends all human divisions, calling believers to live out the practical implications of their spiritual oneness.

* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")
* [Ephesians 4:4-6](/ephesians/4-4-6 "Ephesians 4:4-6 - One Body, One Spirit, One Hope, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 10:17 offers a profound theological truth with immense practical implications for believers today. It calls us to recognize that our shared participation in the Lord's Supper is not just an individual act of remembrance, but a corporate affirmation of our profound, spiritual oneness in Christ. This means that divisions, strife, and disunity within the church directly contradict the very essence of what the "one bread" represents. We are challenged to actively pursue harmony, mutual love, and respect, cherishing the unity that Christ has already established. When we gather at the Lord's Table, we are reminded that our individual identities are subsumed into a greater, unified identity as the Body of Christ. This should compel us to live out our faith in ways that demonstrate this unity to a watching world, serving one another, bearing one another's burdens, and working together for the advancement of God's kingdom, rather than allowing personal preferences or worldly distinctions to fracture the sacred bond we share.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my participation in the Lord's Supper shape my understanding of my connection to other believers, both locally and globally?**
* **In what practical ways can I contribute to fostering greater unity and harmony within my local church community, reflecting the truth of being "one bread" and "one body"?**
* **What attitudes or actions in my life might be hindering or contradicting the spiritual unity that Paul describes in this verse?**
* **How can the concept of "one bread, one body" strengthen my resolve to overcome personal preferences or disagreements for the sake of corporate spiritual health?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "one bread" in this verse?**

Answer: When Paul speaks of "one bread," he is primarily referring to the single loaf of bread used in the Christian practice of the Lord's Supper, also known as communion or the Eucharist. This "one bread" serves as a powerful symbol and a tangible expression of the profound unity of all believers. Just as many individual grains of wheat are ground, mixed, and baked to form a single loaf, so too are many diverse individuals united by faith in Christ to form one spiritual body. Their shared partaking of this single loaf signifies their common life in Christ and their corporate identity as the Church. It emphasizes that their unity is not merely an ideal but a lived reality, made manifest in their communal worship and shared spiritual nourishment from Christ. This concept is deeply tied to Paul's broader teaching on the Church as the [Body of Christ](/1-corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ").

**How does 1 Corinthians 10:17 relate to the concept of the "Body of Christ"?**

Answer: 1 Corinthians 10:17 is a foundational verse for understanding Paul's concept of the Church as the "Body of Christ." The verse explicitly states, "For we being many are one bread, and one body." Paul draws a direct parallel between the "one bread" of communion and the "one body" of believers. The act of partaking in the single loaf of communion bread symbolizes and actualizes the spiritual reality that all believers, despite their individual differences, are organically united as one spiritual body, with Christ as its head. This unity is not just metaphorical; it is a profound theological truth that has practical implications for how believers relate to one another. Just as a physical body has many parts that function together for the good of the whole, so too are individual believers members of the one Body of Christ, called to mutual interdependence, service, and harmony ([Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")). This verse underscores that the Lord's Supper is a corporate act that reinforces and expresses this essential unity of the Body of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 10:17 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ, who is the very "one bread" and the head of the "one body." Christ is the [true bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") who came down from heaven, giving His flesh for the life of the world ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus Gives His Flesh for the Life of the World")). His broken body on the cross, symbolized by the communion bread, is the singular sacrifice that unites all believers, breaking down dividing walls of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down Dividing Walls")). Through His Spirit, Christ baptizes all believers into this one body, whether Jew or Gentile, slave or free, making them all to drink of one Spirit ([1 Corinthians 12:13](/1-corinthians/12-13 "1 Corinthians 12:13 - One Spirit, One Body")). Thus, the unity described in 1 Corinthians 10:17 is not a human achievement but a divine reality, inaugurated by Christ's atoning work, sustained by His ongoing presence through the Spirit, and expressed in the communal meal that points back to His sacrifice and forward to His return. He is the unifying principle, the very lifeblood of the Church, ensuring that though we are many, we are truly one in Him.

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

Romans 12:5

So we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

Colossians 3:15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

1 Corinthians 12:27

¶ Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

1 Corinthians 12:12

¶ For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ.

Galatians 3:26

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 4:25

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.