¶ Now in this that I declare [unto you] I praise [you] not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
Now {G1161} in this {G5124} that I declare {G3853} unto you I praise {G1867} you not {G3756}, that {G3754} ye come together {G4905} not {G3756} for {G1519} the better {G2909}, but {G235} for {G1519} the worse {G2276}.
But in giving you this next instruction I do not praise you, because when you meet together it does more harm than good!
In the following instructions I have no praise to offer, because your gatherings do more harm than good.
But in giving you this charge, I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better but for the worse.
-
1 Corinthians 11:22
What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise [you] not. -
1 Peter 2:14
Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. -
Isaiah 58:1
¶ Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. -
Isaiah 58:4
Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as [ye do this] day, to make your voice to be heard on high. -
1 Corinthians 14:23
If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in [those that are] unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? -
Hebrews 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. -
Leviticus 19:17
Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.
In 1 Corinthians 11:17, the Apostle Paul begins a severe rebuke of the Corinthian church, marking a sharp contrast to his earlier commendations. He explicitly states, "I praise [you] not," indicating his strong disapproval of their conduct during their communal gatherings.
Context
This verse serves as a pivotal transition point in Paul's letter. Up until this point in Chapter 11, Paul had offered some praise, particularly regarding their adherence to traditions (see 1 Corinthians 11:2). However, with verse 17, his tone shifts dramatically to address serious issues plaguing their church assemblies, especially concerning the celebration of the Lord's Supper. The core problem was that their coming together was "not for the better, but for the worse," implying that their gatherings were causing more harm and division than spiritual edification.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek phrase for "I praise you not" is οὐκ ἐπαινῶ (ouk epainō), a strong negative expression indicating absolute disapproval. It's a direct and unequivocal condemnation of their collective behavior. The contrast between "for the better" (εἰς τὸ κρεῖττον, eis to kreitton) and "for the worse" (εἰς τὸ ἧττον, eis to hētton) underscores the perversion of their sacred gatherings from their divine intent.
Practical Application
This verse serves as a timeless warning for all Christian communities. Church gatherings should always aim to build up believers, foster unity, and honor God. When selfishness, division, or irreverence dominate, the very purpose of the assembly is undermined, leading to spiritual detriment rather than growth. It challenges us to examine our own attitudes and conduct during collective worship and fellowship, ensuring that our coming together truly leads to positive spiritual outcomes and glorifies God, as emphasized in passages concerning order in the church.