1 Corinthians 11:17

KJV

¶ Now in this that I declare [unto you] I praise [you] not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But in giving you this next instruction I do not praise you, because when you meet together it does more harm than good!

Berean Standard Bible

In the following instructions I have no praise to offer, because your gatherings do more harm than good.

American Standard Version

But in giving you this charge, I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better but for the worse.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 11:17, the Apostle Paul abruptly shifts his tone from commendation to severe rebuke, declaring his explicit disapproval of the Corinthian church's conduct during their communal gatherings. He asserts that their assemblies, far from fostering spiritual growth and unity, were actively detrimental, leading to division and spiritual harm rather than edification, thus undermining the very purpose of Christian fellowship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant turning point in Paul's letter to the Corinthians. Prior to this, particularly in [1 Corinthians 11:2](/1_corinthians/11-2 "1 Corinthians 11:2 - Paul's Commendation for Holding to Traditions"), Paul had offered a measure of praise for their adherence to certain traditions. However, [1 Corinthians 11:17](/1_corinthians/11-17 "1 Corinthians 11:17 - Paul's Rebuke of the Corinthian Church") introduces a sharp contrast, initiating a strong critique of their behavior, especially concerning their practices during the Lord's Supper, which he addresses in detail in the subsequent verses ([1 Corinthians 11:18-34](/1_corinthians/11-18-34 "1 Corinthians 11:18-34 - Paul's Instructions on the Lord's Supper")). This transition underscores the gravity of the issues Paul is about to confront, indicating that the problems within their gatherings were so severe they negated any previous commendation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was situated in a bustling, cosmopolitan Roman city known for its wealth, diverse population, and prevalent paganism. This environment often fostered individualism, social stratification, and a syncretistic approach to religious practices. Within the early Christian community, communal meals (often including the Lord's Supper) were central to their fellowship and worship. These meals, known as "love feasts" (agape meals), often took place in private homes and were meant to be expressions of unity and shared identity in Christ. However, in Corinth, social divisions, economic disparities, and self-serving attitudes from the broader culture had infiltrated these sacred gatherings, leading to a stark contrast between the wealthy, who ate in excess, and the poor, who went hungry, as highlighted in [1 Corinthians 11:20-22](/1_corinthians/11-20-22 "1 Corinthians 11:20-22 - Divisions During the Lord's Supper").
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 11:17](/1_corinthians/11-17 "1 Corinthians 11:17 - Paul's Rebuke of the Corinthian Church") powerfully introduces several key themes that permeate Paul's correction. Foremost is the theme of **Disorder in Worship**, where Paul laments that their assemblies, intended for spiritual edification, were instead causing harm. This relates directly to the **Purpose of Christian Assembly**, which, as Paul later explains in [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Order in Worship"), should always be for mutual building up and glorifying God, not self-indulgence or division. The phrase "not for the better, but for the worse" directly addresses the theme of **Unity versus Division**, a recurring concern throughout the entire letter (e.g., [1 Corinthians 1:10](/1_corinthians/1-10 "1 Corinthians 1:10 - Call for Unity") and [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")). Their gatherings were exacerbating, rather than healing, the fractures within the community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **declare (Greek, _parangéllō'_):** This word, derived from `παρά` (para, "beside") and the base of `ἄγγελος` (angelos, "messenger"), means "to transmit a message," or by implication, "to enjoin," "to give in charge," or "to command." Paul is not merely stating an opinion but delivering an authoritative instruction or charge. This highlights the weight and seriousness of his upcoming rebuke.
* **praise (Greek, _epainéō'_):** From `ἐπί` (epi, "upon") and `αἰνέω` (ainéō, "to praise"), this verb means "to applaud," "to commend," or "to laud." Paul's explicit "I praise you not" (οὐκ ἐπαινῶ) is a direct and strong negative, indicating a complete absence of commendation and, conversely, a profound disapproval of their collective behavior. It's a stark reversal from any previous praise.
* **worse (Greek, _hḗtton'_):** This is the neuter comparative of a word meaning "slightly," used here as the comparative of `κακός` (kakos, "bad"). It means "worse" as a noun, and by implication, "less" as an adverb. The contrast with `κρείττων` (kreíttōn, "better") emphasizes the negative spiritual trajectory of their gatherings, indicating that their assemblies were not just unproductive but actively harmful and detrimental to their spiritual well-being and corporate witness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now in this that I declare [unto you]":** Paul introduces a new, critical point of instruction. The "Now" (G1161, `dé`) signals a transition, often an adversative one, indicating a shift from what he has just discussed. "In this that I declare" (G5124, `toûto` + G3853, `parangéllō`) emphasizes that what follows is a formal and weighty pronouncement, not a casual observation. He is setting the stage for a serious rebuke.
* **"I praise [you] not":** This is a blunt, unequivocal statement of disapproval. The Greek negative particle `οὐκ` (G3756, `ou`) before `ἐπαινῶ` (G1867, `epainéō`) conveys absolute negation. Paul is not withholding partial praise; he is offering no praise whatsoever. This directly contradicts the positive affirmations he might have given earlier in the letter, underscoring the severity of the issues he is about to address.
* **"that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse":** This clause reveals the core problem. Their communal gatherings (G4905, `synérchomai`), which should have been occasions for spiritual improvement and mutual edification, were instead having the opposite effect. The preposition "for" (G1519, `eis`) indicates purpose or result. Their coming together was resulting "not for the better" (G2909, `kreíttōn`), meaning not for spiritual advancement or greater unity, "but for the worse" (G2276, `hḗtton`), indicating actual spiritual regression, increased division, and a perversion of the divine intent for their assemblies.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Contrast** as a primary literary device in [1 Corinthians 11:17](/1_corinthians/11-17 "1 Corinthians 11:17 - Paul's Rebuke of the Corinthian Church"). The phrase "not for the better, but for the worse" is a stark antithesis, highlighting the tragic perversion of their communal gatherings. This contrast underscores the profound discrepancy between what their assemblies *should* be (edifying, unifying) and what they *had become* (divisive, detrimental). Furthermore, Paul's declarative statement, "I praise you not," serves as a form of **Apostolic Authority** and **Rhetorical Shift**. It marks an abrupt change in tone from earlier commendations, signaling the gravity of the issues and Paul's firm stance as an apostle correcting errant behavior. The directness of his language also functions as a **Rebuke**, designed to shock the Corinthians into recognizing the seriousness of their conduct.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration in [1 Corinthians 11:17](/1_corinthians/11-17 "1 Corinthians 11:17 - Paul's Rebuke of the Corinthian Church") establishes a foundational principle for all Christian gatherings: they must be for edification and unity, not for division or harm. The very act of "coming together" (G4905, `synérchomai`) implies a corporate body, a community united in Christ. When such gatherings lead to "the worse," it signifies a profound failure to embody the gospel's transforming power and a dishonor to God. This verse sets the stage for Paul's subsequent instructions regarding the Lord's Supper, revealing that their internal divisions were so severe that they rendered their most sacred communal act meaningless, if not blasphemous. The theological implication is that true Christian fellowship is not merely about physical proximity but about spiritual alignment and mutual love, reflecting the character of Christ.

* [Romans 15:2](/romans/15-2 "Romans 15:2 - Building Up One Another")
* [Hebrews 10:24-25](/hebrews/10-24-25 "Hebrews 10:24-25 - Encouraging One Another")
* [Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11-16 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Unity in the Body of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 11:17](/1_corinthians/11-17 "1 Corinthians 11:17 - Paul's Rebuke of the Corinthian Church") serves as a timeless mirror for every Christian community, challenging us to critically examine the true impact of our gatherings. It forces us to ask whether our coming together genuinely fosters spiritual growth, strengthens unity, and glorifies God, or if, like the Corinthians, our assemblies inadvertently contribute to division, self-indulgence, or spiritual stagnation. The verse reminds us that the purpose of corporate worship and fellowship is not merely to fulfill a religious obligation, but to actively build up the body of Christ, encourage one another in faith, and collectively bear witness to the transforming power of the gospel. When we gather, our attitudes, actions, and interactions should consistently aim "for the better," ensuring that every assembly is a conduit for God's grace and a testament to His unifying Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might our church gatherings, despite good intentions, sometimes contribute "for the worse" instead of "for the better"?**
* **What specific attitudes or behaviors, individual or corporate, might hinder genuine spiritual edification and unity during our times of fellowship and worship?**
* **How can we, as individuals and as a community, intentionally cultivate an environment where our coming together consistently leads to spiritual growth and glorifies God?**

### FAQ

**What specific issues was Paul addressing that made their gatherings "for the worse"?**

Answer: Paul was primarily addressing the severe social and economic divisions that manifested during their communal meals, particularly the Lord's Supper. The wealthier members were eating their fill, sometimes even getting drunk, while the poorer members, who arrived later or had less, went hungry. This selfish behavior negated the communal, unifying nature of the meal, turning it into an occasion for shame and division rather than fellowship and remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. Paul elaborates on this in [1 Corinthians 11:20-22](/1_corinthians/11-20-22 "1 Corinthians 11:20-22 - Divisions During the Lord's Supper") and provides correctives in the subsequent verses.

**Does this verse imply that all church gatherings must be perfectly ordered to be beneficial?**

Answer: While Paul certainly advocates for order and reverence in church gatherings (as seen in [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Let all things be done decently and in order")), the primary concern in [1 Corinthians 11:17](/1_corinthians/11-17 "1 Corinthians 11:17 - Paul's Rebuke of the Corinthian Church") is not about minor imperfections in liturgy or structure, but about the fundamental *purpose* and *outcome* of the assembly. Their gatherings were "for the worse" because they were actively causing division, shaming the poor, and dishonoring the very body and blood of Christ. The emphasis is on the spiritual fruit (or lack thereof) and the presence of genuine love and unity, which are far more crucial than mere external order.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 11:17](/1_corinthians/11-17 "1 Corinthians 11:17 - Paul's Rebuke of the Corinthian Church") implicitly points to Christ as the ultimate standard for Christian community and the true source of unity. The Corinthians' gatherings were "for the worse" because they failed to embody the self-giving love and humility perfectly demonstrated by Jesus, who "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Their selfish divisions at the Lord's Supper directly contradicted the very act Christ instituted, where His body was broken and His blood poured out "for you" ([Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). True Christian fellowship, therefore, is a participation in Christ's sacrificial love, where believers are united by His Spirit, forming one body, as articulated in [1 Corinthians 12:13](/1_corinthians/12-13 "1 Corinthians 12:13 - One Spirit, One Body"). When a church gathers in a way that truly reflects Christ, prioritizing love, humility, and the needs of others, their coming together inevitably leads "for the better," fulfilling the divine purpose of His church, which is to be His visible presence in the world, marked by unity and mutual edification ([Ephesians 4:1-3](/ephesians/4-1-3 "Ephesians 4:1-3 - Unity in the Body of Christ")).

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

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.