1 Corinthians 11:21

KJV

For in eating every one taketh before [other] his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} in {G1722} eating {G5315} every one {G1538} taketh before {G4301} other his own {G2398} supper {G1173}: and {G2532} one {G3739}{G3303} is hungry {G3983}, and {G1161} another {G3739} is drunken {G3184}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because as you eat your meal, each one goes ahead on his own; so that one stays hungry while another is already drunk!

Berean Standard Bible

For as you eat, each of you goes ahead without sharing his meal. While one remains hungry, another gets drunk.

American Standard Version

for in your eating each one taketh before other his own supper; and one is hungry, and another is drunken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 11:21 exposes the severe dysfunction within the Corinthian church's communal gatherings, specifically concerning the meal preceding the Lord's Supper. Instead of fostering unity and shared fellowship, the wealthier members were selfishly eating their own provisions without waiting for others, leading to a scandalous situation where some went hungry while others became intoxicated. This behavior directly contradicted the spirit of Christian love and dishonored the sacred purpose of their gathering, prompting Paul's strong rebuke and subsequent instructions for proper conduct.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's broader address to the Corinthian church regarding order and conduct in their corporate gatherings (chapters 11-14). Chapter 11 specifically transitions from the issue of head coverings to the proper observance of the Lord's Supper. Verse 21 serves as Paul's direct accusation, vividly illustrating the abuses that were occurring during the communal meal (often called an _agape_ or "love feast") that typically preceded the Lord's Supper. This specific problem sets the stage for Paul's detailed recounting of the institution of the Lord's Supper in [1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1-corinthians/11-23-26 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - Institution of the Lord's Supper") and his subsequent corrective instructions on how to participate reverently and in unity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, communal meals were common, and early Christian gatherings often adapted this practice, combining a shared meal with the observance of the Lord's Supper. Corinth was a prosperous, cosmopolitan city, but also one marked by significant social stratification, with a stark divide between the wealthy and the poor, including slaves. Wealthier members of the church could afford to bring more food and arrive earlier for the communal meal, while poorer members, perhaps slaves, might arrive late after their day's work, only to find that the food had been consumed. The "supper" (Greek: _deîpnon_) was typically the main, substantial evening meal. The behavior described in [1 Corinthians 11:21](/1-corinthians/11-21 "1 Corinthians 11:21 - Disorder at the Lord's Supper") reflects a failure to transcend these societal divisions within the church, instead allowing them to be exacerbated within the very context meant to demonstrate unity in Christ.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully highlights several critical themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **disunity and social inequality** within the Corinthian church, directly contradicting Paul's earlier pleas for unity in [1 Corinthians 1:10](/1-corinthians/1-10 "1 Corinthians 1:10 - Paul's Plea for Unity"). Secondly, it reveals the **abuse and dishonoring of sacred practices**, as the communal meal, intended to lead into the Lord's Supper, was treated as a common, self-serving feast rather than a sacred act of fellowship and remembrance. Thirdly, it exposes a profound **lack of _agape_ love and selflessness**, demonstrating a failure to embody the core Christian principle of prioritizing the needs of others, as beautifully articulated later in [1 Corinthians 13](/1-corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Superiority of Love"). The selfish consumption and neglect of the hungry underscore a failure to "discern the body" of Christ, both the Lord's broken body and His spiritual body, the church, which was being fractured by their behavior.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **supper (Greek, _deîpnon'_):** This word refers to the chief meal of the day, typically eaten in the evening. Its use here emphasizes that this was not a mere snack but a substantial communal feast, highlighting the significance of the shared meal that was being abused. The implication is that a full meal was being consumed, not merely a symbolic bite.
* **taketh before (Greek, _prolambánō'_):** This verb means "to take in advance" or "to eat before others have an opportunity." It precisely captures the selfish and inconsiderate behavior of the Corinthian believers who were not waiting for the entire community to gather before beginning their meal, thereby excluding those who arrived later.
* **drunken (Greek, _methýō'_):** This word signifies actual intoxication, to "get drunk." Its inclusion reveals the extreme level of excess and irreverence exhibited by some members during a gathering that was meant to culminate in the sacred observance of the Lord's Supper. This was not merely gluttony but a shocking display of spiritual negligence and social impropriety.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For in eating every one taketh before [other] his own supper":** Paul explains the reason for the disorder. The phrase "in eating" refers to the context of their communal meal. "Every one taketh before his own supper" vividly describes the selfish practice: individuals were not waiting for the entire community to assemble. Instead, they were consuming their personal provisions without sharing or considering those who had not yet arrived, effectively turning a communal gathering into a series of private, self-serving meals. This behavior directly violated the spirit of fellowship and mutual consideration.
* **"and one is hungry, and another is drunken."**: This clause presents the shocking and scandalous outcome of the selfish behavior described in the first part of the verse. It paints a stark picture of extreme inequality: while some members, likely the poorer ones or slaves who arrived late after work, found nothing left and went hungry, others, presumably the wealthier ones who ate early and excessively, became intoxicated. This severe disparity highlighted the profound disunity and lack of love within the Corinthian church, turning a supposed "love feast" into a demonstration of social stratification and spiritual neglect.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a powerful **Juxtaposition** in this verse, contrasting the "hungry" with the "drunken." This stark opposition vividly highlights the appalling social and spiritual imbalance within the Corinthian church. The use of this device serves to underscore the severity of the problem and to evoke a sense of indignation and shame. The phrase "taketh before his own supper" also functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where the act of eating one's own meal selfishly stands for the broader attitude of self-centeredness and disregard for community. This concise description acts as a **Synecdoche**, where the specific acts of hunger and drunkenness represent the larger systemic issues of social stratification, lack of _agape_ love, and irreverence that plagued the Corinthian assembly.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly underscores the theological truth that Christian fellowship is meant to transcend all social, economic, and cultural distinctions. The church, as the body of Christ, is called to embody unity, mutual care, and selfless love, where the needs of the vulnerable are prioritized and no one is marginalized. The Corinthian abuse of the communal meal, leading to hunger for some and drunkenness for others, revealed a failure to grasp the implications of their shared identity in Christ and a profound disrespect for the sacred nature of their gathering, which was intended to commemorate Christ's unifying sacrifice. This behavior demonstrated a failure to "discern the body" of Christ, not only His broken body on the cross but also His mystical body, the church, which they were actively fracturing through their selfishness.

* [Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and Selflessness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 11:21 serves as a timeless and convicting mirror for believers today, challenging us to deeply examine our attitudes and actions within our church communities. It calls us to move beyond superficial fellowship to genuine, sacrificial love that actively seeks the well-being and inclusion of every member. Are we, consciously or unconsciously, prioritizing our own comfort, preferences, or social circles over the needs of others, particularly the less visible or less privileged among us? When we gather for worship, communion, or any communal activity, are we truly "waiting for one another" ([1 Corinthians 11:33](/1-corinthians/11-33 "1 Corinthians 11:33 - Paul's Command to Wait"))—not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally—ensuring that all are nourished, both physically and spiritually? This verse compels us to cultivate a profound reverence for the sacredness of our corporate gatherings and, more importantly, for the sacredness of each individual member of Christ's body. True worship and authentic fellowship are inextricably linked to humility, generosity, and a radical commitment to unity that transcends all worldly divisions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my personal conduct, both inside and outside of church gatherings, contribute to the unity or disunity of the body of Christ?**
* **In what practical ways can I actively "wait for" and serve those who might be overlooked or marginalized within my faith community?**
* **How does my understanding of the Lord's Supper (or other communal ordinances) inform my responsibility to love and care for my fellow believers?**

### FAQ
**What was the "supper" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "supper" (Greek: _deîpnon_) refers to the main evening meal, which in the early church was often a communal feast, sometimes called an _agape_ or "love feast." This meal typically preceded the observance of the Lord's Supper. It was intended to be a demonstration of Christian fellowship, unity, and shared resources among believers. However, as [1 Corinthians 11:21](/1-corinthians/11-21 "1 Corinthians 11:21 - Disorder at the Lord's Supper") highlights, in Corinth, this meal had devolved into a source of division and selfishness, rather than a unifying experience.

**Why was it a problem for people to eat their "own supper" without waiting for others?**

Answer: The problem was not simply that individuals brought their own food, but that they consumed it selfishly and without waiting for the entire community, especially the poorer members who might arrive later. This behavior created stark social divisions within the church, with some going hungry while others indulged to excess, even becoming drunk. This directly contradicted the spirit of unity, mutual love, and equality that should characterize the Christian community. Paul later commands them to "wait for one another" in [1 Corinthians 11:33](/1-corinthians/11-33 "1 Corinthians 11:33 - Paul's Command to Wait"), emphasizing the importance of communal solidarity and consideration for all members, especially in the context of a sacred gathering leading into the [Lord's Supper](/1-corinthians/11-23-26 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - Institution of the Lord's Supper").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The scandalous scene in Corinth, where some were hungry and others drunken, stands in stark contrast to the perfect self-giving of Jesus Christ. Our Lord, though rich, became poor for our sakes ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2-corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Giving")), demonstrating the ultimate act of humility and selflessness. His institution of the Lord's Supper was not a meal of division or excess, but a profound act of covenant and inclusion, where He shared His body and blood for the forgiveness of sins and the establishment of a new community ([Matthew 26:26-28](/matthew/26-26-28 "Matthew 26:26-28 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). The Corinthian believers' failure to "discern the body" ([1 Corinthians 11:29](/1-corinthians/11-29 "1 Corinthians 11:29 - Discerning the Body")) was a failure to recognize not only the sacred significance of Christ's broken body on the cross but also the unity of His mystical body, the Church, which they were actively fracturing. Christ's death on the cross broke down every dividing wall, creating one new humanity in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")), and His ongoing work through the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out this radical unity through mutual love, service, and a shared table where all are equally welcome and nourished, reflecting the very heart of the Gospel.

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

Jude 1:12

These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

2 Peter 2:13

And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, [as] they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots [they are] and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;

1 Corinthians 10:16

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?

1 Corinthians 10:18

Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

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 11:25

After the same manner also [he took] the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink [it], in remembrance of me.