1 Corinthians 11:23

KJV

¶ 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:

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I {G1473} have received {G3880} of {G575} the Lord {G2962} that which {G3739} also {G2532} I delivered {G3860} unto you {G5213}, That {G3754} the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} the same night {G3571} in {G1722} which {G3739} he was betrayed {G3860} took {G2983} bread {G740}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For what I received from the Lord is just what I passed on to you — that the Lord Yeshua, on the night he was betrayed, took bread;

Berean Standard Bible

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread,

American Standard Version

For I received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which he was betrayed took bread;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 11:23, the Apostle Paul grounds his instructions concerning the proper observance of the Lord's Supper in its divine origin, asserting that he "received of the Lord" the very tradition he delivered to the Corinthian church. This foundational verse highlights that Jesus Christ Himself instituted this sacred meal on the night of His betrayal, taking bread as a symbolic act, thereby establishing the authoritative basis for Christian Communion as a solemn remembrance of His sacrifice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial pivot in Paul's letter, specifically within his lengthy discussion on order and conduct in corporate worship (chapters 11-14). Prior to this, Paul sternly rebukes the Corinthian believers for their divisive and irreverent practices during their communal meals, which included the Lord's Supper. He highlights how their gatherings had become occasions for gluttony, drunkenness, and social stratification, rather than unity and spiritual fellowship, thereby "despising the church of God" and shaming the poor ([1 Corinthians 11:20-22](/1_corinthians/11-20-22 "1 Corinthians 11:20-22 - Abuses of the Lord's Supper")). To correct these profound abuses, Paul does not appeal to human tradition or ecclesiastical decree but immediately shifts to the ultimate authority: the direct revelation he received from Christ regarding the institution of the Supper. Verse 23 thus initiates Paul's authoritative recounting of the Last Supper events, setting the stage for his subsequent directives on proper participation and self-examination.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian communities, including Corinth, met in house churches and often shared communal meals (agape feasts or love feasts) that culminated in the celebration of the Lord's Supper. This practice was influenced by Jewish Passover traditions, which involved a communal meal with specific symbolic elements, and also by Greco-Roman symposia or banquets. However, unlike the egalitarian nature intended for the Lord's Supper, Roman banquets often reflected social hierarchies, with different qualities of food and drink served to guests based on their status. The Corinthian church, a diverse community with both wealthy and poor members, appears to have allowed these secular cultural norms to corrupt their sacred meal. The wealthy would eat their fill, while the poor, arriving later from work, went hungry, creating division and undermining the very message of unity and self-sacrifice inherent in the Supper. Paul's emphasis on the "night in which he was betrayed" also grounds the Supper in the historical reality of Jesus' final Passover meal, which became the institution of the New Covenant.

* **Key Themes:** Paul's account in [1 Corinthians 11](/1_corinthians/11 "1 Corinthians 11 - Order in Worship and the Lord's Supper") contributes significantly to several major themes. First, it underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and Apostolic Authority**. Paul's emphatic declaration, "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you," asserts that his teaching is not merely human wisdom but a direct transmission from Christ Himself, lending undeniable weight to his instructions. This echoes his claims of direct revelation in other letters, such as [Galatians 1:11-12](/galatians/1-11-12 "Galatians 1:11-12 - Paul's Gospel from Revelation"). Second, the passage establishes the **Institution of the Lord's Supper** as a central ordinance of the Christian faith, directly commanded by Jesus. It highlights that this sacred meal is a new covenant sign, replacing or fulfilling aspects of the Old Testament sacrificial system. Third, the phrase "the same night in which he was betrayed" introduces the profound theme of **Sacrifice and Betrayal**. It powerfully contrasts human treachery with divine love and purpose, reminding believers that even in the face of ultimate betrayal, Christ was intentionally establishing a memorial to His redemptive work, a detail also recounted in the Synoptic Gospels, such as [Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **received (Greek, _paralambánō'_):** This word (G3880) means "to receive near," implying association with oneself, or by analogy, to learn. In this context, it signifies a direct, authoritative transmission of knowledge or tradition from a higher source. Paul is not merely relaying a tradition he heard from others but asserting a personal, direct reception from the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, underscoring the divine origin and authenticity of the teaching he is about to impart concerning the Lord's Supper.
* **betrayed (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** This verb (G3860) means "to surrender," "to yield up," "to intrust," or "to transmit." While it can have a neutral sense of 'handing over,' in the context of Jesus' arrest, it carries the heavy connotation of treachery and the fulfillment of prophetic suffering. It refers specifically to Judas Iscariot's act of delivering Jesus into the hands of His enemies, an act that was part of God's sovereign plan for redemption, yet undeniably an act of human perfidy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you":** Paul begins by asserting the divine origin of his teaching. The conjunction "For" (G1063 `gár`) indicates that what follows is the reason or explanation for his previous rebuke. He emphasizes that his instruction regarding the Lord's Supper is not his own invention or a mere human tradition, but something he "received" directly "of the Lord" (G2962 `kýrios`). This direct revelation from Christ bestows absolute authority upon his words. He then states that he "delivered" (G3860 `paradídōmi`) this same truth to the Corinthians, highlighting his role as a faithful steward and transmitter of divine revelation.
* **"That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread":** This clause introduces the core event. Paul identifies "the Lord Jesus" (G2962 `kýrios` G2424 `Iēsoûs`) as the central figure and initiator of the Supper. The phrase "the same night" (G3571 `nýx`) emphasizes the specific, historical context of the institution – the night of His arrest and betrayal. This detail is profoundly significant, underscoring the stark contrast between the depth of human treachery (Jesus being "betrayed" - G3860 `paradídōmi`) and the sublime act of divine love and institution. Despite the imminent suffering and betrayal, Jesus intentionally "took bread" (G2983 `lambánō` G740 `ártos`), initiating the symbolic acts that would form the basis of the Christian ordinance.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is **Apostolic Authority**, established through his direct claim of receiving the tradition "of the Lord." This immediately elevates the discourse from a mere disciplinary correction to a divinely sanctioned imperative, lending immense weight to his subsequent instructions. There is also a powerful use of **Contrast**, particularly in the phrase "the same night in which he was betrayed." This juxtaposition highlights the profound tension between human sin (Judas's betrayal) and divine grace (Jesus's institution of a meal of remembrance and covenant). The very moment of ultimate human treachery becomes the moment of ultimate divine provision and love. Finally, the verse functions as a **Foundational Statement**, serving as the authoritative bedrock upon which all subsequent teaching about the Lord's Supper is built. By anchoring the practice in Jesus's own actions on that fateful night, Paul establishes its enduring significance and sacred nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 11:23 serves as the theological bedrock for the Christian practice of the Lord's Supper, revealing its divine institution and profound significance. It underscores that this sacred meal is not a human invention or a mere ritual, but a direct command and revelation from Jesus Christ Himself. The emphasis on Jesus's action "the same night in which he was betrayed" highlights the intentionality of His sacrifice and the establishment of the New Covenant through His body and blood. This verse connects the Supper directly to the historical reality of Christ's passion, ensuring that believers remember not just a concept, but the concrete, redemptive act of God in human history. It establishes the Supper as a perpetual memorial, a means by which the church remembers, proclaims, and participates in the benefits of Christ's atoning work until His return.

* [Matthew 26:26-29](/matthew/26-26-29 "Matthew 26:26-29 - The Institution of the Lord's Supper")
* [Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Jesus Institutes the New Covenant")
* [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's authoritative declaration in 1 Corinthians 11:23 calls believers to a profound reverence for the Lord's Supper. Understanding that this ordinance was "received of the Lord" and instituted by Jesus Himself on the very night of His betrayal transforms it from a routine church activity into a sacred encounter with divine truth and grace. It compels us to approach Communion not casually, but with solemn remembrance, deep gratitude, and careful self-examination. This verse reminds us that the Supper is fundamentally about remembering Christ's broken body and shed blood, which secured our salvation and established the new covenant. It should also prompt us to reflect on the stark contrast between human treachery and divine love, inspiring us to live lives of faithfulness and self-giving love, mirroring the One we remember. Furthermore, Paul's subsequent corrections in Corinthians imply that our participation in the Supper should foster unity and equality among believers, reflecting the inclusive nature of Christ's sacrifice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that Paul "received of the Lord" this teaching impact your view of the Lord's Supper's authority and significance?**
* **What does it mean to you that Jesus instituted this meal on "the same night in which he was betrayed," and how does this detail deepen your appreciation for His sacrifice?**
* **In what ways can your personal participation in Communion better reflect the reverence, remembrance, and unity that this verse implies?**

### FAQ

**Why does Paul emphasize that he "received of the Lord" this teaching about the Lord's Supper?**

Answer: Paul's emphasis on receiving this teaching "of the Lord" (G2962 `kýrios`) is crucial for establishing its divine authority and authenticity. In [1 Corinthians 11:17-22](/1_corinthians/11-17-22 "1 Corinthians 11:17-22 - Paul's Rebuke of Corinthian Abuses"), Paul has just severely rebuked the Corinthian church for their abusive and divisive practices during the Lord's Supper. To correct such deep-seated issues, he doesn't appeal to his own apostolic authority alone, nor to human tradition, but directly to the ultimate source: Jesus Christ Himself. By stating that he "received" (G3880 `paralambánō`) this revelation, Paul underscores that his instructions are not his own opinion or a mere human custom, but a direct, divine mandate from the head of the church. This legitimizes his teaching and elevates the significance of the ordinance, demanding the Corinthians' respectful obedience and proper observance. It's a powerful reminder that the Supper is not a human invention but a divine institution.

**What is the significance of Jesus instituting the Supper on "the same night in which he was betrayed"?**

Answer: The phrase "the same night in which he was betrayed" (G3571 `nýx` G3860 `paradídōmi`) is profoundly significant, adding a layer of poignant contrast and intentionality to the institution of the Lord's Supper. It highlights that even as Judas Iscariot was executing his treacherous plan to "betray" (G3860 `paradídōmi`) Jesus into the hands of His enemies, Jesus Himself was deliberately establishing a memorial of His sacrifice. This detail underscores several key points:
1. **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Treachery:** It shows that God's redemptive plan was unfolding even in the darkest hour of human sin and betrayal. Jesus was not a helpless victim but was actively fulfilling His mission.
2. **Intentionality of Sacrifice:** On the very threshold of His suffering and death, Jesus consciously instituted this meal, giving it meaning as a remembrance of His body broken and blood shed for the forgiveness of sins. It was a deliberate act of love and covenant-making.
3. **Profound Contrast:** It starkly contrasts the depth of human sin (betrayal) with the immeasurable depth of divine love and grace (self-sacrifice for humanity). This contrast should evoke deep gratitude and humility in believers.
This historical anchoring emphasizes that the Lord's Supper is not an abstract ritual but a concrete remembrance of a specific, pivotal event in salvation history, as also recorded in the Gospel accounts (e.g., [Matthew 26:26-29](/matthew/26-26-29 "Matthew 26:26-29 - The Last Supper")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 11:23, though recounting the institution of a Christian ordinance, is profoundly Christ-centered, revealing the very heart of the Gospel. The "Lord Jesus" is the central figure, acting decisively on "the same night in which he was betrayed." This moment, fraught with human treachery, becomes the ultimate demonstration of Christ's redemptive purpose. By taking bread and initiating the Supper, Jesus prefigures His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, where His body would be broken and His blood shed for the new covenant ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood")). He is the Lamb of God who willingly allows Himself to be "betrayed" or "handed over" (G3860 `paradídōmi`) for the sin of the world, fulfilling the prophetic suffering servant passages of the Old Testament ([Isaiah 53:5-7](/isaiah/53-5-7 "Isaiah 53:5-7 - The Suffering Servant")). The bread He took symbolizes His very self, offered as the true "bread of life" that gives life to the world ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Thus, the Lord's Supper, instituted on this pivotal night, points directly to Christ as the fulfillment of all sacrifices, the inaugurator of the new covenant, and the very means of our reconciliation with God, a truth powerfully articulated in [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness"). Every time believers partake, they are proclaiming the Lord's death until He comes ([1 Corinthians 11:26](/1_corinthians/11-26 "1 Corinthians 11:26 - Proclaiming the Lord's Death")), keeping Christ's redemptive work at the very center of their faith and practice.

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

Luke 22:19

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake [it], and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

Luke 22:20

Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup [is] the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

Mark 14:22

And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake [it], and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.

Mark 14:24

And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.

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: