1 Corinthians 11:26

KJV

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} as often as {G302}{G3740} ye eat {G2068} this {G5126} bread {G740}, and {G2532} drink {G4095} this {G5124} cup {G4221}, ye do shew {G2605} the Lord's {G2962} death {G2288} till {G891}{G302} he {G3739} come {G2064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord, until he comes.

Berean Standard Bible

For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.

American Standard Version

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink the cup, ye proclaim the Lord’s death till he come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 11:26 encapsulates the profound meaning of the Lord's Supper, revealing it not merely as a ritual of remembrance but as a dynamic proclamation of Christ's redemptive death and a forward-looking anticipation of His glorious return. Paul instructs the Corinthian believers, and by extension all Christians, that each act of partaking in the bread and cup serves as a public declaration of the central truth of the Gospel, bridging the past sacrifice of Christ with His future advent.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's extensive instruction to the Corinthian church regarding their conduct during corporate worship, specifically addressing their misuse and misunderstanding of the Lord's Supper. Immediately preceding [1 Corinthians 11:26](/1-corinthians/11-26 "1 Corinthians 11:26 - The Lord's Supper"), Paul recounts the institution of the Supper directly from the Lord Himself ([1 Corinthians 11:23-25](/1-corinthians/11-23-25 "1 Corinthians 11:23-25 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). He emphasizes that this tradition was received from Christ, not invented by man, thereby underscoring its divine origin and sacred nature. The Corinthians had been treating the Supper as a common meal, leading to divisions, gluttony, and neglect of the poor among them, which dishonored its true purpose. Paul's correction here serves to re-establish the solemnity and theological significance of the meal, contrasting their disorderly practice with the reverent observance intended by Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, known for its wealth, diverse population, and prevalent immorality. The early Christian community there was a mix of Jews and Gentiles, struggling to integrate their new faith with their pre-conversion cultural practices. Feasting was a common social activity in the Greco-Roman world, often associated with pagan temple worship or private clubs. The Corinthians likely brought these cultural assumptions into their church gatherings, blurring the lines between a sacred meal and a secular banquet. This led to issues like some members eating to excess while others went hungry, creating social stratification within the church, directly contrary to the unity symbolized by the Lord's Supper. Paul's letter, therefore, addresses not only theological error but also practical issues of social justice and communal behavior within the context of their shared meals.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 11:26](/1-corinthians/11-26 "1 Corinthians 11:26 - The Lord's Supper") contributes significantly to several major themes in 1 Corinthians and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Christian unity and community**, which is severely lacking in Corinth, as evidenced by their divisions during the Supper (cf. [1 Corinthians 11:18-22](/1-corinthians/11-18-22 "1 Corinthians 11:18-22 - Divisions at the Lord's Supper")). The verse also highlights the **centrality of Christ's atoning death** as the foundation of Christian faith, a message Paul consistently emphasizes throughout his epistles (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:3](/1-corinthians/15-3 "1 Corinthians 15:3 - Christ died for our sins")). Furthermore, it introduces a crucial **eschatological dimension** to Christian worship, reminding believers of the future return of Christ, a hope that shapes their present conduct and strengthens their endurance (cf. [Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - The Blessed Hope")). The Supper, therefore, is not just a backward glance at the cross but a forward gaze towards the consummation of God's kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **shew (Greek, _katangéllō'_):** This verb, G2605, means "to proclaim," "to announce publicly," or "to declare." It implies an active, outward declaration, far more than a mere private remembrance. When believers partake of the bread and cup, they are not just recalling an event in their minds, but are actively broadcasting the central truth of the Gospel – Christ's death – to one another, to God, and to the world. This public proclamation underscores the communal and testimonial nature of the Lord's Supper.
* **death (Greek, _thánatos'_):** Derived from G2288, this word refers to physical death, but in a theological context, it signifies the atoning sacrifice of Christ. It is not merely a historical event but the pivotal act of redemption. The "Lord's death" refers specifically to Jesus's crucifixion, by which He paid the penalty for sin and inaugurated the new covenant. The Supper, therefore, is a tangible reminder of the profound cost and infinite value of His sacrifice.
* **come (Greek, _érchomai'_):** This verb, G2064, means "to come or go" and here refers to the future advent of Christ. The phrase "till he come" introduces an eschatological dimension, transforming the Supper from solely a memorial into a forward-looking anticipation. It reminds believers that the redemptive work begun at the cross will be consummated at Christ's return, giving the Supper a continuous, unfolding significance that stretches from the past into the future.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup":** This introductory clause establishes the recurring nature of the Lord's Supper ("as often as"). It implies that this is a regular, ongoing ordinance for believers, not a one-time event. The "bread" symbolizes Christ's body, broken for us, and the "cup" represents His blood, shed for the new covenant. The act of eating and drinking signifies participation and identification with Christ's sacrifice.
* **"ye do shew the Lord's death":** This is the core action and purpose of the Supper. The word "shew" (proclaim/declare) emphasizes that the meal is a public testimony. It is not a secret ritual but a visible declaration of the central truth of the Gospel: the atoning death of Jesus Christ. This proclamation is made both to God (as an act of worship and obedience) and to the world (as a witness to salvation).
* **"till he come":** This phrase adds a crucial eschatological dimension. The Lord's Supper is not only a remembrance of the past (Christ's death) but also an anticipation of the future (His return). It connects the first advent of Christ with His second coming, serving as a constant reminder of the blessed hope and motivating believers to live in light of His impending return. The Supper is thus a bridge between Calvary and Christ's glorious return.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with "this bread" representing Christ's broken body and "this cup" symbolizing His shed blood for the new covenant. These elements are not merely physical food and drink but powerful visual and tactile representations of profound theological truths. The phrase "ye do shew" functions as a **metonymy**, where the act of eating and drinking stands for the broader act of proclaiming or declaring. The Supper itself is a **ritual act** that serves as a **prophetic sign**, pointing backward to the historical event of the crucifixion and forward to the future event of Christ's return. The entire verse also functions as a **chiasm** of sorts, moving from the present act ("eat...drink") to the past event ("Lord's death") and then to the future event ("till he come"), creating a comprehensive theological scope within a concise statement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 11:26 profoundly connects the past, present, and future of God's redemptive plan. The Lord's Supper is a tangible link to the historical reality of Christ's atoning death, making His sacrifice present to believers in a spiritual sense. It is a continuous act of worship and obedience for the church in the present age, fostering unity and reminding believers of their shared identity in Christ. Crucially, it also points forward to the glorious return of Christ, serving as a constant reminder of the "blessed hope" and motivating believers to live in anticipation of His coming kingdom. This tri-fold temporal connection imbues the Supper with immense theological weight, making it a central ordinance of Christian faith and practice.

* [Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")
* [John 6:53-56](/john/6-53-56 "John 6:53-56 - Eating Christ's Flesh and Drinking His Blood")
* [Revelation 19:6-9](/revelation/19-6-9 "Revelation 19:6-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 11:26 calls believers to a profound and intentional engagement with the Lord's Supper, transforming it from a mere routine into a powerful act of worship and witness. It challenges us to reflect deeply on the immense cost of our salvation, remembering that the bread and cup represent the broken body and shed blood of our Savior, who willingly gave Himself for our sins. This remembrance should evoke profound gratitude, humility, and renewed commitment to Christ. Furthermore, the "till he come" reminds us that our faith is not static but dynamic, propelling us forward with hope and expectation for Christ's glorious return. This hope should shape our priorities, motivate our evangelism, and inspire us to live lives worthy of His calling, eagerly awaiting the day when we will feast with Him eternally. The Supper, therefore, is a call to live purposefully in the present, grounded in the past, and driven by the future.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the Lord's Supper as a "proclamation" rather than just a "remembrance" change your approach to participating in it?**
* **In what ways does the anticipation of Christ's return ("till he come") influence your daily life and spiritual priorities?**
* **How can your participation in the Lord's Supper serve as a more effective "shewing" (proclamation) of Christ's death to those around you, both inside and outside the church?**

### FAQ
**What does "ye do shew the Lord's death" mean in practical terms for believers today?**

Answer: In practical terms, "ye do shew the Lord's death" means that when believers partake in the Lord's Supper, they are not just privately remembering Christ's sacrifice, but are publicly declaring their faith in His atoning work. This declaration is multifaceted: it is a declaration to God of our worship and obedience, a declaration to fellow believers of our shared faith and unity in Christ, and a declaration to the world of the central truth of the Gospel – that Jesus died for our sins and rose again. It's a visible, communal testimony to the power and efficacy of the cross, serving as a powerful reminder of the foundation of our salvation and the hope we have in Christ. This public witness is a core aspect of Christian worship, as seen in passages like [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession of Faith").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 11:26 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, as the Lord's Supper is entirely centered on His person and work. The "bread" and "cup" are not mere symbols but tangible representations of His body broken and His blood shed, which accomplished the New Covenant prophesied in the Old Testament (cf. [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")). Jesus Himself instituted this meal on the night of His betrayal, giving it profound significance as a memorial of His substitutionary atonement (cf. [Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). The proclamation of "the Lord's death" points directly to Christ as the ultimate sacrifice, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Furthermore, the eschatological phrase "till he come" anchors the Supper in Christ's future return, when He will consummate His kingdom and gather His redeemed people for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (cf. [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). Thus, every aspect of the Lord's Supper, as described in this verse, points to Christ as the beginning, middle, and end of God's redemptive story, making Him the central figure of our faith, our hope, and our worship.

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

Hebrews 9:28

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Revelation 1:7

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

John 14:3

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.

1 John 2:28

¶ And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

Acts 1:11

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

2 Peter 3:10

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

John 21:22

Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what [is that] to thee? follow thou me.