1 Corinthians 11:27

KJV

Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink [this] cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G5620} whosoever {G3739}{G302} shall eat {G2068} this {G5126} bread {G740}, and {G2228} drink {G4095} this cup {G4221} of the Lord {G2962}, unworthily {G371}, shall be {G2071} guilty {G1777} of the body {G4983} and {G2532} blood {G129} of the Lord {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, whoever eats the Lord’s bread or drinks the Lord’s cup in an unworthy manner will be guilty of desecrating the body and blood of the Lord!

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.

American Standard Version

Wherefore whosoever shall eat the bread or drink the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul issues a solemn warning to the Corinthian church concerning their participation in the Lord's Supper, emphasizing the profound gravity of this sacred ordinance. He declares that anyone who partakes of the bread and cup in an unworthy manner will be held accountable for profaning the very body and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, highlighting the severe spiritual consequences of treating this divine institution with irreverence or a lack of discernment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's extensive address to the Corinthian church regarding their conduct during communal gatherings, specifically concerning the Lord's Supper. Beginning in [1 Corinthians 11:17](/1-corinthians/11-17 "Paul's Rebuke of Corinthian Divisions"), Paul sharply rebukes their divisive and selfish practices, which had turned the sacred meal into an occasion for gluttony, drunkenness, and social stratification, rather than a unifying act of remembrance. He recounts the institution of the Supper, which he received directly from the Lord ([1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1-corinthians/11-23-26 "The Institution of the Lord's Supper")), before delivering this stark warning in [1 Corinthians 11:27](/1-corinthians/11-27 "Warning Against Unworthy Participation"), followed by an exhortation to self-examination ([1 Corinthians 11:28](/1-corinthians/11-28 "Exhortation to Self-Examination")) and a further explanation of the consequences of unworthy participation ([1 Corinthians 11:29-32](/1-corinthians/11-29-32 "Consequences of Undiscerned Communion")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a diverse community, reflecting the social stratification of the Roman city of Corinth. Wealthier members often arrived early for the communal meal (the *agape* feast, which preceded or was integrated with the Lord's Supper), eating their fill and even getting drunk, while poorer members, often slaves, arrived later and found little or nothing left. This created a stark contrast to the intended unity and fellowship of the Christian assembly. Paul's letter addresses not only theological errors but also practical issues arising from their pagan cultural background and internal social divisions. The concept of "unworthily" must be understood against this backdrop of selfish and divisive behavior that dishonored both Christ and fellow believers, particularly the poor and marginalized within the community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major themes within [1 Corinthians](/1-corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians") and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the **Sacredness of the Lord's Supper**, underscoring that the bread and cup are not mere food and drink but profound symbols of Christ's broken body and shed blood, signifying the new covenant. To treat them casually is to disrespect the very act of redemption. Another crucial theme is **Spiritual Discernment**, as Paul emphasizes that partaking "unworthily" (Greek: *anaxíōs*) is not about personal sinlessness (which is impossible) but about the *manner* and *attitude* of participation. It means failing to "discern the body" ([1 Corinthians 11:29](/1-corinthians/11-29 "Discerning the Body of Christ")), which refers both to Christ's physical body sacrificed and the corporate body of Christ, the church itself. The **Consequence of Disrespect** is also a central theme, as being "guilty of the body and blood of the Lord" implies a profound offense, suggesting that such irreverence trivializes the immense cost of Christ's sacrifice and incurs divine judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **unworthily (Greek, _anaxíōs'_):** This adverb (G371) means "unsuitably," "improperly," or "in an unworthy manner." It describes the *way* one partakes, rather than a state of personal moral perfection. The Corinthians were eating without regard for the sacredness of the elements or for their fellow believers, particularly the poor, thus profaning the spiritual significance of the meal and the unity of the church body. It points to a lack of proper attitude, reverence, and discernment.
* **guilty (Greek, _énochos'_):** This adjective (G1777) means "liable to (a condition, penalty or imputation)." To be "guilty of the body and blood of the Lord" signifies being held accountable for a serious offense against Christ Himself and His atoning work. It implies a culpability that brings severe spiritual consequences, as elaborated in the subsequent verses regarding sickness and death ([1 Corinthians 11:30](/1-corinthians/11-30 "Consequences of Undiscerned Communion")).
* **blood (Greek, _haîma'_):** This noun (G129) refers to literal blood, but in this context, it carries profound theological weight, specifically referring to the atoning blood of Christ. It symbolizes the life poured out, the covenant sealed, and the forgiveness of sins achieved through His sacrifice. To be guilty of His blood means to treat His ultimate act of redemption with contempt or indifference, as if it were of no value.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink [this] cup of the Lord, unworthily,"**: Paul begins with a strong conjunction, "Wherefore" (G5620, *hṓste*), indicating a logical consequence or conclusion drawn from his preceding explanation of the Lord's Supper's institution. The phrase "whosoever" (G3739, *hós*; G302, *án*) emphasizes the universal applicability of this warning to all believers. "Eat this bread, and drink [this] cup of the Lord" directly refers to participation in the Lord's Supper, linking the physical act to the spiritual elements. The crucial adverb "unworthily" (G371, *anaxíōs*) defines the problematic *manner* of participation, not a state of being. It signifies a lack of reverence, discernment, and proper attitude towards the sacred nature of the elements and the communal body of Christ.
* **"shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord."**: This clause states the severe consequence of unworthy participation. To be "guilty" (G1777, *énochos*) means to be liable to punishment or condemnation. The object of this guilt is "the body and blood of the Lord" (G4983, *sōma*; G129, *haîma*; G2962, *kýrios*), referring directly to Christ's sacrificial death. This implies that by treating the Supper with contempt or indifference, one is, in a sense, profaning the very sacrifice of Christ, trivializing its immense cost and the new covenant it established. It is a profound offense against the Lord Himself.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey the gravity of his warning. The most prominent is **Hypothetical Statement** with a clear **Consequence**, where the action of "eating... and drinking... unworthily" directly leads to the state of being "guilty of the body and blood of the Lord." This creates a direct cause-and-effect relationship, underscoring the seriousness of the offense. There is also powerful **Symbolism** in the "bread" and "cup," which represent Christ's physical body and blood, respectively. These are not merely physical objects but profound spiritual representations of His atoning sacrifice. Furthermore, the phrase "guilty of the body and blood of the Lord" functions as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "body and blood" stand in for the entire person and redemptive work of Christ. It's a concise way to refer to the entirety of His suffering and covenant. The passage also carries a strong **Rhetorical Warning**, designed to evoke a sense of awe and fear in the Corinthians, prompting them to examine their conduct and approach the Supper with due reverence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The warning in [1 Corinthians 11:27](/1-corinthians/11-27 "Warning Against Unworthy Participation") profoundly underscores the sanctity of the Lord's Supper as a divine ordinance, not a mere ritual or social meal. It highlights the direct connection between the physical elements and the spiritual reality they represent—the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ, the foundation of the new covenant. Paul's emphasis on being "guilty of the body and blood of the Lord" reveals that irreverence towards the Supper is not a minor transgression but an offense against Christ Himself and His ultimate sacrifice. This calls believers to a deep spiritual discernment, not only of the elements' significance but also of the unity of the church, which is the corporate "body of Christ." To partake unworthily is to fail in both these discernments, resulting in severe spiritual consequences that reflect a profound disrespect for God's redemptive work.

* [Matthew 26:26-28](/matthew/26-26-28 "The Institution of the Lord's Supper")
* [Hebrews 10:29](/hebrews/10-29 "Trampling the Son of God Underfoot")
* [1 Corinthians 10:16-17](/1-corinthians/10-16-17 "The Communion of the Body and Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 11:27](/1-corinthians/11-27 "Warning Against Unworthy Participation") serves as a timeless call to profound self-examination and reverence for all who participate in the Lord's Supper. It is not intended to instill fear that would prevent sincere believers from partaking, but rather to cultivate a deep sense of awe and gratitude for Christ's sacrifice and to ensure that our approach aligns with the sacredness of the occasion. Before partaking, we are invited to reflect on the immense cost of our redemption, confess any known sins, and ensure our hearts are right with God and with our fellow believers. This involves not only acknowledging the spiritual significance of the bread and cup but also recognizing and honoring the unity of the church, the body of Christ, by addressing any divisions, selfishness, or neglect of others within the community. Approaching Communion with a humble, repentant, and discerning heart transforms it from a mere ritual into a powerful encounter with the living Christ and a profound affirmation of our unity in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current attitude and preparation for the Lord's Supper reflect its sacredness and the immense cost of Christ's sacrifice?**
* **In what ways might I be failing to "discern the body" of Christ, both in the elements of Communion and in the community of believers around me?**
* **What specific actions can I take to ensure my participation in the Lord's Supper is always marked by reverence, gratitude, and a spirit of unity with other believers?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to eat the bread and drink the cup "unworthily"?**

Answer: To partake "unworthily" (Greek: *anaxíōs*) does not mean that one must be perfectly sinless to receive communion, which would be impossible for any human. Instead, it refers to the *manner* or *attitude* in which one participates. As Paul explains in [1 Corinthians 11:29](/1-corinthians/11-29 "Discerning the Body of Christ"), it means failing to "discern the Lord's body." This involves two key aspects: first, failing to recognize the profound spiritual significance of the bread and cup as symbols of Christ's broken body and shed blood for the new covenant; and second, failing to recognize and respect the corporate "body of Christ," which is the church itself. The Corinthians were partaking selfishly, creating divisions, and neglecting the poor, thus dishonoring both Christ's sacrifice and His people. Therefore, partaking unworthily means approaching the Supper with irreverence, a lack of spiritual discernment, or a divisive heart that disregards the unity of the church.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 11:27](/1-corinthians/11-27 "Warning Against Unworthy Participation") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a legalistic adherence to ritual, but in the profound reverence due to the Person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. The "body and blood of the Lord" are not abstract concepts but the tangible means by which Christ accomplished our redemption on the cross. When believers partake unworthily, they are, in essence, trivializing the very sacrifice that purchased their salvation, treating as common that which is supremely holy. This warning therefore points us directly to Christ as the spotless Lamb of God, whose atoning death alone makes us worthy to approach God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Our worthiness to partake is not found in our own moral perfection, but in Christ's perfect righteousness imputed to us through faith ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "Christ Made Sin for Us")). The Lord's Supper, then, is a constant reminder of the new covenant sealed by His blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "The New Covenant in My Blood")), calling us to remember His death until He comes ([1 Corinthians 11:26](/1-corinthians/11-26 "Proclaiming the Lord's Death")). Thus, the warning against unworthy participation compels us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Looking to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith")), ensuring that our hearts are aligned with the magnitude of His love and the infinite value of His atoning sacrifice.

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

John 6:51

I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

1 Corinthians 10:21

Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.

Hebrews 10:29

Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

Numbers 9:13

But the man that [is] clean, and is not in a journey, and forbeareth to keep the passover, even the same soul shall be cut off from among his people: because he brought not the offering of the LORD in his appointed season, that man shall bear his sin.

Numbers 9:10

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If any man of you or of your posterity shall be unclean by reason of a dead body, or [be] in a journey afar off, yet he shall keep the passover unto the LORD.

Leviticus 10:1

¶ And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.

Leviticus 10:3

¶ Then Moses said unto Aaron, This [is it] that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.