1 Corinthians 11:28

KJV

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of [that] bread, and drink of [that] cup.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} let {G1381} a man {G444} examine {G1381} himself {G1438}, and {G2532} so {G3779} let him eat {G2068} of {G1537} that bread {G740}, and {G2532} drink {G4095} of {G1537} that cup {G4221}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So let a person examine himself first, and then he may eat of the bread and drink from the cup;

Berean Standard Bible

Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.

American Standard Version

But let a man prove himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 11:28 provides a critical instruction from the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church, emphasizing the necessity of personal spiritual examination before partaking in the Lord's Supper. This verse serves as a sober reminder that participation in this sacred ordinance is not to be approached casually but with a sincere heart, a clear conscience, and a discerning understanding of its profound significance, ensuring that believers honor Christ's sacrifice and their covenant relationship with Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's extensive discourse on the proper conduct during the Lord's Supper, found in [1 Corinthians 11](/1-corinthians/11 "1 Corinthians 11 - Instructions for Worship"). Paul addresses severe abuses and divisions within the Corinthian church, where the communal meal preceding the Supper had become a source of shame and inequality, rather than unity. Having recounted the institution of the Supper by Jesus himself in [1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1-corinthians/11-23-26 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - Institution of the Lord's Supper"), Paul then issues a stern warning in [1 Corinthians 11:27](/1-corinthians/11-27 "1 Corinthians 11:27 - Warning Against Unworthy Participation") against partaking "unworthily," which he explains leads to judgment. Verse 28, therefore, presents the practical antidote and a direct command for believers to prepare themselves, serving as a bridge between the warning and the subsequent explanation of the consequences of failing to discern the body of Christ in [1 Corinthians 11:29-30](/1-corinthians/11-29-30 "1 Corinthians 11:29-30 - Consequences of Undiscerning Participation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a diverse community situated in a major Roman port city, known for its wealth, pagan temples, and moral laxity. Their communal meals (agape feasts) often preceded the Lord's Supper. However, the wealthier members were eating their fill while the poorer members went hungry, leading to divisions and a failure to recognize the spiritual equality and unity inherent in the body of Christ. This social stratification and lack of charity directly violated the spirit of the Lord's Supper, which symbolizes unity and self-giving. Paul's instructions were not merely theological but also deeply practical, aiming to correct these social injustices and restore the sacredness and communal integrity of their worship practices, drawing a stark contrast between pagan feasting and Christian communion.
* **Key Themes:** First Corinthians 11:28 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book. The primary theme is **Individual Self-Examination and Responsibility**, underscoring that each believer is personally accountable for their spiritual state before God, particularly in sacred acts of worship. This ties into the broader theme of **Discerning the Body of Christ**, both the literal elements of the Supper and the spiritual unity of the church, which Paul elaborates on in [1 Corinthians 12](/1-corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ"). The verse also highlights the theme of **Reverence and Holiness in Worship**, demanding that believers approach God's ordinances with the solemn respect due to His holiness and the immense sacrifice of Christ. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Christian Unity and Love**, as the abuses at Corinth demonstrated a profound failure to love and care for fellow believers, thereby desecrating the very meal meant to symbolize their shared life in Christ, as seen in Paul's emphasis on love in [1 Corinthians 13](/1-corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Superiority of Love").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Greek, _ánthrōpos'_):** (G444) This term refers to a human being, encompassing both male and female, indicating that the command for self-examination applies universally to every individual believer who intends to partake in the Lord's Supper. It underscores personal responsibility, not a collective or delegated one.
* **examine (Greek, _dokimázō'_):** (G1381) Derived from a word meaning "approved" or "tested," _dokimázō_ signifies a process of testing, scrutinizing, or proving something to determine its genuineness, quality, or fitness. It implies a thorough and honest evaluation, not a superficial glance. In this context, it means to test oneself, to discern one's own spiritual condition, motives, and understanding before God, ensuring one is "approved" or fit to partake.
* **cup (Greek, _potḗrion'_):** (G4221) While literally a drinking vessel, in the context of the Lord's Supper, "cup" is used by extension to refer to its contents—the wine—and figuratively to represent a lot or fate. Here, it specifically symbolizes the "cup of the new covenant in my blood" ([1 Corinthians 11:25](/1-corinthians/11-25 "1 Corinthians 11:25 - The Cup of the New Covenant")), representing Christ's shed blood that ratified the new covenant, offering forgiveness of sins and new life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But let a man examine himself":** This clause issues a direct, imperative command for individual introspection. The conjunction "But" (G1161 _dé_) introduces a contrast or a logical consequence to Paul's preceding warning about partaking unworthily. Each person is called to conduct a rigorous, honest self-assessment of their spiritual state, their relationship with God, their motives for partaking, and their understanding of the Supper's significance. This examination is not for achieving sinless perfection, but for ensuring a sincere heart and a proper attitude of reverence and discernment.
* **"and so let him eat of [that] bread, and drink of [that] cup.":** This clause presents the consequence or prescribed action following the self-examination. The phrase "and so" (G2532 _kaí_ G3779 _hoútō_) indicates that the eating of the bread (G740 _ártos_) and drinking of the cup (G4221 _potḗrion_) should only proceed *after* the self-examination has taken place and yielded a satisfactory result. This emphasizes that participation is conditional upon spiritual preparedness, linking the internal state of the believer to the external act of communion. The bread symbolizes Christ's broken body, and the cup, His shed blood establishing the new covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Imperative Mood** in "let a man examine himself," conveying a direct command and emphasizing the urgency and non-negotiable nature of this personal responsibility. The structure itself is a form of **Conditional Clause** (implied), where the action of eating and drinking is contingent upon the prior act of self-examination. There is also **Symbolism** present, as the "bread" and "cup" are not merely physical elements but potent symbols representing the very body and blood of Christ, and by extension, the new covenant and the believer's participation in His sacrifice. The contrast between worthy and unworthy participation, and the consequences thereof, creates a strong **Didactic Tone**, instructing the Corinthian church on proper conduct and understanding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command to self-examine before partaking in the Lord's Supper profoundly underscores the sacredness of this ordinance and the personal accountability of each believer. It is not a casual ritual but a solemn act of remembrance, proclamation, and communion with Christ and His body, the church. This self-assessment ensures that participants approach the table with reverence, humility, and a discerning understanding of Christ's sacrifice and the unity it represents. It guards against treating the Supper as mere food or a social gathering, elevating it to a profound spiritual encounter that requires spiritual readiness.

* [2 Corinthians 13:5](/2-corinthians/13-5 "2 Corinthians 13:5 - Examine Yourselves")
* [Psalm 26:2](/psalms/26-2 "Psalm 26:2 - Test Me, O Lord")
* [Lamentations 3:40](/lamentations/3-40 "Lamentations 3:40 - Let Us Test Our Ways")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 11:28 serves as a timeless call to spiritual discipline and integrity for every believer. In an age where spiritual practices can sometimes become routine, this verse powerfully reminds us that our engagement with the sacred must always be intentional and deeply personal. Before we approach the Lord's table, we are invited—indeed, commanded—to pause, to look inward, and to honestly assess our hearts. This is not an exercise in earning worthiness, for our worthiness comes solely from Christ, but rather an act of humble submission and a desire to honor Him appropriately. It involves confessing known sins, forgiving those who have wronged us, and reaffirming our faith and commitment to Christ. This moment of self-reflection transforms the Supper from a mere ritual into a profound encounter with the living Christ, deepening our appreciation for His sacrifice and strengthening our bond with fellow believers. It is an opportunity for spiritual renewal, reconciliation, and a fresh commitment to living a life worthy of the gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "examining myself" truly mean for me in a practical sense before partaking in Communion?**
* **How does my understanding of Christ's sacrifice influence my approach to the bread and the cup?**
* **Are there any unconfessed sins or unresolved conflicts in my life that I need to address before approaching the Lord's Table?**
* **How can I cultivate a more consistent practice of self-examination in my daily walk with Christ, not just before Communion?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "examine himself" in the context of the Lord's Supper?**

Answer: To "examine himself" (Greek: _dokimázō_) means to thoroughly test, scrutinize, or prove one's own spiritual state, motives, and understanding before God. It's an internal audit to ensure one approaches the Lord's Supper with a sincere heart, reverent attitude, and a clear understanding of its profound significance. This includes confessing sins, seeking reconciliation with others, and discerning the body and blood of Christ represented by the elements. It's not about achieving sinless perfection, but about approaching with humility and integrity, acknowledging our dependence on Christ's grace. Paul expands on the consequences of failing to do so in [1 Corinthians 11:29-30](/1-corinthians/11-29-30 "1 Corinthians 11:29-30 - Consequences of Undiscerning Participation").

**Why is self-examination so important before taking Communion?**

Answer: Self-examination is crucial because the Lord's Supper is a sacred ordinance that commemorates Christ's ultimate sacrifice and our covenant relationship with Him. Paul warns against partaking "unworthily" in [1 Corinthians 11:27](/1-corinthians/11-27 "1 Corinthians 11:27 - Warning Against Unworthy Participation"), which means failing to discern the body and blood of the Lord, or treating the Supper as common food. Without proper self-examination, one risks dishonoring Christ, participating in a way that brings judgment rather than blessing, and failing to appreciate the depth of God's grace and the unity of the body of Christ. It ensures that our participation is a meaningful act of worship and remembrance, aligning our hearts with the holiness of the occasion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Corinthians 11:28, while a command for self-examination, ultimately points to Christ as the sole basis for our worthiness and the object of our discernment. The command to "examine himself" is not a call to earn salvation or perfect ourselves, but to recognize our utter dependence on the finished work of Christ. It compels us to look at our own brokenness so that we might more profoundly appreciate the perfect, unbroken body and shed blood of Jesus, which the bread and cup represent. Our worthiness to approach God's table is not found in our own moral purity, but in the imputed righteousness of Christ, as declared in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness"). The self-examination leads us to confess our need for the very sacrifice we commemorate, driving us to the cross where our sins were atoned for once for all by the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, this verse, far from promoting self-reliance, serves as a powerful reminder that true spiritual preparedness is found in humble reliance on Christ's perfect sacrifice, which alone makes us acceptable before God and enables us to partake in this sacred meal with genuine faith and gratitude, proclaiming His death until He comes ([1 Corinthians 11:26](/1-corinthians/11-26 "1 Corinthians 11:26 - Proclaiming His Death")).

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

Galatians 6:4

But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

2 Corinthians 13:5

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Lamentations 3:40

Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.

Matthew 5:23

Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

Matthew 5:24

Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

1 Corinthians 11:31

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

Haggai 1:7

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.