1 Corinthians 11:29

KJV

For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} he that eateth {G2068} and {G2532} drinketh {G4095} unworthily {G371}, eateth {G2068} and {G2532} drinketh {G4095} damnation {G2917} to himself {G1438}, not {G3361} discerning {G1252} the Lord's {G2962} body {G4983}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for a person who eats and drinks without recognizing the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself.

Berean Standard Bible

For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.

American Standard Version

For he that eateth and drinketh, eateth and drinketh judgment unto himself, if he discern not the body.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 11:29 issues a profound warning concerning participation in the Lord's Supper, emphasizing the grave spiritual consequences for those who partake without proper reverence or understanding. Paul highlights that an "unworthy" approach, characterized by a failure to discern the profound significance of Christ's sacrifice and the unity of His body, the Church, leads to divine judgment upon the individual. This verse serves as a solemn call for self-examination and a deep appreciation for the sacred nature of this ordinance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's extensive instructions to the Corinthian church regarding their conduct during the Lord's Supper, beginning in [1 Corinthians 11:17](/1_corinthians/11-17 "1 Corinthians 11:17 - Paul's Rebuke of Corinthian Practices"). Paul addresses severe abuses, including divisions, gluttony, and drunkenness, which had transformed the communal meal into a source of shame rather than spiritual edification. He first recounts the institution of the Supper by Jesus ([1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1_corinthians/11-23-26 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - The Institution of the Lord's Supper")), establishing its sacred origin and purpose. Following this, he introduces the necessity of self-examination in [1 Corinthians 11:28](/1_corinthians/11-28 "1 Corinthians 11:28 - Exhortation to Self-Examination"), directly preceding our verse. The warning in [1 Corinthians 11:29](/1_corinthians/11-29 "1 Corinthians 11:29 - Warning Against Unworthy Participation") then explains the negative outcome of failing to heed this call for discernment, which is further elaborated upon in [1 Corinthians 11:30-32](/1_corinthians/11-30-32 "1 Corinthians 11:30-32 - Consequences and Divine Discipline"). The entire passage aims to restore the dignity and spiritual integrity of the Lord's Supper within the Corinthian community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church, a diverse community within a bustling Roman port city, struggled with various ethical and theological issues, often influenced by the surrounding pagan culture. Communal meals were common in the ancient world, including pagan temple feasts and Roman banquets. The early Christian agape (love) feast, which often preceded or accompanied the Lord's Supper, was intended to foster unity and fellowship. However, in Corinth, these meals had degenerated. Wealthier members would arrive early, eat their fill, and even get drunk, while poorer members, often slaves, arrived later and went hungry. This created stark social divisions and undermined the very essence of the Supper as a symbol of unity in Christ. Paul's admonition directly confronts this cultural appropriation and social stratification, reminding them that the Lord's Supper is not an ordinary meal but a sacred act requiring a specific posture of heart and mind.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Corinthians and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Reverence for Sacred Ordinances**, emphasizing that acts of worship, particularly the Lord's Supper, must be approached with solemnity and understanding, not as common rituals. Secondly, it highlights the critical importance of **Self-Examination and Discernment**, a theme explicitly introduced in [1 Corinthians 11:28](/1_corinthians/11-28 "1 Corinthians 11:28 - The Call to Self-Examination"). Believers are called to introspect their spiritual state, motives, and relationships before partaking. Thirdly, the phrase "not discerning the Lord's body" introduces the dual theme of **Christ's Sacrifice and the Unity of the Church**. "The Lord's body" refers both to the broken body of Christ on the cross (as commemorated by the bread, per [1 Corinthians 11:24](/1_corinthians/11-24 "1 Corinthians 11:24 - Christ's Body Broken for You")) and to the corporate body of believers, the Church, as detailed in [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - The Church as Christ's Body"). Failure to discern means failing to grasp both the profound theological significance of Christ's atoning work and the practical implications for unity and love within the community. Finally, the verse warns of **Divine Judgment and Discipline**, a severe consequence for irreverence, which Paul elaborates on in [1 Corinthians 11:30-32](/1_corinthians/11-30-32 "1 Corinthians 11:30-32 - God's Discipline for Unworthy Participation"), where he mentions sickness and even death among the Corinthians.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Unworthily (Greek, _anaxíōs'_):** This adverb, derived from the adjective meaning "unworthy," describes the *manner* of participation rather than the inherent worthiness of the individual. It signifies acting in a way that is inconsistent with the sacred nature of the Supper—disrespectfully, irreverently, or without proper understanding and appreciation for its profound significance. It does not imply that one must be perfect or sinless to partake, but rather that one must approach the ordinance with a serious, discerning attitude, acknowledging its holiness.
* **Damnation (Greek, _kríma'_):** From the verb *krínō* ("to judge"), *kríma* refers to a "decision," "judgment," or "condemnation." In this context, it denotes a divine sentence or consequence for a specific action, specifically the unworthy participation in the Lord's Supper. It does not necessarily mean eternal damnation but rather a temporal, disciplinary judgment from God, as evidenced by the physical ailments and deaths mentioned in [1 Corinthians 11:30](/1_corinthians/11-30 "1 Corinthians 11:30 - Sickness and Death as Consequences"). It is a serious warning of God's disciplinary hand upon those who treat His sacred institutions lightly.
* **Discerning (Greek, _diakrínō'_):** This verb means "to separate thoroughly," "to discriminate," or "to judge between." In the context of the Lord's Supper, "not discerning the Lord's body" implies a failure to distinguish or properly understand the profound spiritual reality represented by the bread and wine. This includes both the body of Christ broken for sin on the cross and the corporate body of Christ, the Church. The Corinthians were failing to make a crucial distinction between an ordinary meal and the sacred Supper, and between individual consumption and the communal unity it signified.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily,"**: This opening clause establishes the premise of Paul's warning. The phrase "eateth and drinketh" refers directly to the act of partaking in the bread and wine of the Lord's Supper. The critical qualifier "unworthily" (anaxíōs) defines the problematic manner of participation. As discussed in the key word analysis, this is not about a person's inherent sinfulness, but their disrespectful or careless approach to the sacred meal, failing to treat it with the solemnity and understanding it demands.
* **"eateth and drinketh damnation to himself,"**: This clause states the direct consequence of unworthy participation. The repetition of "eateth and drinketh" emphasizes that the very act of partaking, when done irreverently, becomes the means by which one brings judgment upon oneself. The term "damnation" (kríma), as noted, signifies a divine judgment or disciplinary consequence. This judgment is "to himself," indicating that the individual is personally accountable for their actions and will bear the consequences, which could manifest in various forms of divine discipline.
* **"not discerning the Lord's body."**: This final clause provides the specific reason or nature of the "unworthy" participation and the subsequent judgment. The failure is one of "discerning" (diakrínō), meaning a failure to properly distinguish, understand, or appreciate the significance of "the Lord's body." This phrase carries a double meaning: it refers both to the literal body of Christ broken on the cross for salvation and to the spiritual body of Christ, which is the Church. The Corinthians were failing to recognize the profound spiritual reality of Christ's sacrifice and, simultaneously, were disregarding the unity and interdependence of their fellow believers, effectively despising the very body of Christ in their midst through their selfish and divisive actions.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in [1 Corinthians 11:29](/1_corinthians/11-29 "1 Corinthians 11:29 - The Warning of Unworthy Participation") to convey his solemn warning. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the phrase "eateth and drinketh," which is repeated twice within the verse. This repetition serves to emphasize the direct link between the physical act of partaking and its spiritual consequences, underscoring that the very consumption, when done improperly, becomes the vehicle for judgment. Secondly, Paul uses a strong form of **Admonition** or **Warning**, characteristic of his pastoral letters, to impress upon the Corinthians the gravity of their behavior. The stark consequence of "damnation to himself" serves as a severe deterrent. Thirdly, there is an implicit **Contrast** between "worthy" and "unworthy" participation, highlighting the proper reverence versus the disrespectful conduct observed in Corinth. Finally, the phrase "the Lord's body" functions as a powerful **Symbolism** or **Metonymy**, simultaneously representing Christ's physical body broken in sacrifice and the corporate body of believers, the Church. The failure to "discern" this body thus implies a profound spiritual blindness to both the atoning work of Christ and the unity of His people, making the offense doubly severe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The warning in 1 Corinthians 11:29 extends beyond the specific abuses in Corinth, offering timeless theological insights into the nature of worship, the sanctity of Christ's sacrifice, and the unity of His Church. It underscores that participation in sacred ordinances is not a mere ritual but a profound encounter with divine truth, demanding a posture of reverence, self-awareness, and communal solidarity. The concept of "discerning the Lord's body" compels believers to reflect not only on Christ's atoning work on the cross but also on their relationship with fellow believers, recognizing that the Church itself is Christ's living body on earth. To disregard one is to disregard the other, inviting divine discipline. This passage thus calls for a holistic understanding of Christian worship that integrates personal piety with communal responsibility, ensuring that our approach to God's holy things is always marked by respect and love.

* [Romans 13:2](/romans/13-2 "Romans 13:2 - Consequences of Resisting Authority")
* [Hebrews 10:29](/hebrews/10-29 "Hebrews 10:29 - Consequences of Trampling the Son of God")
* [James 3:1](/james/3-1 "James 3:1 - The Greater Judgment for Teachers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 11:29 serves as a perpetual mirror for believers, prompting us to examine our hearts and attitudes whenever we approach the Lord's Supper. It is not a call to achieve perfect worthiness—for none are truly worthy apart from Christ's grace—but rather a summons to approach this sacred meal with genuine humility, repentance, and a profound appreciation for what it signifies. Before partaking, we are invited to reflect on the immense cost of our salvation, the broken body and shed blood of Jesus, and to consider our relationships within the body of Christ. Are there unresolved conflicts, unconfessed sins, or a lack of love towards fellow believers? This verse urges us to reconcile, confess, and align our hearts with the unity and holiness that the Supper represents. It reminds us that our participation is not merely an individual act but a communal declaration of faith, demanding a posture that honors both Christ's sacrifice and the fellowship of His Church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for me personally to "discern the Lord's body" when I partake in Communion?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to approach the Lord's Supper "unworthily" in my own life, perhaps through routine, distraction, or unresolved conflict?**
* **How does my understanding of 1 Corinthians 11:29 impact my preparation for and participation in the Lord's Supper?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my heart is aligned with Christ's sacrifice and the unity of the Church before partaking?**

### FAQ

**Does "damnation" in this verse mean eternal condemnation?**

Answer: No, the Greek word *kríma* (G2917), translated as "damnation" in the KJV, is better understood as "judgment" or "condemnation" in this context. As seen in the subsequent verses, [1 Corinthians 11:30-32](/1_corinthians/11-30-32 "1 Corinthians 11:30-32 - God's Discipline"), Paul clarifies that this judgment manifests as divine discipline, such as sickness and even physical death for some in the Corinthian church. It refers to temporal consequences or disciplinary measures from God, designed to bring believers to repentance and correction, rather than eternal separation from Him. The purpose of such judgment is ultimately redemptive, so that "we may not be condemned along with the world" ([1 Corinthians 11:32](/1_corinthians/11-32 "1 Corinthians 11:32 - Disciplined by the Lord")).

**What does it mean to "discern the Lord's body"?**

Answer: To "discern the Lord's body" (G1252 *diakrínō* and G4983 *sōma*) means to properly distinguish and understand the profound significance of what the Lord's Supper represents. This includes two primary aspects: Firstly, it means recognizing and revering the broken body of Jesus Christ, sacrificed on the cross for our sins, as symbolized by the bread ([1 Corinthians 11:24](/1_corinthians/11-24 "1 Corinthians 11:24 - Christ's Body Broken")). Secondly, and crucially for the Corinthian context, it means recognizing and honoring the corporate body of Christ, which is the Church. The Corinthians were failing to treat each other with love and equality, thereby despising the very unity of the Church, which is Christ's body on earth ([1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You are the Body of Christ")). Failing to discern means treating the Supper as an ordinary meal, ignoring its spiritual depth and its implications for unity and love among believers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 11:29, while a solemn warning, ultimately points us to the profound centrality of Christ. The "damnation" or judgment spoken of is precisely what Christ Himself bore on the cross, so that we might not face eternal condemnation. He became the ultimate "unworthy" one, taking on the full weight of humanity's sin and its consequences, so that we, through faith, might be made truly worthy in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The command to "discern the Lord's body" is a call to fix our gaze upon Jesus—His broken body and shed blood—as the sole basis for our salvation and our unity. It is His sacrifice, not our inherent worthiness, that cleanses us and grants us access to the Father ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). Moreover, the "Lord's body" also refers to the Church, reminding us that Christ is the head of this body ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")), and our unity in Him is a direct reflection of His work. Thus, unworthy participation is a failure to grasp the magnitude of Christ's finished work and its implications for both our individual redemption and our corporate identity as His people, purchased by His precious blood ([Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "Acts 20:28 - The Church Purchased by His Blood")). The Supper, therefore, is a powerful re-proclamation of Christ's death until He comes ([1 Corinthians 11:26](/1_corinthians/11-26 "1 Corinthians 11:26 - Proclaiming the Lord's Death")), calling us to remember, believe, and live in light of His perfect, all-sufficient 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

1 Corinthians 11:27

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.

1 Corinthians 11:30

For this cause many [are] weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

Hebrews 5:14

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Ecclesiastes 8:5

Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.

Romans 13:2

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

1 Corinthians 11:32

But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

1 Corinthians 11:34

And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.