1 Corinthians 11:29

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

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}.

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

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

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

1 Corinthians 11:29 serves as a solemn warning regarding the proper approach to the Lord's Supper, also known as Communion. Paul emphasizes the grave consequences for those who partake in this sacred ordinance without due reverence or understanding.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discussion in 1 Corinthians 11 where Paul addresses the Corinthian church's divisive and disrespectful practices concerning the Lord's Supper. They had turned the communal meal into an ordinary, even selfish, affair, causing divisions between rich and poor and failing to recognize its profound spiritual significance. Paul's instruction aims to correct these abuses and restore the dignity and purpose of the Supper.

Key Themes

  • Reverence for the Sacred: The verse underscores the need for deep respect and solemnity when participating in the Lord's Supper, treating it not as a common meal but as a profound spiritual act.
  • Self-Examination: It implies a call to spiritual introspection, urging believers to examine their hearts, motives, and relationships before partaking, as explicitly stated in the preceding verse, 1 Corinthians 11:28.
  • Discerning the Lord's Body: This is a crucial concept. It means understanding and appreciating the spiritual reality represented by the bread and wine: Christ's broken body and shed blood for our salvation (Matthew 26:26-28). It also refers to recognizing the unity and interdependence of the Church, which is Christ's body on earth (1 Corinthians 12:27). Failing to "discern" means treating the Supper as ordinary, ignoring its spiritual depth and its implications for unity within the church.
  • Consequences of Unworthy Participation: The warning of "damnation" (or judgment) highlights that disrespecting this sacred ordinance invites divine discipline. As seen in 1 Corinthians 11:30, this could manifest as sickness or even physical death for some in the Corinthian church. It is a severe spiritual warning, not necessarily eternal condemnation, but a serious divine consequence for irreverence.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word translated "unworthily" is anaxios (ἀναξίως). It does not mean one must be personally "worthy" or perfect to partake, but rather that one should not participate in an "unworthy manner"—that is, disrespectfully, without proper reverence, or without understanding the profound meaning of the Supper.
  • The term "damnation" comes from the Greek krima (κρίμα), which is better understood as "judgment" or "condemnation" in this context. It refers to a divine sentence or consequence for a specific action, not necessarily eternal damnation, but a serious disciplinary measure from God.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 11:29 serves as a vital reminder to approach the Lord's Supper with solemnity and genuine understanding. It encourages a moment of personal reflection and repentance before partaking, ensuring our hearts are aligned with Christ's sacrifice and with our fellow believers. It is a call to remember the immense cost of our salvation and to honor the unity of the Church, the body of Christ, as we share in this holy meal.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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