1 Corinthians 11:33

KJV

Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G5620}, my {G3450} brethren {G80}, when ye come together {G4905} to {G1519} eat {G5315}, tarry {G1551} one for another {G240}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So then, my brothers, when you gather together to eat, wait for one another.

Berean Standard Bible

So, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.

American Standard Version

Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, wait one for another.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 11:33, delivers a concise yet profound instruction to the Corinthian believers regarding their communal gatherings, particularly the Lord's Supper, urging them to practice patient consideration and mutual regard. This command directly addresses the selfish and divisive behaviors that had marred their fellowship, emphasizing the importance of unity and selflessness as foundational to their shared meals and the sacred observance of Christ's sacrifice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a pivotal concluding instruction following Paul's extensive and stern rebuke of the Corinthian church's conduct during their communal meals and the observance of the Lord's Supper. In the preceding verses, specifically [1 Corinthians 11:17-22](/1_corinthians/11-17-22 "1 Corinthians 11:17-22 - Disorder at the Lord's Supper"), Paul details how their gatherings, intended for spiritual edification, had become occasions for division and shame. He highlights the egregious practice where wealthier members arrived early, consumed their food and drink, and even became inebriated, while poorer members, often arriving later from their labor, were left hungry and humiliated. This behavior directly contradicted the very essence of the Lord's Supper, which Paul recounts as a solemn remembrance of Christ's sacrificial love and a symbol of unity in [1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1_corinthians/11-23-26 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - Institution of the Lord's Supper"). The command to "tarry one for another" in [1 Corinthians 11:33](/1_corinthians/11-33 "1 Corinthians 11:33 - Tarry One for Another") is therefore a practical, immediate remedy designed to restore order, dignity, and brotherly love to their assemblies, ensuring that the sacred meal is observed with proper reverence and communal participation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian church often met in house churches, which were typically the homes of wealthier members. These gatherings frequently included a communal meal (often called an *agape* or "love feast") that preceded or accompanied the Lord's Supper. In Roman and Greek society, banquets often reflected social hierarchies, with patrons eating first and better, while dependents waited or received lesser portions. The Corinthian church, a diverse community with significant social and economic disparities, appears to have replicated these societal norms within their Christian gatherings. Many members were slaves or laborers who would work long hours and arrive late, while others, being free and wealthy, could arrive early. This disparity, combined with a lack of Christian consideration, led to the abuses Paul condemns. The cultural expectation of social stratification clashed with the Christian ideal of equality and unity in Christ, which Paul champions throughout [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "The First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians"). Paul's instruction aims to subvert these pagan social norms and establish a distinctively Christian ethos of mutual honor and self-sacrifice within their worship.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "The First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians") and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Christian Unity**, directly addressing the divisions that plagued the Corinthian church, as seen in [1 Corinthians 1:10](/1_corinthians/1-10 "1 Corinthians 1:10 - Call to Unity"). The instruction to "tarry one for another" is a practical outworking of **Love and Consideration for Others**, echoing Paul's emphasis on selfless love in [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Way of Love"). It underscores the importance of **Order and Decorum** in corporate worship, ensuring that gatherings reflect the holiness and purpose of God, a theme Paul also develops in [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Order in Worship"). Finally, it reinforces the **Sacredness and Proper Observance of the Lord's Supper**, linking communal behavior to the spiritual integrity of this central Christian ordinance, as detailed in [1 Corinthians 11:27-32](/1_corinthians/11-27-32 "1 Corinthians 11:27-32 - Unworthy Participation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **brethren (Greek, _adelphós'_):** (G80) This term, meaning "brother" (literally or figuratively), is Paul's common address to fellow believers. Its use here is significant, as it establishes the familial, egalitarian relationship that *should* characterize the church. By calling them "my brethren," Paul appeals to their shared identity in Christ, underscoring that their conduct should reflect this spiritual kinship rather than worldly social distinctions. It sets a tone of loving admonition, reminding them of the unity they share.
* **come together (Greek, _synérchomai'_):** (G4905) This verb literally means "to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially) cohabit." In this context, it refers to the act of assembling for a communal purpose, specifically for the Lord's Supper and the accompanying meal. The word emphasizes the *corporate* nature of their gathering. It is not merely a collection of individuals, but a deliberate coming together as a body, which implies a shared responsibility and mutual consideration for all who are present.
* **tarry (Greek, _ekdéchomai'_):** (G1551) Derived from `ek` (out of) and `déchomai` (to receive, accept), this word means "to accept from some source, i.e., (by implication) to await, expect, look for, wait for." It denotes a patient, deliberate, and expectant waiting. This is not a passive delay but an active, intentional act of deferring one's own desires for the sake of others. In the context of the Corinthian abuses, it directly commands the early arrivals to *wait* for those who are delayed, ensuring that the meal, especially the Lord's Supper, can be a truly communal experience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore, my brethren":** Paul begins with a transitional conjunction ("wherefore," G5620, _hṓste_), indicating that what follows is a logical conclusion or consequence of his preceding arguments about their disorderly conduct at the Lord's Supper. The address "my brethren" (G3450, _moû_ and G80, _adelphós_) is a tender yet firm pastoral appeal, reminding them of their shared spiritual family and the unity that should govern their interactions.
* **"when ye come together to eat":** This phrase (G4905, _synérchomai_ and G5315, _phágō_) specifies the context of the instruction: their communal gatherings for meals, which included the Lord's Supper. It highlights that the problem was not the act of eating itself, but the manner in which they were "coming together" to do so. The purpose of their assembly was to share, but their actions demonstrated a lack of shared purpose and mutual consideration.
* **"tarry one for another":** This is the core imperative (G1551, _ekdéchomai_ and G240, _allḗlōn_). "Tarry" (G1551) means to wait patiently and expectantly. "One for another" (G240) emphasizes the reciprocal nature of this command—it is a call for mutual consideration and self-restraint. Instead of rushing to satisfy individual hunger, believers are commanded to prioritize the presence and participation of the entire community. This instruction directly counters the selfish behavior Paul had just condemned, demanding a radical shift from individualistic consumption to communal fellowship.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a clear **Imperative Mood** in this verse ("tarry"), signaling a direct command and emphasizing the urgency and non-negotiable nature of the instruction. This is coupled with **Direct Address** ("my brethren"), which creates a personal and authoritative tone, reinforcing the pastoral concern behind the command. The verse also functions as a **Remedy** or **Corrective Instruction**, providing a practical solution to the specific abuses detailed earlier in the chapter. Implicitly, there is also a **Contrast** between the current disorderly and selfish behavior of some Corinthians and the desired orderly and selfless conduct that should characterize a truly unified body of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple command to "tarry one for another" carries profound theological weight, extending far beyond table manners to touch upon the very nature of the church as the body of Christ. It underscores the New Testament's consistent emphasis on Christian love, selflessness, and unity as essential marks of genuine faith. By commanding mutual waiting, Paul insists that the corporate identity of the church must supersede individual desires or social distinctions, especially in acts of worship. This reflects the *koinonia* (fellowship) that defines the Christian community, where believers are called to bear one another's burdens and prioritize the well-being of the whole. The Lord's Supper, in particular, is meant to be a powerful symbol of this unity, a communal remembrance of Christ's unified body broken for all, and therefore, its observance must reflect that truth in practice.

* [Romans 12:10](/romans/12-10 "Romans 12:10 - Love One Another")
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and Consideration for Others")
* [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bear One Another's Burdens")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless relevance of [1 Corinthians 11:33](/1_corinthians/11-33 "1 Corinthians 11:33 - Tarry One for Another") lies in its call for radical selflessness and patient consideration within the Christian community. While the specific context was the Lord's Supper in ancient Corinth, the underlying principle applies to all aspects of church life and indeed, to all human relationships. It challenges us to move beyond individualistic consumption—whether of resources, time, or attention—and embrace a posture of mutual deference. This means being mindful of those who might be overlooked, disadvantaged, or simply slower to participate. It calls for a willingness to slow down, to wait, to ensure that no one is left out or shamed, and that all can participate fully and with dignity. In a world that often prioritizes efficiency and personal gratification, "tarrying one for another" is a counter-cultural act of love, fostering genuine community and reflecting the inclusive heart of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my church, be inadvertently "eating" before others, whether literally or figuratively?**
* **How can I cultivate a more patient and selfless attitude in communal settings, prioritizing the well-being and inclusion of others over my own convenience?**
* **What practical steps can my church take to ensure that all members, regardless of background or circumstance, feel equally valued and included in our gatherings and ministries?**

### FAQ
**What was the specific problem Paul was addressing in the Corinthian church that led to this instruction?**

Answer: Paul was addressing a severe problem of disunity, selfishness, and social stratification that manifested during the Corinthian church's communal meals and the observance of the Lord's Supper. Wealthier members, able to arrive early, would eat their fill and even get drunk, while poorer members, often slaves or laborers who arrived later, were left with nothing. This created divisions, shamed the less fortunate, and utterly desecrated the sacred purpose of the Lord's Supper, which was meant to symbolize unity in Christ's body. Paul's instruction in [1 Corinthians 11:33](/1_corinthians/11-33 "1 Corinthians 11:33 - Tarry One for Another") directly commands them to rectify this by waiting for one another, ensuring everyone partakes together and with mutual respect, thus upholding the communal nature of the meal.

**Does "tarry one for another" only apply to eating the Lord's Supper?**

Answer: While the immediate context of [1 Corinthians 11:33](/1_corinthians/11-33 "1 Corinthians 11:33 - Tarry One for Another") is the communal meal associated with the Lord's Supper, the principle of "tarrying one for another" extends beyond this specific act. It embodies a broader New Testament ethic of Christian love, patience, and mutual consideration that should characterize all aspects of church life and indeed, all relationships among believers. It encourages prioritizing the community over individual desires, ensuring inclusivity, and fostering genuine fellowship. This principle can be applied to how we conduct worship services, small group meetings, decision-making processes, and even how we use our spiritual gifts, as highlighted in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts") and [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Order in Worship").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The command to "tarry one for another" finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Our Lord did not "eat" alone, but patiently waited for and sought out the lost, the marginalized, and the broken, inviting them to His table. He exemplified perfect selflessness, not seeking His own comfort or glory, but "emptying himself, by taking the form of a servant" as described in [Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation"). Jesus' entire ministry was an act of "tarrying" for humanity, waiting for the opportune time to offer Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, so that all who believe might be brought into communion with God and with one another. The Lord's Supper itself, which was the context for Paul's instruction, is a profound symbol of Christ's waiting and ultimate sacrifice for us, the communal meal where we remember His body broken and blood shed for the forgiveness of sins, uniting us as one body in Him ([1 Corinthians 10:16-17](/1_corinthians/10-16-17 "1 Corinthians 10:16-17 - The Cup of Blessing and the Bread")). Therefore, when believers "tarry one for another," they are not merely following a rule, but embodying the very heart of Christ, who patiently gathers His own, ensuring that none are left behind, and all are welcomed to the feast of His grace, foreshadowing the great marriage supper of the Lamb in [Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb").

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.