### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **anaxíōs**, represented by `{{G371}}`, is an adverb that means **irreverently** or **unworthily**. It appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, indicating its specific and significant application within the context of Christian practice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{G371}}` is found exclusively in the instruction regarding the Lord's Supper. It warns that whoever partakes of the **bread** `{{G740}}` and **cup** `{{G4221}}` of the Lord **unworthily** `{{G371}}` **shall be** `{{G2071}}` **guilty** `{{G1777}}` of the **body** `{{G4983}}` and **blood** `{{G129}}` of the **Lord** `{{G2962}}` [[1 Corinthians 11:27]]. This establishes a solemn connection between the manner of participation and a state of guilt concerning Christ's sacrifice. The passage further explains that one who eats and drinks **unworthily** `{{G371}}` brings **damnation** `{{G2917}}` upon **himself** `{{G1438}}` for the specific failure of **not** `{{G3361}}` **discerning** `{{G1252}}` the Lord's body [[1 Corinthians 11:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the profound implications of acting unworthily:
* `{{G1777}}` **énochos** (guilty of): This word means being **liable to** a penalty or imputation. In the context of the Lord's Supper, acting unworthily makes one **guilty** of the Lord's body and blood [[1 Corinthians 11:27]]. The same term is used to describe being in danger of judgment [[Matthew 5:21]] or guilty of all the law by offending in one point [[James 2:10]].
* `{{G2917}}` **kríma** (damnation): Defined as a **decision** or judgment, this is the direct consequence of partaking unworthily [[1 Corinthians 11:29]]. The concept of judgment is a recurring theme, applied to matters like eternal judgment [[Hebrews 6:2]] and the condemnation of ungodly men [[Jude 1:4]].
* `{{G1252}}` **diakrínō** (discerning): This word means to **separate thoroughly** or to discriminate. The failure to **discern** the Lord's body is the root cause of unworthy participation [[1 Corinthians 11:29]]. This same word can also mean to doubt or waver, as seen in the instruction to ask in faith without wavering [[James 1:6]].
* `{{G4983}}` **sōma** (body): Meaning **the body** in a wide application, it is the central element that must be discerned. The warning is against profaning the Lord's **body** [[1 Corinthians 11:29]], which stands in contrast to the call to present our own bodies as a living sacrifice to God [[Romans 12:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G371}}` is significant, highlighting several key principles:
* **The Gravity of Sacred Acts:** The warning against acting **unworthily** demonstrates that partaking in the Lord's Supper is not a casual ritual. The manner and heart attitude of the participant have serious consequences, leading to being **guilty** `{{G1777}}` of Christ's sacrifice [[1 Corinthians 11:27]].
* **The Necessity of Discernment:** The core issue is a failure to properly **discern** `{{G1252}}` the Lord's **body** `{{G4983}}`. This calls for a sober, spiritual understanding and reverence for the act, recognizing its deep meaning beyond the physical elements of bread and wine.
* **The Consequence of Judgment:** To partake **unworthily** is to invite **damnation** `{{G2917}}` upon oneself [[1 Corinthians 11:29]]. This links an irreverent attitude during a sacred ordinance to the broader biblical principle of divine judgment.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G371}}` is a potent adverb that, while rare, carries immense theological significance. Its use in scripture is a sharp warning against irreverence, specifically in the context of the Lord's Supper. By describing the state of being **unworthily**, it underscores that Christian ordinances require a discerning mind and a reverent heart, lest the participant become **guilty** of the very elements that signify salvation and bring judgment upon themselves.
TRV