1 Corinthians 11:31

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

For {G1063} if {G1487} we would judge {G1252} ourselves {G1438}, we should {G302} not {G3756} be judged {G2919}.

If we would examine ourselves, we would not come under judgment.

Now if we judged ourselves properly, we would not come under judgment.

But if we discerned ourselves, we should not be judged.

Commentary

1 Corinthians 11:31 (KJV) delivers a powerful call to spiritual introspection, serving as a crucial principle for believers, especially in the context of partaking in the Lord's Supper.

Context

This verse is found within Paul's lengthy discourse to the Corinthian church concerning their disorderly conduct during communal meals, specifically their observance of the Lord's Supper. The Corinthians had been approaching this sacred ordinance in an unworthy manner, leading to division, gluttony, and neglect of the poor among them. Paul warns that such behavior invites divine judgment (1 Corinthians 11:29-30). Verse 31 offers the solution: if believers would diligently "judge ourselves," they would avoid God's disciplinary judgment.

Key Themes

  • Self-Examination and Discernment: The primary message is the necessity of honest, personal evaluation. Before approaching God in worship or partaking in sacred rites, believers are to look inward, assess their spiritual state, and confess any sin or wrong attitudes. This is not about earning salvation, but about maintaining a right relationship with God and others.
  • Preventative Discipline: Paul indicates that active, voluntary self-judgment serves as a preventative measure against God's corrective discipline. If individuals take responsibility for their spiritual health, God does not need to intervene with chastening.
  • Reverence for the Lord's Supper: While the principle applies broadly, its immediate context highlights the solemnity required for communion. It emphasizes that participating in the Lord's Supper is not a casual act but a profound identification with Christ's sacrifice, demanding a humble and discerning heart.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "judge ourselves" translates the Greek diakrinomen heautous (διακρίνομεν ἑαυτούς). The verb diakrinō means "to distinguish, discern, judge, or evaluate." It implies a careful, thoughtful process of separating truth from falsehood, or right from wrong, within oneself. It's an act of self-assessment and spiritual discernment. The contrasting phrase "be judged" (ekrinometha - ἐκρινομεθα) refers to God's judgment, which, in this context for believers, is typically disciplinary or corrective, rather than condemnatory (compare with Romans 8:1). It's God's loving discipline intended to bring His children back to righteousness, as seen in Hebrews 12:6.

Practical Application

The principle of 1 Corinthians 11:31 extends beyond the Lord's Supper to all areas of the Christian life. It encourages a lifestyle of ongoing self-reflection and repentance. Regularly examining oneself for sin, selfish motives, or ungodly attitudes, and then confessing them to God, is vital for spiritual growth and maintaining fellowship with Him. This proactive approach to holiness allows believers to walk in closer alignment with God's will and experience His grace rather than His corrective hand. It underscores the importance of personal accountability and a sincere desire to live a life pleasing to God.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 32:3 (12 votes)

    When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.

  • Psalms 32:5 (12 votes)

    I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

  • 1 John 1:9 (12 votes)

    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:28 (7 votes)

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

  • Revelation 2:5 (7 votes)

    Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

  • Revelation 3:2 (5 votes)

    Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

  • Revelation 3:3 (5 votes)

    Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.