1 corinthians 11:26 - For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Generated Verse: 1 corinthians 11:26

What does "1 corinthians 11:26" mean?


This verse, 1 Corinthians 11:26, is a key statement about the meaning and purpose of the Lord's Supper (also known as Communion or Eucharist). Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup...": This establishes that the practice of eating the bread and drinking the cup (representing the body and blood of Christ) is a recurring event, something that should be done repeatedly. It's not a one-time ritual.

"...you proclaim the Lord’s death...": This is the heart of the verse. Partaking in the Lord's Supper is an act of proclamation. It's not just a private, internal experience. It's a public declaration, a visible sermon if you will. By participating, believers are actively announcing and remembering the significance of Jesus Christ's sacrificial death on the cross. The elements themselves (bread and cup) become visual aids in this proclamation.

"...until he comes.": This adds a forward-looking dimension. The practice isn't just a memorial of the past, but also an anticipation of the future. It signifies hope and expectation of Christ's second coming. It connects believers to both the past sacrifice and the future fulfillment of God's plan.

In summary, 1 Corinthians 11:26 means that whenever Christians participate in the Lord's Supper, they are:

1. Remembering: Recalling and reflecting upon the death of Jesus Christ.
2. Proclaiming: Publicly announcing the significance of Christ's death as a sacrifice for sin.
3. Anticipating: Looking forward to the return of Christ and the consummation of God's kingdom.

Therefore, it emphasizes the active and declarative nature of Communion, linking it to the central themes of Christian faith: the atoning death of Christ and the hope of his return. It's a powerful act of worship, remembrance, and hope.