1 corinthians 11:33 - Therefore, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.

Generated Verse: 1 corinthians 11:33

What does "1 corinthians 11:33" mean?


The verse 1 Corinthians 11:33, "Therefore, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another," is best understood within the context of the entire passage, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34. This passage deals with problems the Corinthian church was having during their communal meals, which were tied to their celebration of the Lord's Supper (Communion).

Here's a breakdown of what the verse means and the surrounding issues:

The Problem: The Corinthians weren't celebrating the Lord's Supper in a way that honored its meaning or showed love for one another.

Social Division: The wealthy members were arriving early and eating their fill, even getting drunk, while the poorer members, who often had to work later, were arriving to find nothing left. This created a division and shamed the poor.
Disrespect for the Lord's Supper: The meal was meant to be a time of remembrance, reflection, and unity in Christ. The selfish behavior of some members turned it into a common, divisive meal, diminishing its sacred significance.

Meaning of "Wait for one another": This instruction directly addresses the problem of social division and selfishness. It means:

Practice Patience: Don't begin eating until everyone has arrived.
Show Consideration: Be mindful of the needs of others, especially those who might be less fortunate.
Act with Unity: Partake of the meal together as a united body of believers in Christ.
Avoid Haste and Selfishness: Take the time to wait and share with everyone.

Why this matters: Paul's goal was to correct the Corinthians' behavior so that they could celebrate the Lord's Supper in a way that:

Honored Christ: By remembering his sacrifice and the meaning of communion.
Demonstrated Unity: By showing love and concern for one another as members of the same body.
Avoided Condemnation: Paul warns that partaking of the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner can lead to judgment.

In summary: "Wait for one another" is a call to practice patience, consideration, and unity within the church community, particularly during the celebration of the Lord's Supper, to avoid social divisions and to properly honor the significance of the meal. It emphasizes the importance of community and caring for others above individual desires.

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