1 Corinthians 11

1 Corinthians 11 addresses issues related to conduct within the church, particularly focusing on propriety in worship and the observance of the Lord's Supper. Paul begins by discussing the importance of head coverings as a symbol of authority and propriety during prayer or prophesying. He then shifts to correct misunderstandings and improper practices related to the Lord’s Supper, emphasizing respect for the body of Christ and proper discernment of its meaning.

1 Corinthians 11:1-2 (NKJV) Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you. But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

Paul commends the Corinthians for keeping the traditions he passed on to them. He introduces a discussion on authority within the church and family, emphasizing a hierarchy where Christ is the head of every man, the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ, reflecting order and submission.

1 Corinthians 11:3 (NKJV) But every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head.

This verse sets the context for the cultural practice of head coverings. For men in the Corinthian church, wearing a head covering while praying or prophesying is seen as dishonoring Christ, their spiritual head.

1 Corinthians 11:4 (NKJV) But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved.

In contrast, a woman who prays or prophesies without a head covering dishonors her head—interpreted here as her husband or herself in the context of authority—and this would be culturally equivalent to being shaved, which was a sign of dishonor or punishment.

1 Corinthians 11:5-6 (NKJV) For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered.

Paul argues that if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well be shorn (cut short or shaved), which was considered shameful. Thus, he insists that adherence to this custom of covering is necessary to maintain honor and propriety.

1 Corinthians 11:7 (NKJV) For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man.

Paul explains the theological basis for these customs: a man should not cover his head because he reflects God’s glory directly. In contrast, a woman reflects man’s glory, suggesting a mediated reflection of divine glory that aligns with the cultural practices of honor and authority in the church.

1 Corinthians 11:8 (NKJV) For man is not from woman, but woman from man.

This verse refers back to the creation order in Genesis, where woman was created from man’s rib, emphasizing the origin of this hierarchical relationship.

1 Corinthians 11:9 (NKJV) Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man.

Continuing the thought from the previous verse, Paul asserts that the creation of woman was for the sake of man, providing a theological justification for the headship order he discusses.

1 Corinthians 11:10 (NKJV) For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.

The "symbol of authority" (head covering) is said to be necessary because of the angels, suggesting that even spiritual beings recognize and adhere to the established order of authority, and thus, women should demonstrate their acknowledgment of this order visibly.

1 Corinthians 11:11-12 (NKJV) Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord. For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God.

Paul balances his earlier statements by highlighting mutual dependence between men and women in the Lord. Though the origin was from man, every man is born of a woman, illustrating an interdependence ordained by God.

1 Corinthians 11:13 (NKJV) Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?

Paul challenges the Corinthians to use their judgment regarding the propriety of women praying or prophesying without a head covering, appealing to their sense of honor and cultural norms.

1 Corinthians 11:14-15 (NKJV) Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering.

Paul appeals to natural distinctions between genders to support his arguments about head coverings. Long hair on a man is seen as dishonorable, while long hair on a woman is considered her glory and serves symbolically as a covering, suggesting a natural endorsement of the head covering practice.

1 Corinthians 11:16 (NKJV) But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.

Paul addresses potential objections to his teachings on head coverings by stating that if someone insists on disputing this practice, it’s important to note that the broader community of churches does not engage in such disputes, emphasizing unity and common practice.

1 Corinthians 11:17 (NKJV) Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse.

Shifting from head coverings to issues at the Lord's Supper, Paul expresses disapproval of the Corinthians' conduct during their gatherings, indicating that their meetings do more harm than good, setting the stage for further corrective advice.

1 Corinthians 11:18-19 (NKJV) For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you.

Paul acknowledges the reports of divisions within the Corinthian church, suggesting that some degree of factionalism is inevitable. This serves to reveal who among them is genuinely upright, using the discord to demonstrate true Christian character.

1 Corinthians 11:20-22 (NKJV) Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.

Paul criticizes their behavior at the Lord’s Supper, where their selfish conduct—eating privately and not sharing with others—contradicts the communal and reverent nature of the meal. He rebukes them for despising the church and shaming the poor, highlighting a serious misuse of what should be a unifying sacrament.

1 Corinthians 11:23-25 (NKJV) For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

Paul reminds them of the tradition he passed on regarding the Lord’s Supper, emphasizing its origin with Jesus Himself. The breaking of bread and the cup of wine symbolize Jesus’ body and blood, offered for believers. This ritual is a call to remember Christ’s sacrifice and the new covenant established through His blood.

1 Corinthians 11:26 (NKJV) For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

Partaking in the Lord’s Supper is not only a remembrance but also a proclamation of Jesus’ death and His promised return, underlining the eschatological significance of this observance.

1 Corinthians 11:27-29 (NKJV) Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

Paul warns against taking the Lord’s Supper lightly or without proper reflection. To partake unworthily is to disrespect the sacrifice it represents, inviting judgment. Self-examination is crucial to avoid such an outcome, stressing the need for reverence and awareness of the community as the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:30-32 (NKJV) For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

The improper observance of the Lord’s Supper has led to divine discipline among the Corinthians, manifesting as weakness, illness, and even death. Self-judgment can prevent such divine judgment, which serves not to condemn but to correct and align believers with God’s standards, distinguishing them from the world.

1 Corinthians 11:33-34 (NKJV) Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come.

Paul concludes with practical advice to ensure respectful and orderly conduct at the Lord’s Supper. Waiting for one another ensures it remains a collective, communal act. He advises those who are hungry to eat beforehand to prevent the gathering from descending into selfish behavior, promising to address remaining issues personally when he visits.