1 Corinthians 11:27–29

Context

The church in Corinth shared the Lord's Supper as part of a communal meal. Wealthier members ate and drank first, some becoming drunk, while poorer members went hungry (vv. 17–22). Paul rebuked this conduct, saying that "this is not to eat the Lord's supper" (v. 20), and then reminded them of the words of institution that he had received from the Lord and delivered to them (vv. 23–26). Verses 27–29 form the conclusion of this argument, and in verse 30 Paul says, "For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep." The section closes in verse 33 with the exhortation to "tarry one for another."

Interpretation

• "Unworthily" as a matter of attitude: Many commentators hold that the term refers not to whether the person eating is worthy but to the manner of eating, namely an attitude that disregards poorer brothers and sisters. The word in the original Greek is an adverb.
• Reading "the body" as the eucharistic elements: The Catholic and Lutheran traditions read the passage as a call to discern the real presence of Christ's body and blood in the bread and the cup. Reformed churches hold that Christ is spiritually present through the Holy Spirit, while the Zwinglian tradition emphasizes the memorial character of the Supper.
• Reading "the body" as the church community: Many manuscripts lack the words "the Lord's" in verse 29, and in 10:17 and chapter 12 "body" refers to the church. Some interpreters therefore read the passage as a call to discern the body of Christ made up of brothers and sisters, that is, the community.

Debates and Issues

This passage serves as a basis for determining who may participate in Communion. Presbyterian churches have traditionally restricted participation to baptized members and required that communicants be old enough to examine themselves; they therefore oppose infant communion. The Eastern Orthodox Church, by contrast, gives Communion to baptized infants. Some pastors have also pointed out that this passage can make believers so fearful that they avoid Communion altogether.

In the Korean Church

Many churches set aside a moment before the Communion rite in which the officiant reads this passage aloud, followed by a brief period of silent reflection and self-examination. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was discussion over whether online Communion was consistent with the communal meaning of this passage.

Related Passages

• 1 Corinthians 11:20–26
• 1 Corinthians 10:16–17
• Luke 22:19–20
• John 6:53–56