Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 10:17
Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian church while warning against idolatry and contrasting pagan sacrificial meals with the Lord’s Supper. He addresses them directly to explain how sharing a single loaf establishes their corporate identity.
The words — The Greek ἄρτος (artos) means loaf, paired with ἓν σῶμα (hen sōma) for one body, indicating that the singular physical element unites the many into a single entity. The text states this structural reality before any theological application follows.
The thread — This unity motif recurs in Romans 12:5, where many believers form one body in Christ, and in 1 Corinthians 12:12, which notes that a single body is composed of many parts. Paul also links this principle to the altar in 1 Corinthians 10:18.
Why it lands — The verse requires readers to recognize that shared participation in a single element creates corporate identity, making individual division incompatible with that shared reality. It demands practical acknowledgment of unity rather than abstract agreement.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
Cross-references
- Romans 12:5 so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another.
- Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.
- 1 Corinthians 12:12 The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it.
- Ephesians 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;
- Ephesians 4:12 to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,
- Ephesians 4:16 From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part.
- Ephesians 4:25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another.
- Galatians 3:26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
- Ephesians 2:15 by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace