Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 11:31
Now if we judged ourselves properly, we would not come under judgment.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church regarding their improper conduct at the Lord’s Supper, immediately following his statement that many among them are weak, sick, or have died.
The words — The verse hinges on διεκρινόμεν (diekrinomen, "we were judging") and ἐκρινόμεθα (ekrinometha, "we were come under judgment"). Paul contrasts self-examination with divine judgment using these two terms.
The thread — The link between self-assessment and divine correction runs through 1 John 1:9, which ties confession to cleansing, and Revelation 2:5, which commands repentance to avoid further falling. The context in 1 Corinthians 11:32 clarifies that this judgment functions as discipline to prevent final condemnation with the world.
Why it lands — The text demands immediate personal assessment of one's conduct to avoid receiving corrective discipline from God. It requires readers to examine their actions now rather than wait for divine correction.
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 if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
Cross-references
- 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
- Psalms 32:3 When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long.
- Revelation 2:5 Therefore, keep in mind how far you have fallen. Repent and perform the deeds you did at first. But if you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
- 1 Corinthians 11:28 Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.
- Luke 15:18 I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
- Revelation 3:2 Wake up and strengthen what remains, which is about to die; for I have found your deeds incomplete in the sight of My God.
- Jeremiah 31:18 I have surely heard Ephraim’s moaning: ‘You disciplined me severely, like an untrained calf. Restore me, that I may return, for You are the LORD my God.