Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 11:34
If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you come together it will not result in judgment. And when I come, I will give instructions about the remaining matters.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian church to correct their chaotic communal meals. He issues this directive immediately after commanding them to wait for one another when gathering to eat (1 Corinthians 11:33).
The words — The text uses πεινᾷ (peina), meaning "is hungry," and ἐσθιέτω (esthietō), an imperative meaning "he should eat." These terms specify that the instruction targets a concrete physical need rather than a general spiritual principle.
The thread — The passage directly addresses the behavior condemned in 1 Corinthians 11:21, where members eat without sharing while others remain hungry. Paul’s note about giving instructions later matches his stated plan to visit shortly in 1 Corinthians 4:19.
Why it lands — The text commands readers to eat privately if hungry to avoid bringing judgment upon the corporate gathering. It requires practical self-control to preserve the integrity of the shared meal.
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
And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 11:21 For as you eat, each of you goes ahead without sharing his meal. While one remains hungry, another gets drunk.
- 1 Corinthians 4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only what these arrogant people are saying, but what power they have.
- 1 Corinthians 7:17 Regardless, each one should lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is what I prescribe in all the churches.
- 1 Corinthians 16:2 On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed.
- Titus 1:5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.
- 1 Corinthians 16:5 After I go through Macedonia, however, I will come to you; for I will be going through Macedonia.