For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

1 CORINTHIANS 1:11KJV
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1 Corinthians 1:11 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 1:11 mean?

1 Corinthians 1:11 says that Paul has learned from people connected to Chloe’s household that there are arguments and divisions among the Christians in Corinth. Paul is addressing the church directly and letting them know he is aware of their conflicts, which have been reported to him by trustworthy sources.

Paul, the writer of this letter, is speaking to the believers in the city of Corinth. He mentions “the house of Chloe,” likely a group or family known to the church, as the source of his information. This verse sets the stage for Paul to address the specific problems of disunity and quarreling that are troubling the Corinthian church.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 1:11

  • οἶκος Χλόης (oikos Chloēs, “house of Chloe”): This phrase refers to Chloe’s household or people connected to her. It shows that Paul is not relying on rumors but on a report from a specific, credible group.
  • ἔριδες (erides, “contentions”): This word means quarrels or disputes. It highlights that the problems in the church are not minor disagreements but serious divisions.

Why 1 Corinthians 1:11 matters

  • This verse shows that Paul’s concern about division is based on reliable testimony, not hearsay, which gives weight to his correction.
  • By naming the source, Paul encourages transparency and accountability within the church community.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:11 introduces the theme of disunity, which Paul will address in detail throughout the following chapters, making it a key turning point in the letter.

Where else these words appear

“declared” Greek G1213 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
  • Hebrews 9:8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
  • 1 Peter 1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

“contentions” Greek G2054 · used in 9 verses

  • Romans 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
  • 1 Corinthians 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
  • Philippians 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

“are” Greek G1526 · used in 146 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • John 6:64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
  • Galatians 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.