For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

1 CORINTHIANS 10:17KJV
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1 Corinthians 10:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 10:17 mean?

1 Corinthians 10:17 says that although there are many believers, they are united as one body because they all share in the same bread. The verse uses the image of bread to show how Christians, though many, are joined together in unity through what they share.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, a group of Christians living in a diverse and sometimes divided city. He reminds them that by partaking in the same bread—likely a reference to the Lord’s Supper—they are not just individuals but are joined together as one community. This verse highlights the deep connection and unity that comes from sharing in Christ.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 10:17

  • ἄρτος (artos): This word means "bread." Paul uses it as a symbol for what believers share together, pointing to both the literal bread of communion and the spiritual unity it represents.
  • σῶμα (sōma): This means "body." Paul connects the idea of one bread to one body, showing that sharing the bread makes the group a single, united body.
  • κοινωνοί (koinōnoi, from G3348): This is translated as "partakers" or "sharers." It emphasizes active participation—everyone who eats the bread is involved in this unity, not just a passive observer.

Why 1 Corinthians 10:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Christian unity is not just an idea but is grounded in a shared experience—participating together in the bread.
  • It corrects the idea that faith is only individual; Paul stresses the communal aspect of following Christ.
  • In the wider context, Paul is addressing divisions and issues in the Corinthian church, so this verse reminds them that their actions affect the whole body, not just themselves.

Where else these words appear

“are” Greek G3348 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 9:10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
  • Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

“we” Greek G2070 · used in 51 verses

  • Mark 5:9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
  • Romans 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
  • Galatians 4:31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

“bread” Greek G740 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
  • Mark 7:5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
  • John 6:13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

“body” Greek G4983 · used in 122 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Romans 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.