1 Corinthians 11:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 11:17 mean?

1 Corinthians 11:17 describes Paul telling the Corinthian church that he cannot praise them for the way they are gathering, because their meetings are doing more harm than good. Paul is warning them that their behavior when they come together as a church is actually making things worse, not better.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, addressing problems in how they are meeting together, especially around the Lord’s Supper. Instead of building each other up, their gatherings are causing division and hurt. Paul’s words here set the stage for his correction of their attitudes and actions in the following verses.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 11:17

• συνέρχεσθε (synerchesthe, "come together" or "gather"): This word emphasizes the idea of assembling as a group, not just being in the same place. Paul is focusing on the collective behavior of the church when they meet.
• εἰς τὸ κρεῖττον (eis to kreitton, "for the better"): The phrase means “for improvement” or “to make things better.” Paul’s point is that gatherings should help people grow, but here, they are not.
• εἰς τὸ ἧσσον (eis to hēsson, "for the worse"): This phrase means “to make things worse.” Paul is highlighting that their meetings are actually harming the community, not helping it.

Why 1 Corinthians 11:17 matters

• This verse clears up the idea that simply meeting as a church is always good; Paul shows that the way believers gather and treat each other matters deeply.
• The verse emphasizes that church gatherings should build up the community, not create more problems or divisions.
• Understanding this verse helps set the context for Paul’s later instructions about the Lord’s Supper and unity in the church, showing that attitude and actions during worship are crucial.