For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

1 CORINTHIANS 11:19KJV
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1 Corinthians 11:19 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 11:19 mean?

1 Corinthians 11:19 says that disagreements and divisions—called "heresies" in the King James Version—are bound to happen among the believers, and these situations reveal who among them is truly genuine and approved. Paul is explaining that such conflicts can actually make it clear who is faithful and trustworthy within the church.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, addressing their problems with division and disorder during their gatherings. By saying "there must be also heresies among you," Paul acknowledges that these splits are inevitable in a fallen world, but they serve a purpose: they show who stands firm in their faith and character when tested. This verse fits into a larger section where Paul is urging the church to act with unity and respect, especially during worship.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 11:19

  • "ἔδει" (dei, must): This word carries a sense of necessity or inevitability, not just possibility. Paul is not encouraging division, but saying it is something that will happen.
  • "αἱρέσεις" (haireseis, heresies): In this context, the word refers to factions or divisions, not just false teachings. It highlights the problem of groups forming within the church, each claiming to be right.
  • "δόκιμοι" (dokimoi, approved): This word means tested and found genuine, like metal proven pure. Paul is saying that those who are faithful will be recognized through these challenges.
  • "φανεροὶ" (phaneroi, manifest): This word means to be made visible or clear. The conflicts make it obvious who truly lives out their faith.

Why 1 Corinthians 11:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul is not surprised by divisions in the church; he sees them as something that can actually serve a purpose by revealing true character.
  • The use of "heresies" here is broader than just doctrinal error—it includes any kind of faction or group that disrupts unity.
  • The verse connects to Paul's larger concern in this chapter about the way believers treat each other during worship, showing that unity and genuine faith are key themes.

Where else these words appear

“approved” Greek G1384 · used in 7 verses

  • Romans 14:18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
  • 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

“heresies” Greek G139 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 5:17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him,(which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,
  • Acts 24:5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
  • Acts 28:22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

“manifest” Greek G5318 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
  • Mark 6:14 And king Herod heard of him;(for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
  • 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.

“must” Greek G1163 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
  • John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
  • Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.