Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

1 CORINTHIANS 11:2KJV
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1 Corinthians 11:2 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 11:2 mean?

1 Corinthians 11:2 shows Paul praising the Corinthian Christians for remembering him and for keeping the teachings and practices he passed on to them. Paul is acknowledging their effort to hold onto the instructions he gave when he was with them.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, a group of believers he had taught earlier. In this verse, Paul is encouraging them because they have been careful to follow the "ordinances" or traditions he delivered. This sets a positive tone before he moves on to address specific issues about worship and conduct in the following verses.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 11:2

  • "ordinances" (παραδόσεις, paradosis): This word means "traditions" or "teachings handed down." Paul is not talking about civil laws or rituals, but about the practices and instructions he personally gave to the church.
  • "keep" (κατέχετε, katechete): This word means to hold fast, keep firmly, or maintain. Paul is commending the Corinthians for not letting go of what he taught them, showing their commitment to the faith as he presented it.
  • "delivered" (παρέδωκα, paredōka): This word means to hand over or pass on. Paul is emphasizing that what he taught was intentionally given to them, not something they came up with themselves.

Why 1 Corinthians 11:2 matters

  • This verse shows that Paul valued the careful transmission and keeping of Christian teachings, highlighting the importance of continuity in faith and practice.
  • By starting with praise, Paul sets a respectful and encouraging tone, which helps the Corinthians be more open to the corrections and instructions he will give in the rest of the chapter.
  • The verse clarifies that the "ordinances" are not man-made rules but teachings Paul received and passed on, which helps readers understand the authority behind his instructions.

Where else these words appear

“praise” Greek G1867 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 16:8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.
  • Romans 15:11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.

“ordinances” Greek G3862 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat 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?
  • Galatians 1:14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

“keep” Greek G2722 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 21:38 But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.
  • Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

“remember” Greek G3415 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
  • Luke 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
  • Acts 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.