For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

1 CORINTHIANS 11:29KJV
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1 Corinthians 11:29 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 11:29 mean?

1 Corinthians 11:29 warns that anyone who eats and drinks the bread and cup of the Lord’s Supper “unworthily” brings judgment on themselves because they are not recognizing the true significance of the Lord’s body. The verse stresses the seriousness of participating in this meal without proper understanding or respect.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing problems with how they were treating the Lord’s Supper. Some were acting selfishly or carelessly, turning a sacred act into something common. Paul’s words underline that this is not just an ordinary meal, but a remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice, and it should be approached thoughtfully and with reverence.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 11:29

  • ἀναξίως (anaxiōs, “unworthily”): This word means in an unworthy manner, not necessarily that the person is unworthy, but that their attitude or behavior is careless or disrespectful. Paul is warning against treating the Lord’s Supper as something casual or routine.
  • διάκρισις (diakrinō, “discerning”): The Greek word here means to distinguish or recognize. Paul is saying that participants must recognize the special meaning of the Lord’s body, not just see the bread and cup as ordinary food and drink.
  • κρίμα (krima, “damnation”): This word is often translated as “judgment” rather than eternal condemnation. Paul is warning that careless participation brings real consequences, but he is not necessarily saying it results in final damnation.

Why 1 Corinthians 11:29 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Lord’s Supper is not just a ritual or tradition, but a meaningful act that requires thoughtful participation and respect for its significance.
  • Paul’s warning helps correct misunderstandings that the Lord’s Supper is only about personal worthiness; the focus is on the manner of participation, not on being perfect.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing how the Corinthians’ behavior at the meal reflected a lack of unity and reverence, which Paul addresses throughout chapters 10–11.

Where else these words appear

“unworthily” Greek G371 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 11:27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

“discerning” Greek G1252 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
  • Acts 11:12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:
  • 1 Corinthians 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

“damnation” Greek G2917 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
  • Romans 2:3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
  • 1 Timothy 5:12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.

“eateth” Greek G2068 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 9:11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
  • Mark 14:18 And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.
  • Romans 14:20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.