For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

1 CORINTHIANS 11:30KJV
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1 Corinthians 11:30 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 11:30 mean?

1 Corinthians 11:30 says that because of certain actions, many people in the Corinthian church are weak, sick, and some have even died. The verse connects these physical problems to the way the believers have been behaving, especially in how they approach the Lord’s Supper.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, warning them that their careless and disrespectful attitude toward the Lord’s Supper has real consequences. He points out that their lack of self-examination and disregard for others in the church has led to physical weakness, illness, and even death among them, showing that their actions have serious spiritual and physical effects.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 11:30

  • ἀσθενεῖς (astheneis, “weak”): This word often refers to physical frailty or weakness, but can also suggest spiritual weakness. Here, it highlights that the problems are not just spiritual but are showing up in their bodies.
  • ἄρρωστοι (arrostoi, “sickly”): This word specifically means being ill or sick, making it clear that Paul is talking about real, physical sickness, not just a metaphorical condition.
  • κοιμῶνται (koimōntai, “sleep”): In this context, “sleep” is a common way in the New Testament to refer to death. Paul is saying that some have actually died as a result of their actions, not just fallen asleep.

Why 1 Corinthians 11:30 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul sees a direct link between the spiritual state of the church and physical consequences, which was a serious warning for the Corinthians.
  • It emphasizes the importance of approaching the Lord’s Supper with reverence and self-examination, not as a casual or routine event.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, where Paul is correcting abuses in the church’s gatherings and urging believers to recognize the significance of their actions within the community.

Where else these words appear

“sickly” Greek G732 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 14:14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.
  • Mark 6:5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
  • Mark 6:13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

“sleep” Greek G2837 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 27:52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
  • Acts 7:60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

“weak” Greek G772 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
  • Acts 5:15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

“many” Greek G2425 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • Luke 22:38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
  • Acts 18:18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.