Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.

1 CORINTHIANS 11:33KJV
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1 Corinthians 11:33 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 11:33 mean?

1 Corinthians 11:33 tells believers to wait for one another when they gather to eat together. Paul is urging the church to show consideration and unity during their shared meals, especially when celebrating the Lord’s Supper.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, addressing problems in how they were coming together for communal meals. Some people were eating ahead of others, causing division and leaving some hungry. By telling them to "tarry one for another," Paul is calling for patience and mutual respect, so that their gatherings reflect true Christian fellowship.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 11:33

  • The word "tarry" (ἐκδέχεσθε, ekdechesthe) means to wait for or expect. Paul’s use of this word highlights the need for patience and making sure everyone is included before beginning the meal.
  • The phrase "come together" (συνέρχεσθε, synerchesthe) refers to assembling as a group. In this context, it emphasizes that the meal is a shared event, not a private or individual act.

Why 1 Corinthians 11:33 matters

  • This verse corrects the misunderstanding that the Lord’s Supper or church meals are for personal satisfaction rather than for the whole community.
  • Paul’s instruction reveals his concern for unity and equality within the church, especially across social and economic lines.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, where Paul warns against selfishness and divisions during worship, reminding the church that their actions should reflect Christ’s love and care for all.

Where else these words appear

“tarry” Greek G1551 · used in 8 verses

  • John 5:3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.
  • Hebrews 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

“together” Greek G4905 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
  • Acts 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
  • Acts 21:16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

“Wherefore” Greek G5620 · used in 83 verses

  • Matthew 8:24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
  • Mark 15:5 But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.
  • 1 Corinthians 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

“eat” Greek G5315 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
  • Luke 6:4 How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?
  • John 6:58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.