And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

1 CORINTHIANS 11:34KJV
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1 Corinthians 11:34 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 11:34 mean?

1 Corinthians 11:34 tells the Corinthians that if anyone is hungry, they should eat at home so that their gatherings do not lead to judgment. Paul adds that he will address any remaining issues in person when he visits.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth about their behavior during the Lord’s Supper. Some people were treating the gathering like a regular meal, leading to division and shame for those who had less. By saying to eat at home, Paul is urging them to treat the Lord’s Supper with respect and avoid actions that would bring condemnation on the group.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 11:34

  • "συνερχομαι" (synerchomai, G4905) — This word is used for "come together" and emphasizes the idea of assembling as a group. Paul is concerned with how the community acts when they gather, not just individual behavior.
  • "κατακριμα" (katakrima, G2917) — Translated as "condemnation," this word refers to judgment or a negative outcome. Paul warns that improper conduct at these gatherings can bring real consequences.
  • "οἶκος" (oikos, G3624) — Meaning "home," this word highlights the contrast between private eating and the special purpose of the church gathering.

Why 1 Corinthians 11:34 matters

  • This verse clears up that the Lord’s Supper is not meant to be a regular meal to satisfy hunger, but a sacred act with a different purpose.
  • Paul’s instruction helps prevent social divisions and embarrassment for poorer members, showing concern for unity and respect within the church.
  • The verse sets the stage for Paul’s personal involvement, showing that some issues are best handled face-to-face rather than by letter.

Where else these words appear

“order” Greek G1299 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 11:1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.
  • Acts 7:44 Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

“hunger” Greek G3983 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
  • Matthew 25:42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
  • Luke 6:21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.

“condemnation” 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.

“come” 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.