Living in Reverence and Unity

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Paul writes 1 Corinthians to a young church struggling with division, immorality, and misunderstandings about worship and spiritual gifts. The previous chapters address spiritual gifts and unity, setting the stage for this chapter’s focus on orderly worship and respect within the community. Corinth was a diverse, pagan city where cultural norms often clashed with Christian values, making Paul’s guidance crucial for maintaining holiness and order. Recognizing the cultural tensions and the early church’s challenges helps us grasp why Paul emphasizes head coverings, respect, and the proper observance of the Lord’s Supper.

What You'll Learn

• How Paul teaches the biblical order of headship reflecting God’s design for relationships and worship.
• The significance of cultural symbols like head coverings in expressing honor and authority in the early church.
• Why divisions and selfishness during the Lord’s Supper dishonor Christ and harm the church community.
• The importance of self-examination before partaking in the Lord’s Supper to avoid judgment and promote holiness.
• How Paul connects worship practices to the broader redemptive story and the coming return of Christ.
• Practical ways to foster unity, respect, and reverence in corporate worship today.

God’s design for worship and relationships calls believers to honor Christ and one another in unity and reverence.

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

1 Corinthians 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

1 Corinthians 11:4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.

1 Corinthians 11:5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

1 Corinthians 11:6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

1 Corinthians 11:7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

1 Corinthians 11:8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.

1 Corinthians 11:9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

1 Corinthians 11:10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.

1 Corinthians 11:11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 11:12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.

1 Corinthians 11:13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?

1 Corinthians 11:14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

1 Corinthians 11:15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

1 Corinthians 11:16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

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.

1 Corinthians 11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

1 Corinthians 11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

1 Corinthians 11:20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper.

1 Corinthians 11:21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.

1 Corinthians 11:22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.

1 Corinthians 11:23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

1 Corinthians 11:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

1 Corinthians 11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

1 Corinthians 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

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.

1 Corinthians 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

1 Corinthians 11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

1 Corinthians 11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

1 Corinthians 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

1 Corinthians 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

1 Corinthians 11:33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.

1 Corinthians 11:34 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 11:1

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

Study: Paul invites believers to imitate his example as he follows Christ, highlighting the importance of discipleship rooted in Christlike living. This command underscores the relational nature of spiritual growth and the call to reflect Christ’s character in community, encouraging believers to pursue holiness by following godly leaders who themselves follow Jesus.

1 Corinthians 11:2

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

Study: Paul commends the Corinthians for remembering his teachings and faithfully keeping the ordinances he delivered, emphasizing the value of preserving apostolic instruction. This praise reveals the importance of continuity in doctrine and practice for maintaining the church’s unity and faithfulness to Christ’s covenant.

1 Corinthians 11:3

But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

Study: This verse outlines a divine hierarchy: Christ as head of every man, man as head of woman, and God as head of Christ, reflecting God’s sovereign order in creation and redemption. Understanding this structure helps believers appreciate the roles designed by God to promote harmony and mutual respect within the church and family.

1 Corinthians 11:4

Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.

Study: Paul teaches that a man praying or prophesying with his head covered dishonors his head, linking outward appearance with spiritual authority. This instruction reflects cultural norms that communicated respect and submission, showing how worship practices express theological truths about Christ’s headship.

1 Corinthians 11:5

But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

Study: Women praying or prophesying with uncovered heads dishonor their head, equating this with being shaven, a sign of disgrace in that culture. This highlights the importance of visible symbols in worship that communicate honor and order, reinforcing the covenant community’s respect for God’s design.

1 Corinthians 11:6

For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

Study: Paul argues that if a woman refuses to cover her head, she might as well be shorn, which was shameful, emphasizing the seriousness of this symbol. This reflects the cultural weight of honor and shame, teaching believers to uphold practices that maintain the church’s witness and holiness.

1 Corinthians 11:7

For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

Study: A man should not cover his head because he is the image and glory of God, while a woman is the glory of man, connecting worship conduct to creation theology. This verse reveals how worship practices reflect the imago Dei and relational distinctions established by God.

1 Corinthians 11:8

For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.

Study: Paul reminds that man was not made from woman, but woman from man, grounding the headship order in the creation narrative. This historical reference reinforces the theological basis for roles in worship and community life.

1 Corinthians 11:9

Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

Study: Man was not created for woman, but woman for man, further emphasizing God’s purposeful design in creation. This helps believers understand the complementary roles intended to foster unity and mutual support.

1 Corinthians 11:10

For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.

Study: Women should have a symbol of authority on their heads because of the angels, suggesting that heavenly beings observe worship order. This mysterious detail underscores the seriousness of worship conduct and the cosmic dimension of God’s covenant community.

1 Corinthians 11:11

Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.

Study: Despite headship distinctions, Paul affirms mutual dependence: neither man nor woman is independent in the Lord. This balances authority with interdependence, highlighting the unity and equality of all believers before God.

1 Corinthians 11:12

For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.

Study: Just as woman came from man, so man is born of woman, and all things come from God, emphasizing reciprocal relationships under God’s sovereignty. This verse points to God’s ultimate authority and the interconnectedness of humanity in His plan.

1 Corinthians 11:13

Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?

Study: Paul challenges the Corinthians to judge for themselves whether it is proper for a woman to pray uncovered, encouraging thoughtful reflection on cultural and spiritual propriety. This invites believers to consider how worship practices honor God and community standards.

1 Corinthians 11:14

Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

Study: Nature teaches that long hair on a man is shameful, appealing to common sense and cultural norms to support Paul’s argument. This shows how God’s design is reflected in natural distinctions that inform worship decorum.

1 Corinthians 11:15

But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

Study: Long hair on a woman is her glory and is given as a covering, symbolizing honor and propriety in worship. This natural covering complements the cultural practice of head coverings, reinforcing respect and modesty.

1 Corinthians 11:16

But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

Study: Paul states that if anyone is contentious about these customs, the churches of God have no such practice, affirming unity in worship traditions. This discourages divisiveness over cultural expressions that uphold God’s order.

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.

Study: Paul begins to rebuke the Corinthians, noting that their gatherings are causing harm rather than good, highlighting the need for correction in worship behavior. This sets the stage for addressing abuses of the Lord’s Supper.

1 Corinthians 11:18

For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

Study: Divisions among the Corinthians are evident when they meet, revealing underlying conflicts that disrupt the church’s unity. Paul’s partial belief indicates the seriousness of these reports and the need for repentance.

1 Corinthians 11:19

For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

Study: Heresies exist among them so that those approved may be revealed, showing that trials expose true faith and character. This theological insight shows God’s providence in allowing challenges for purification.

1 Corinthians 11:20

When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper.

Study: Their gatherings fail to be proper observances of the Lord’s Supper, indicating a loss of reverence and order. This rebuke calls the church to restore the sacredness of this covenant meal.

1 Corinthians 11:21

For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.

Study: Some eat selfishly before others, causing hunger and drunkenness, revealing a lack of love and respect. This behavior contradicts the unity and equality that the Lord’s Supper symbolizes.

1 Corinthians 11:22

What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.

Study: Paul questions whether they have no homes to eat and drink, condemning their disrespect for the church and poorer members. This sharp rebuke exposes the social injustice harming the community’s witness.

1 Corinthians 11:23

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

Study: Paul recounts receiving from the Lord the institution of the Lord’s Supper on the night Jesus was betrayed, grounding the practice in divine authority. This establishes the sacred origin and significance of the ordinance.

1 Corinthians 11:24

And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

Study: Jesus gave thanks, broke the bread, and identified it as His body broken for us, commanding remembrance. This act symbolizes Christ’s sacrifice and calls believers to remember His atonement with gratitude.

1 Corinthians 11:25

After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

Study: Jesus took the cup as the new testament in His blood, instructing believers to drink in remembrance of Him. This points to the new covenant sealed by Christ’s blood, central to Christian faith.

1 Corinthians 11:26

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

Study: Eating the bread and drinking the cup proclaims the Lord’s death until He comes, linking the ordinance to Christ’s return. This verse connects worship with eschatological hope and ongoing testimony.

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.

Study: Eating and drinking unworthily brings guilt of Christ’s body and blood, warning against irreverence. This solemn caution calls for reverence and self-examination to avoid judgment.

1 Corinthians 11:28

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

Study: Believers must examine themselves before partaking, promoting holiness and awareness of Christ’s sacrifice. This practical instruction safeguards the community’s purity and honors God.

1 Corinthians 11:29

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

Study: Unworthy participation brings judgment and condemnation because of failure to discern the Lord’s body, highlighting the spiritual seriousness of the ordinance. This explains why some suffer weakness and sickness as consequences.

1 Corinthians 11:30

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

Study: Many Corinthians are weak, sick, or have died due to unworthy participation, showing God’s discipline within the church. This sobering reality urges repentance and careful observance.

1 Corinthians 11:31

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

Study: If believers judged themselves rightly, they would avoid external judgment, emphasizing personal responsibility in holiness. This encourages ongoing self-reflection and repentance.

1 Corinthians 11:32

But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Study: God’s chastening aims to prevent condemnation with the world, revealing His loving discipline to restore rather than destroy. This theological truth comforts believers facing correction.

1 Corinthians 11:33

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

Study: Paul instructs believers to wait for one another when they come together to eat, promoting unity and care. This practical advice fosters mutual respect and orderly worship.

1 Corinthians 11:34

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.

Study: Those who are hungry should eat at home to avoid judgment when gathering, showing sensitivity to others and proper order. Paul promises to address remaining issues personally, underscoring pastoral care.

1 Corinthians 11 addresses proper conduct in worship, emphasizing God’s design for headship and the significance of cultural symbols like head coverings. Paul rebukes the Corinthians for divisions and selfishness during the Lord’s Supper, reminding them of its sacred origin and meaning. He calls for self-examination and reverence to avoid judgment and maintain unity. This chapter teaches believers to honor God’s order, respect one another, and approach worship with humility and hope in Christ’s return.

Lord, help us to worship You with reverence and unity, honoring Your design for relationships and the sacredness of the Lord’s Supper. Teach us to examine our hearts, love one another deeply, and live in readiness for Christ’s return. May our gatherings reflect Your glory and grace, drawing others to Your kingdom. Amen.

• Pray daily for a heart of humility and reverence in worship.
• Read and meditate on 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 to deepen your understanding of the Lord’s Supper.
• Reflect on your relationships and seek to honor God’s design in your family and church community.
• Examine your heart before participating in communion this week, asking God for cleansing and unity.
• Encourage your church community to foster patience and respect during gatherings.
• Journal about how Christ’s sacrifice and return motivate your worship and daily living.
• Worship God with gratitude for His order and grace revealed through Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 11 teaches the importance of honoring God’s established order in worship and relationships, emphasizing respect, unity, and reverence. Paul corrects abuses in the Lord’s Supper, urging self-examination and care for one another. This chapter calls believers to reflect Christ’s glory in how they gather, worship, and live in hopeful anticipation of His return.

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