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  • 1 Corinthians 11
  • New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

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Overview of 1 Corinthians

    • E. CONSIDERATION FOR THE SPIRITUAL WELFARE OF FELLOW BELIEVERS (8:1–11:1)

      • 1. About food offered to idols (8:1-13)

        • Love superior to knowledge (8:1-3)

        • Avoid stumbling others over the eating of food offered to idols (8:4-13)

      • 2. Paul’s example as an apostle (9:1-27)

        • Right of ministers to receive material help (9:1-18)

        • Becoming all things to people of all sorts (9:19-23)

        • Self-control needed in the race for life (9:24-27)

      • 3. Warning examples from Israel’s history (10:1-22)

        • The Israelites in the wilderness (10:1-5)

        • Warnings against greediness, idolatry, immorality, and other evil things (10:6-11)

        • No one tempted beyond what he can bear (10:12, 13)

        • “Flee from idolatry”; reject the table of demons (10:14-22)

      • 4. Using Christian freedom in a considerate way (10:23–11:1)

        • “All things are lawful, but not all things build up” (10:23, 24)

        • Showing consideration for the conscience of others (10:25-30)

        • Doing all things for God’s glory; imitating Paul and Christ (10:31–11:1)

    • F. INSTRUCTIONS FOR ORDERLY WORSHIP IN THE CONGREGATION (11:2–14:40)

      • Respect for Christian headship; principle of head covering (11:2-16)

      • Showing respect for the Lord’s Evening Meal (11:17-34)

      • Gifts of the spirit (12:1-11)

      • One body, many members (12:12-31a)

      • Love​—a surpassing way (12:31b–13:13)

      • Gifts of prophecy and of tongues (14:1-25)

      • Maintaining orderliness at Christian meetings (14:26-40)

1 Corinthians 11:1

Marginal References

  • +Php 3:17; 2Th 3:9

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    12/15/2010, p. 12

    1/15/1983, p. 12

    7/1/1977, p. 407

    1/1/1976, p. 14

    3/1/1974, p. 149

    2/15/1973, p. 99

    12/15/1972, p. 757

    2/1/1966, pp. 80-81

    2/15/1964, pp. 113-115

    7/15/1963, pp. 430-432

    7/1/1963, pp. 408-410

    6/15/1961, pp. 372-374

    4/1/1961, pp. 195-196

    2/15/1961, pp. 122-123

    8/15/1960, pp. 485-486

  • Publications Index

    w10 12/15 12;

    w83 1/15 12; w77 407; w76 14; w74 149; w73 99; w72 757; w66 80; w64 114; w63 409, 431; g62 4/22 3; w61 123, 196, 373; w60 485

1 Corinthians 11:2

  • the traditions: The Greek word pa·raʹdo·sis, here rendered “traditions,” refers to something handed down, such as information, instructions, or practices that have been conveyed to others to follow. The word as used in the Christian Greek Scriptures is sometimes applied to beneficial traditions, that is, traditions that were proper or acceptable aspects of true worship. (2Th 2:15; 3:6) For example, the information that the apostle Paul received regarding the observance of the Lord’s Evening Meal could properly be passed on to the Christian congregations as acceptable Christian tradition. (1Co 11:23) The same Greek expression is often applied to traditions that were in error or that were followed or viewed in a way that made them harmful and objectionable.​—Mt 15:2, 3; Mr 7:3, 5, 13; Col 2:8.

Marginal References

  • +1Co 4:17; 2Th 2:15; 3:6

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    12/1/1995, pp. 3-4

    12/1/1988, p. 7

    8/15/1963, pp. 485-487

  • Publications Index

    w95 12/1 3-4; w88 12/1 7;

    w63 486; w46 329

1 Corinthians 11:3

Marginal References

  • +Ro 14:9; Eph 4:15; Col 2:10
  • +Eph 5:23, 33; 1Pe 3:1, 2
  • +1Co 15:27, 28

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower (Study),

    2/2021, pp. 2-3

    Insight, Volume 1, pp. 1051, 1054-1055

    The Watchtower,

    11/15/2015, pp. 22-23

    5/15/2010, pp. 8-16

    5/15/2009, p. 20

    2/15/2007, pp. 13-17

    1/15/2007, p. 6

    8/1/1999, pp. 19-20

    9/1/1998, p. 15

    6/1/1995, p. 27

    7/1/1994, p. 21

    5/15/1980, p. 6

    9/15/1977, pp. 550-552

    2/15/1977, pp. 125-126

    8/1/1975, p. 464

    7/15/1975, pp. 433-434

    12/1/1972, pp. 730-731, 736

    5/1/1972, pp. 266, 270-271

    4/1/1964, pp. 200-201

    3/15/1964, pp. 172-174, 180-182

    2/15/1963, pp. 122-124

    2/1/1963, p. 78

    11/1/1962, pp. 652-653

    9/1/1962, pp. 539-541

    9/15/1961, pp. 551-552

    4/1/1955, pp. 208-210

    4/15/1952, pp. 253-255

    Awake!,

    7/8/2004, pp. 26-27

    12/8/1996, p. 15

    8/8/1977, pp. 27-28

    2/22/1973, p. 28

    2/22/1972, p. 7

    Worship God, pp. 153-154

    Family Happiness, pp. 31-32

    Knowledge, pp. 134-136

    Live Forever, p. 240

    Reasoning, p. 410

    True Peace, pp. 136-138

    Good News, p. 163

    Peace and Security, pp. 139-142

  • Publications Index

    w21.02 2-3; it-1 1051, 1054-1055; w15 11/15 22-23; w10 5/15 8-16; w09 5/15 20; w07 1/15 6; w07 2/15 13-17; g04 7/8 26-27; wt 154; w99 8/1 19; w98 9/1 15; fy 31-32; g96 12/8 15; w95 6/1 27; kl 134-136; w94 7/1 21; pe 240; rs 410; tp 136-138;

    w80 5/15 6; fl 41-44; w77 125-126; w77 550-552; g77 8/8 28; gh 163; w75 433-434; w75 464; tp73 139-141; g73 2/22 28; w72 266, 270-271, 730-731, 736; g72 2/22 7; ad 726; g67 8/22 27; w64 173, 181, 200; g64 12/8 28; w63 78, 123; ln 46; g63 3/22 6; g63 12/8 9, 14; w62 540, 652; w61 552; g61 5/8 10; w55 209; w52 254; el 151; v-1 157

1 Corinthians 11:4

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, p. 1052

    The Watchtower,

    5/1/1977, p. 287

    2/15/1977, pp. 125-128

    3/15/1964, pp. 180-182

    12/1/1960, pp. 718-719

  • Publications Index

    it-1 1052;

    w77 125-128; w77 287; w64 181; w60 719

1 Corinthians 11:5

  • uncovered: Or “unveiled.” In Jewish society and in parts of the ancient Greco-Roman world, many considered it a sign of modesty for women to cover their hair, or to be veiled, in public. According to what Paul says in this chapter, first-century Christian women also covered their heads. It appears that some women, including sorceresses and priestesses of various cults, removed their veils and let their hair hang disheveled when claiming to be under a supernatural power. Such conduct in the Christian congregation would have shown disrespect for Jehovah’s arrangement of headship and subjection. This may be why Paul provided counsel on this topic to the Corinthian Christians.​—1Co 11:3-10; see study notes on 1Co 11:10, 15.

    a woman with a shaved head: According to what Paul states here, it was considered disgraceful for a woman to have her head shaved or to have her hair cut short. This may have been because a shaved head was common only among slaves and possibly among women who had been caught in adultery. Additionally, the Hebrew Scriptures speak of women who saw their “beautiful hairstyle” changed into “baldness,” a sign of mourning. (Isa 3:24) While the exact details are not clear, Paul compares the shame that such a woman would feel to that of a woman in the Christian congregation who prayed or prophesied without wearing a head covering. Her disgrace would be as extreme as having her hair completely shaved off and would show disrespect for God’s headship principle.​—1Co 11:3-10; see study note on 1Co 11:15.

Media

  • Head Coverings

    1 Corinthians 11:5, 6

Marginal References

  • +Joe 2:28; Ac 21:8, 9

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, pp. 246, 1021, 1054

    “God’s Love,” pp. 209-210

    The Watchtower,

    11/15/2009, pp. 12-13

    7/15/2002, pp. 26-27

    5/1/1977, p. 287

    2/15/1977, pp. 125-128

    4/15/1973, p. 255

    7/15/1972, pp. 446-447

    3/15/1964, pp. 180-182

    3/15/1960, pp. 190-192

    9/1/1951, pp. 543-544

    9/1/1950, p. 303

    Reasoning, pp. 433-434

    United in Worship, p. 122

  • Publications Index

    it-1 246, 1021, 1054; lv 209-210; w09 11/15 12-13; w02 7/15 26-27; rs 433-434;

    uw 122; w77 125-128; w77 287; w73 255; w72 446-447; ad 184; li 253; w64 181; w60 191; w51 543; w50 303; el 160; w49 136

1 Corinthians 11:6

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, pp. 246, 1021, 1053-1054

    Insight, Volume 2, p. 475

    The Watchtower,

    2/15/1977, p. 127

    3/15/1968, pp. 191-192

    3/15/1964, pp. 180-182

    10/1/1951, pp. 607-608

  • Publications Index

    it-1 246, 1021, 1053; it-2 475;

    w77 127; ad 184, 1207; w68 191; w64 181; w51 608; el 160; w49 136

1 Corinthians 11:7

Marginal References

  • +Ge 1:27

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, p. 1052

    Insight, Volume 2, p. 304

    Reasoning, pp. 433-434

    Choosing, p. 80

    Awake!,

    4/8/1978, p. 18

    10/8/1971, p. 19

    The Watchtower,

    2/15/1977, p. 126

    7/15/1972, pp. 445-446

    12/1/1965, pp. 718-720

    3/15/1964, pp. 180-182

  • Publications Index

    it-1 1052; it-2 304; rs 433-434;

    bw 80; g78 4/8 18; w77 126; w72 445-446; ad 725, 1101; g71 10/8 19; w65 719; w64 181; w48 149

1 Corinthians 11:8

Marginal References

  • +Ge 2:22, 23; 1Ti 2:13

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, p. 1052

    Reasoning, pp. 433-434

    The Watchtower,

    3/15/1964, pp. 181-183

    5/1/1951, pp. 277-278

  • Publications Index

    it-1 1052; rs 433-434;

    ad 725; w64 182; g63 1/8 28; ns 35; w51 277

1 Corinthians 11:9

Marginal References

  • +Ge 2:18

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, p. 1052

    The Watchtower,

    11/1/1962, pp. 652-653

    5/1/1951, pp. 277-278

  • Publications Index

    it-1 1052;

    ad 725; g63 1/8 28; g63 12/8 14; w62 652; ns 35; w51 277

1 Corinthians 11:10

  • a sign of authority: In this chapter, Paul gives direction regarding the headship arrangement. (1Co 11:3) Here he discusses the head covering that a Christian woman should wear when she is praying or prophesying in the congregation. It is “a sign of authority,” that is, a visible proof even to the angels that the woman acknowledges the role of leadership that God has assigned to appointed men in the congregation. Wearing a head covering under certain circumstances shows that a woman willingly submits to congregation “authority.”​—1Co 11:4-6; see study notes on 1Co 11:5, 15.

Marginal References

  • +1Co 4:9

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, pp. 1051-1052, 1053-1054

    “God’s Love,” pp. 211-212

    The Watchtower,

    5/15/2009, p. 24

    7/15/2002, p. 27

    2/15/1977, p. 126

    7/15/1972, p. 447

    3/15/1964, pp. 181-183

    12/1/1961, pp. 719-721

    1/15/1961, pp. 57-59

    9/1/1951, pp. 543-544

    Reasoning, pp. 433-434

  • Publications Index

    it-1 1051-1054; lv 211-212; w09 5/15 24; w02 7/15 27; rs 433-434;

    w77 126; w72 447; ad 724-726; li 245; w64 182; w61 58, 720; w51 543; el 160; w49 137

1 Corinthians 11:11

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    3/15/1964, pp. 182-183

  • Publications Index

    w64 183; w49 137

1 Corinthians 11:12

Marginal References

  • +Ge 2:21, 22
  • +1Co 8:6

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Awake!,

    5/22/1972, p. 10

    The Watchtower,

    12/1/1965, pp. 713-714

    3/15/1964, pp. 182-183

  • Publications Index

    g72 5/22 10; w65 714; w64 183; g63 1/8 28; w49 137

1 Corinthians 11:13

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, pp. 1052-1053

    United in Worship, p. 122

    The Watchtower,

    3/15/1964, pp. 181-183

    9/1/1951, pp. 543-544

  • Publications Index

    it-1 1052-1053;

    uw 122; ad 725; w64 182; w51 543

1 Corinthians 11:14

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, pp. 1052-1054

    Insight, Volume 2, p. 475

    Awake!,

    4/22/1979, p. 27

    The Watchtower,

    2/15/1977, p. 127

    3/1/1973, p. 140

    11/1/1972, p. 667

    3/15/1968, pp. 191-192

    3/15/1964, pp. 181-183

    6/1/1961, pp. 340-342

    10/1/1951, pp. 607-608

    Youth, pp. 55-56

  • Publications Index

    it-1 1052-1053; it-2 475;

    g79 4/22 27; w77 127; yy 55-56; w73 140; w72 667; ad 725-726, 1207; w68 191; w64 182; w61 341; w51 608; w35 378

1 Corinthians 11:15

  • given to her instead of a covering: The Greek word rendered “covering” (pe·ri·boʹlai·on) appears only here in the Christian Greek Scriptures. It means something that one throws around oneself, such as a wrap that covers the head and shoulders. Among Jews and Greeks, hair length was a means of readily distinguishing a person’s gender. Slave women and possibly some women caught in adultery had their heads shaved or their hair cut short. (See study note on 1Co 11:5.) The long hair of a woman was a natural reminder of her submission to headship. (1Co 11:3) A woman who wore a form of head covering as “a sign of authority” when praying or prophesying in the Christian congregation demonstrated before others, including the angels, her recognition of the headship principle.​—1Co 11:3-16; see study note on 1Co 11:10.

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, pp. 654, 1052-1054

    The Watchtower,

    3/1/1973, p. 140

    11/1/1972, p. 667

    3/15/1968, pp. 191-192

    3/15/1964, pp. 181-183

    12/1/1961, pp. 719-721

  • Publications Index

    it-1 654, 1052-1053;

    w73 140; w72 667; ad 468, 725-726; w68 191; w64 182; w61 720; g61 7/22 17; el 162; w49 138

1 Corinthians 11:16

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, pp. 1052-1053

    The Watchtower,

    8/1/1972, p. 457

    3/15/1964, pp. 182-183

  • Publications Index

    it-1 1052-1053;

    w72 457; ad 725; w64 183; w49 138

1 Corinthians 11:17

Indexes

  • Publications Index

    w43 77; w41 45

1 Corinthians 11:18

  • divisions: See study note on 1Co 1:10.

Footnotes

  • *

    Or “keep on hearing.”

Marginal References

  • +1Co 1:10; 3:3

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    6/1/1980, p. 31

  • Publications Index

    w80 6/1 31; li 122; w43 77

1 Corinthians 11:19

  • sects among you: As mentioned in the preceding verse, Paul had heard reports that “divisions” existed in the Corinthian congregation. He indicated that the very existence of these factions among them would reveal individuals who were approved from God’s standpoint. Those who avoided such divisive groups and humbly did what they could to promote love and unity would stand out as faithful, showing themselves to be genuine Christians with pure motives. This is how sects or divisions served to identify those who had God’s approval.​—For a discussion of the term “sect,” see study note on Ac 24:5.

Marginal References

  • +Ac 20:29, 30; 1Co 1:12; 1Ti 4:1; 2Pe 2:1
  • +De 13:3; 1Jo 2:19

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 2, p. 886

    The Watchtower,

    9/15/1983, p. 15

    6/1/1980, p. 31

  • Publications Index

    it-2 886;

    w83 9/15 15; w80 6/1 31; ad 1464; li 122; w43 77

1 Corinthians 11:20

  • the Lord’s Evening Meal: Or “the Lord’s Supper.” This expression, which occurs only once in the Christian Greek Scriptures, refers to the observance that the Lord Jesus Christ instituted before his death, on Nisan 14. The meal consists of unleavened bread and wine as symbols of Christ’s body and blood. The first observance of this evening meal and the events surrounding it were reported by two eyewitnesses and participants, Matthew and John. (Mt 26:17-30; Joh 13:1-38) Mark and Luke, though not present on the occasion, filled in some details. (Mr 14:17-26; Lu 22:7-39) In giving instructions to the Corinthian congregation, Paul provides further enlightenment on some of its features. (1Co 10:16-22; 11:20-34) According to Luke’s and Paul’s accounts, Jesus told his disciples: “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” (Lu 22:19; 1Co 11:24, 25) Or as other translations say: “Keep on doing this in memory of me”; “Do this as a memorial of me.” Therefore, it is also appropriately called the Memorial. The purpose of the Lord’s Evening Meal is to commemorate Jesus’ death, the only event that the Scriptures command Christians to observe.

Marginal References

  • +Lu 22:19, 20

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Enjoy Life Forever!, lesson 28

    The Watchtower,

    1/15/1951, pp. 44-45

  • Publications Index

    lff lesson 28;

    li 121; w51 44; w43 77

1 Corinthians 11:21

  • one is hungry but another is intoxicated: Paul reproves the Corinthian Christians because instead of observing this sacred occasion in a united, dignified manner, a few brought their own supper with them to eat before or during the meeting. Among these, some overindulged in wine and became intoxicated. Others had no supper, were hungry, and felt shamed in the presence of those who had much. Drowsy or distracted, such Christians were in no condition to participate in or appreciate the Lord’s Evening Meal.

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, pp. 656-657

    Insight, Volume 2, p. 271

    The Watchtower,

    2/15/1990, p. 19

  • Publications Index

    it-1 656-657; it-2 271; w90 2/15 19;

    ad 469, 1078; li 121; w43 77

1 Corinthians 11:22

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, pp. 812-813

    The Watchtower,

    6/15/1961, pp. 363-364

    5/1/1957, pp. 276-278

  • Publications Index

    it-1 812-813;

    ad 568; li 121; w61 364; w57 277; w43 77

1 Corinthians 11:23

  • I received from the Lord: Since Paul was not present with Jesus and the 11 apostles at the institution of the Lord’s Evening Meal on Nisan 14, 33 C.E., the information that Paul provides was apparently “received from the Lord” by inspired revelation or by oral reports. Although a few translations have used the divine name here, the Greek term Kyʹri·os (“Lord”) apparently refers to the Lord Jesus Christ in this context.

Marginal References

  • +Mt 26:20; Lu 22:14

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    3/15/2004, p. 4

    2/15/2003, pp. 12-13

    3/15/1993, pp. 4-5

    2/15/1990, pp. 15-17

    4/1/1974, p. 200

    7/1/1964, pp. 393-395

    8/15/1963, pp. 485-487

    4/1/1963, pp. 197-199

    3/1/1962, pp. 140-142

  • Publications Index

    w04 3/15 4; w03 2/15 12-13; w93 3/15 4-5; w90 2/15 15-17;

    w74 200; w64 394; w63 198, 486; w62 141; g61 12/22 27

1 Corinthians 11:24

  • means: See study note on Mt 26:26.

Marginal References

  • +Mt 26:26; Mr 14:22; Ro 7:4; 1Co 10:17
  • +Lu 22:19

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    12/15/2013, pp. 24-25

    3/15/2004, p. 4

    3/15/1994, pp. 3-4

    3/15/1993, p. 6

    2/15/1990, pp. 15-17

    2/15/1985, pp. 12-13

    3/1/1980, pp. 9-10

    4/1/1974, p. 200

    4/1/1965, pp. 199-200

    3/15/1964, pp. 168-170

    4/1/1963, pp. 197-199

    3/1/1962, pp. 140-142

    7/1/1959, pp. 409-411

    4/1/1957, pp. 195-197

    1/15/1956, pp. 48-50

    Kingdom Ministry,

    3/1973, p. 3

    Great Teacher, pp. 168-170

  • Publications Index

    w13 12/15 24-25; w04 3/15 4; w94 3/15 3-4; w93 3/15 6; w90 2/15 15-17;

    w85 2/15 12-13; w80 3/1 10; w74 200; km 3/73 3; te 168-170; w65 200; w64 169; w63 198; w62 141; w59 410; yw 155; w57 195, 197; w56 49

1 Corinthians 11:25

Marginal References

  • +Mt 26:27; Mr 14:23; 1Co 10:16
  • +Jer 31:31; Heb 8:8; 9:15
  • +Ex 24:8; Lu 22:20; Heb 9:13, 14; 1Pe 1:18, 19
  • +Ex 12:14

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 2, pp. 268-269

    The Watchtower,

    12/15/2013, p. 25

    1/1/2003, p. 31

    3/15/1994, pp. 3-4

    3/15/1993, p. 6

    2/15/1990, pp. 15-16, 17-18

    4/1/1974, p. 200

    12/15/1971, p. 745

    2/15/1966, pp. 105-106

    3/1/1964, p. 159

    4/1/1963, pp. 197-200

    3/1/1962, pp. 140-142

    7/1/1959, pp. 409-411

    Great Teacher, pp. 168-170

  • Publications Index

    it-2 268-269; w13 12/15 25; w03 1/1 31; w94 3/15 3-4; w93 3/15 6; gt chapter 114; w90 2/15 15-18;

    w74 200; w71 745; ad 1076; te 168-170; w66 106; li 132; w64 159; w63 198-199; w62 141; w59 410; yw 155; w48 41; w43 77

1 Corinthians 11:26

  • whenever: In this context, Paul was discussing, not how often, but how the Memorial should be observed. In Greek (both in verse 25 and in this verse), he used the word ho·saʹkis, which means “as often as; whenever.” So Paul was saying to anointed Christians, ‘Every time that you do this,’ you keep proclaiming the death of the Lord. They do this until he comes, that is, until Jesus comes to receive them into heaven and to execute judgment. At that time, the Lord’s Evening Meal will no longer be observed.​—See study note on Mt 24:30.

Marginal References

  • +Heb 9:15

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower (Study),

    1/2018, p. 16

    Insight, Volume 2, pp. 268-269, 344

    The Watchtower,

    3/15/2010, p. 27

    7/15/2008, p. 27

    3/15/2004, pp. 6-7

    4/1/2003, p. 6

    2/15/2003, p. 13

    1/1/2003, p. 31

    3/15/1993, pp. 4-5

    2/15/1990, pp. 13-14

    2/15/1985, p. 16

    3/1/1978, pp. 6-7

    3/1/1962, pp. 140-142

    7/1/1959, pp. 409-411

    1/15/1956, pp. 57-59

    2/15/1952, pp. 112-113

    1/15/1951, pp. 44-46

  • Publications Index

    w18.01 16; it-2 268-269, 344; w10 3/15 27; w08 7/15 27; w04 3/15 6-7; w03 1/1 31; w03 2/15 13; w03 4/1 6; w93 3/15 4-5; w90 2/15 13-14;

    w85 2/15 16; w78 3/1 6-7; ad 1076; li 132, 135; w62 141; w59 410; yw 155; w56 58; w52 113; w51 45; w48 43; w43 69, 75, 77; w42 78; w39 93; w38 74; jh 108; w32 54

1 Corinthians 11:27

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower (Study),

    1/2020, pp. 27-28

    Insight, Volume 2, pp. 270, 526

    The Watchtower (Study),

    1/2016, p. 23

    The Watchtower,

    1/15/2015, pp. 15-16

    2/15/2003, pp. 17-19

    4/1/1996, pp. 6-8

    2/15/1985, p. 12

    6/15/1970, p. 384

    3/1/1962, pp. 140-142

    1/15/1956, pp. 59-61

    3/1/1953, pp. 153-155

    1/15/1951, pp. 57-58

    United in Worship, pp. 114-115

  • Publications Index

    w20.01 27-28; it-2 270, 526; w16.01 23; w15 1/15 15-16; w03 2/15 17-19; w96 4/1 6-8;

    w85 2/15 12; uw 114-115; ad 1077; w70 384; li 123; w62 141; w56 60; w53 154; w51 57; w43 77; w38 74

1 Corinthians 11:28

Marginal References

  • +2Co 13:5

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    1/15/2015, pp. 15-16

    3/15/1991, pp. 21-22

    2/15/1985, pp. 20-21

    3/15/1962, p. 169

    1/15/1951, pp. 57-58

  • Publications Index

    w15 1/15 15; w91 3/15 21-22;

    w85 2/15 20; li 123; w62 169; w51 57; w43 77

1 Corinthians 11:29

  • eats and drinks judgment against himself: The Lord’s Evening Meal is a communion meal, similar to the communion offering in ancient Israel. The worshipper could offer a sacrifice and then partake of a communion meal. (See Glossary, “Communion offering.”) However, the Mosaic Law forbade anyone from eating such a sacred meal while he was in an unclean state. If he did so, he would be “cut off from his people.” (Le 7:20, 21) Likewise, during the Lord’s Evening Meal, the spirit-anointed participants share with one another in faith, partaking of the bread and the wine, which represent Jesus’ body and blood. They also share with Jehovah, the Author of the arrangement. This meal is sacred, so Paul warns that the Christian should examine himself before the Lord’s Evening Meal. (1Co 11:27-29) One who partakes while still engaging in unclean, unscriptural, or hypocritical practices would be eating and drinking “judgment against himself” because he showed disrespect for the ransom.​—Compare Heb 10:28-31.

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    2/15/1990, pp. 19-20

    7/15/1960, pp. 447-448

    7/1/1959, pp. 410-412

    1/15/1956, pp. 59-61

    3/1/1953, pp. 153-155

    2/15/1952, pp. 109-111

    1/15/1951, pp. 57-59

  • Publications Index

    w90 2/15 19-20;

    li 123; w60 448; w59 411; yw 156; w56 60; w53 154; w52 110; w51 58; w43 77; w42 78; w34 68; jh 34

1 Corinthians 11:30

  • are sleeping in death: Lit. “are sleeping.” In this context, apparently referring to spiritual death.

Marginal References

  • +1Th 5:6

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    1/15/2015, pp. 15-16

    3/1/1953, pp. 153-155

    2/15/1952, pp. 101-103

    5/1/1951, pp. 268-270

  • Publications Index

    w15 1/15 15-16;

    w53 154; w52 102; w51 269; w43 77

1 Corinthians 11:31

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    2/15/1990, pp. 15, 19-20

  • Publications Index

    w90 2/15 15, 19-20;

    li 123; w43 77; w31 38

1 Corinthians 11:32

  • we are disciplined by Jehovah: Paul here encourages the Corinthian Christians to accept the discipline, or correction, that they received for their disrespectful conduct at the Lord’s Evening Meal. (1Co 11:27, 29) By applying the discipline, the Corinthians would avoid being condemned with the world, that is, the unrighteous world alienated from God. The Scriptures describe Jehovah as one who gives his people needed discipline as an expression of his love.​—De 11:2; Pr 3:11, 12; Jer 7:28; Heb 12:5, 6.

    disciplined by Jehovah: Paul’s words here may echo Pr 3:11, 12, which reads: “My son, do not reject the discipline of Jehovah . . . For those whom Jehovah loves he reproves.” At Pr 3:11, the divine name, represented by four Hebrew consonants (transliterated YHWH), occurs in the original Hebrew text along with the noun for “discipline.” At Heb 12:5, 6, Paul quotes these verses from Proverbs, which is why the name Jehovah is used in the main text of the New World Translation. (See App. C1.) Since similar wording is used here at 1Co 11:32 and the Greek terms for “discipline” and “to discipline” used here and at Heb 12:5, 6 are the same as those used at Pr 3:11, 12 in the Septuagint, the divine name is used in the main text of 1Co 11:32.​—See App. C3 introduction; 1Co 11:32.

Marginal References

  • +Heb 12:5
  • +2Pe 2:20; 3:7

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, p. 629

    Insight, Volume 2, p. 137

    The Watchtower,

    2/15/1990, p. 15

    5/15/1963, pp. 299-301

  • Publications Index

    it-1 629; it-2 137; w90 2/15 15;

    li 123; w63 300; w47 196; w43 77

1 Corinthians 11:33

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, pp. 812-813

    Insight, Volume 2, p. 271

  • Publications Index

    it-1 812-813; it-2 271;

    ad 568, 1078; w43 77

1 Corinthians 11:34

Marginal References

  • +1Co 11:29

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, pp. 812-813

  • Publications Index

    it-1 812-813;

    ad 568; li 123; g62 5/8 27; w43 77

Parallel Translations

Click a verse number to display parallel Bible verses.

General

1 Cor. 11:1Php 3:17; 2Th 3:9
1 Cor. 11:21Co 4:17; 2Th 2:15; 3:6
1 Cor. 11:3Ro 14:9; Eph 4:15; Col 2:10
1 Cor. 11:3Eph 5:23, 33; 1Pe 3:1, 2
1 Cor. 11:31Co 15:27, 28
1 Cor. 11:5Joe 2:28; Ac 21:8, 9
1 Cor. 11:7Ge 1:27
1 Cor. 11:8Ge 2:22, 23; 1Ti 2:13
1 Cor. 11:9Ge 2:18
1 Cor. 11:101Co 4:9
1 Cor. 11:12Ge 2:21, 22
1 Cor. 11:121Co 8:6
1 Cor. 11:181Co 1:10; 3:3
1 Cor. 11:19Ac 20:29, 30; 1Co 1:12; 1Ti 4:1; 2Pe 2:1
1 Cor. 11:19De 13:3; 1Jo 2:19
1 Cor. 11:20Lu 22:19, 20
1 Cor. 11:23Mt 26:20; Lu 22:14
1 Cor. 11:24Mt 26:26; Mr 14:22; Ro 7:4; 1Co 10:17
1 Cor. 11:24Lu 22:19
1 Cor. 11:25Mt 26:27; Mr 14:23; 1Co 10:16
1 Cor. 11:25Jer 31:31; Heb 8:8; 9:15
1 Cor. 11:25Ex 24:8; Lu 22:20; Heb 9:13, 14; 1Pe 1:18, 19
1 Cor. 11:25Ex 12:14
1 Cor. 11:26Heb 9:15
1 Cor. 11:282Co 13:5
1 Cor. 11:301Th 5:6
1 Cor. 11:32Heb 12:5
1 Cor. 11:322Pe 2:20; 3:7
1 Cor. 11:341Co 11:29
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New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)
1 Corinthians 11:1-34

The First to the Corinthians

11 Become imitators of me, just as I am of Christ.+

2 I commend you because in all things you remember me and you are holding fast the traditions just as I handed them on to you.+ 3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is the Christ;+ in turn, the head of a woman is the man;+ in turn, the head of the Christ is God.+ 4 Every man who prays or prophesies with something on his head shames his head; 5 but every woman who prays or prophesies+ with her head uncovered shames her head, for it is one and the same as if she were a woman with a shaved head. 6 For if a woman does not cover herself, she should have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or shaved, she should be covered.

7 For a man should not have his head covered, as he is God’s image+ and glory, but the woman is man’s glory. 8 For man did not come from woman, but woman came from man.+ 9 And what is more, man was not created for the sake of the woman, but woman for the sake of the man.+ 10 That is why the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels.+

11 Besides, in connection with the Lord, neither is woman separate from man nor is man separate from woman. 12 For just as the woman is from the man,+ so also the man is through the woman; but all things are from God.+ 13 Judge for yourselves: Is it fitting for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not nature itself teach you that long hair is a dishonor to a man, 15 but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? For her hair is given to her instead of a covering. 16 However, if anyone wants to argue in favor of some other custom, we have no other, nor do the congregations of God.

17 But while giving these instructions, I do not commend you, because it is, not for the better, but for the worse that you meet together. 18 For first of all, I hear* that when you come together in a congregation, divisions exist among you;+ and to an extent I believe it. 19 For there will certainly also be sects among you,+ so that those of you who are approved may also become evident.+

20 When you come together in one place, it is not really to eat the Lord’s Evening Meal.+ 21 For when you eat it, each one takes his own evening meal beforehand, so that one is hungry but another is intoxicated. 22 Do you not have houses for eating and drinking? Or do you despise the congregation of God and make those who have nothing feel ashamed? What can I say to you? Should I commend you? In this I do not commend you.

23 For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night+ on which he was going to be betrayed took a loaf, 24 and after giving thanks, he broke it and said: “This means my body,+ which is in your behalf. Keep doing this in remembrance of me.”+ 25 He did the same with the cup+ also, after they had the evening meal, saying: “This cup means the new covenant+ by virtue of my blood.+ Keep doing this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”+ 26 For whenever you eat this loaf and drink this cup, you keep proclaiming the death of the Lord,+ until he comes.

27 Therefore, whoever eats the loaf or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty respecting the body and the blood of the Lord. 28 First let a man approve himself after scrutiny,+ and only then let him eat of the loaf and drink of the cup. 29 For the one who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment against himself. 30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and quite a few are sleeping in death.+ 31 But if we would discern what we ourselves are, we would not be judged. 32 However, when we are judged, we are disciplined by Jehovah,+ so that we may not become condemned with the world.+ 33 Consequently, my brothers, when you come together to eat it, wait for one another. 34 If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so that when you come together it is not for judgment.+ But as for the remaining matters, I will put them in order when I get there.

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