1 Corinthians 11:34 – “Anyone who is hungry should eat something at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment. And when I come, I will give further directions.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Paul is finishing his correction regarding the Corinthian church’s behavior at the Lord’s Supper. Throughout 1 Corinthians 11:17-33, he has been addressing the selfishness and division that had crept into their gatherings. Some were treating communion as a feast, eating and drinking excessively, while others went without.

Here, Paul provides a practical solution: If you’re just hungry, eat at home. In other words, the Lord’s Supper is not about satisfying physical hunger—it is about remembering Jesus’ sacrifice.

The second part of the verse explains why this is important: “so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.” The Corinthians had been experiencing God’s discipline because they were treating communion disrespectfully (1 Corinthians 11:29-30). By eating at home beforehand, they would be better prepared to focus on the spiritual meaning of the Lord’s Supper rather than using it as an occasion for self-indulgence.

Paul ends with “And when I come, I will give further directions,” showing that he planned to address other concerns when he visited them in person. This indicates that there was still more to correct and that Paul wanted to guide them further in their worship and church practices.

Historical Context

The early church often combined the Lord’s Supper with a larger communal meal, sometimes called an “agape feast” (Jude 1:12). Ideally, these meals were meant to promote fellowship and unity, but in Corinth, they had become a source of division.

In Roman society, social classes were sharply divided. Wealthy individuals often ate first and had better food and more wine, while the poor got whatever was left—if anything at all. Sadly, this worldly attitude had crept into the church. Instead of seeing each other as equal in Christ, the wealthy were acting selfishly, turning the Lord’s Supper into a time of excess rather than reverence.

Paul corrects this by reminding them that the Lord’s Supper is about Christ’s body and blood—not personal satisfaction. If someone was just looking for a meal, they should eat at home so that communion could remain a sacred and unifying experience.

Theological Implications

1. Communion Is Not About Physical Hunger – The Lord’s Supper is a time of spiritual reflection, not a meal to satisfy cravings.
2. God Judges Careless Worship – Taking communion lightly can bring discipline from God (1 Corinthians 11:29-30).
3. Worship Should Promote Unity – The church is one body, and selfishness has no place in it (1 Corinthians 10:16-17).
4. Practical Changes Can Help Honor God – Sometimes, small adjustments—like eating at home—can help believers focus on what truly matters in worship.

This verse reminds believers that our approach to worship matters to God—it should never be driven by selfish motives but by a heart that honors Christ and serves others.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s writing here is direct and practical:

• “Anyone who is hungry should eat something at home” – A simple but necessary instruction to correct their misuse of the Lord’s Supper.
• “So that when you meet together it may not result in judgment” – A reminder that improper worship brings consequences.
• “When I come, I will give further directions” – Shows that Paul had more to teach them, demonstrating his ongoing pastoral care for the Corinthian church.

Paul’s tone is both corrective and pastoral—he is calling out their mistakes but also providing a clear solution and offering to give them further guidance.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Acts 2:42 – The early believers devoted themselves to breaking bread together, emphasizing unity.
• Matthew 26:26-28 – Jesus establishes the Lord’s Supper as a remembrance of His body and blood.
• 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 – Communion represents fellowship and unity in the body of Christ.
• Philippians 2:3-4 – Believers are called to consider others above themselves, which contrasts with the selfish behavior in Corinth.
• Hebrews 12:6-7 – God disciplines those He loves, just as He was disciplining the Corinthians for their careless approach to communion.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse is a call to approach communion with reverence and unity.

Some key takeaways:

• Examine your motives before taking communion. Are you approaching it with humility and gratitude, or just going through the motions?
• Worship is not about personal gain. Communion is not about filling our stomachs—it’s about remembering Christ and living in unity with fellow believers.
• Be mindful of how your actions affect others. Just as the Corinthians’ behavior caused division, Christians today should be careful not to let pride, selfishness, or personal preferences disrupt the unity of the church.
• Make practical changes if necessary. Sometimes, small adjustments—like Paul’s instruction to eat at home—can help us worship God more effectively.

This verse reminds Christians that church is not about personal comfort—it’s about coming together as one body to worship Jesus.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Some might see God’s judgment in this passage as harsh, but it actually shows His love and concern for His people.

• God disciplines because He cares – Just as a loving father corrects his child, God corrects His people so they can worship Him rightly (Hebrews 12:6).
• God desires unity in His family – He wants His people to treat each other with respect, love, and equality (John 17:21).
• God provides clear instructions – Through Paul, God is not only correcting the Corinthians but helping them improve their worship practices.

This verse shows that God’s discipline is always aimed at restoration—He does not correct to harm but to bring His people closer to Him and to one another.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is at the center of this verse because He is the reason for communion.

• John 6:35 – Jesus is the Bread of Life; communion reminds believers of their dependence on Him.
• Luke 22:19-20 – Jesus gave His disciples the Lord’s Supper as a way to remember His sacrifice.
• Mark 10:45 – Jesus came to serve, setting an example of humility—unlike the Corinthians who were acting selfishly.
• Ephesians 5:2 – Christ’s love was sacrificial, and believers should reflect that same love in how they treat one another.

When believers take communion, they should do so with hearts that are focused on Jesus, filled with gratitude, and committed to unity with one another.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever approached communion with the wrong motives? How can you change your attitude?
2. How can you make sure that your worship reflects love and unity rather than selfishness?
3. Are there any small changes you could make in your worship practices to help you focus more on Christ?
4. Do you see God’s discipline as a sign of His love? Why or why not?
5. How does understanding the true meaning of communion deepen your relationship with Jesus?