Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 1:11

What does 1 Corinthians 1:11 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 1:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 1:11 means

Paul has received credible reports from “them that are of the household of Chloe” that quarrels exist among the Corinthians. He does not rely on rumor; he names a source known to the church, showing integrity and transparency. The presence of contentions reveals that their giftedness has been hijacked by pride and rivalry. A loving pastor addresses real issues directly. By acknowledging the problem’s visibility to others, Paul heightens the urgency: their internal strife dishonors the gospel’s testimony. Naming Chloe’s household also models accountability; faithful believers should speak up for the church’s health, even when it risks discomfort, so that truth and unity may be restored.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For it hath been signified unto me concerning you, my brethren, by them that are of the household of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For it hath been signified unto me concerning you, my brethren, by them that are of the household of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Because it has come to my knowledge, through those of the house of Chloe, that there are divisions among you, my brothers.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for it was signified to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe, that contentions are among you;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For it hath been signified unto me, my brethren, of you, by them that are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For it has been shewn to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of [the house of] Chloe, that there are strifes among you.

Context

After calling for unity (verse 10), Paul substantiates the need with a specific report. This prepares for verse 12, where he will describe the factions by name. The sequence is careful: he appeals, then provides evidence, then diagnoses the problem. From there, he will ask penetrating questions (verse 13) and clarify his own ministry to remove grounds for party spirit (verses 14–17). This movement from general plea to concrete detail helps the church face reality and receive correction.

v.10Now I beseech you, brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

v.11This passage

v.12Now this I mean, that each one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Timothy 2:23

    But foolish and ignorant questionings refuse, knowing that they gender strifes.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:20

    For I fear, lest by any means, when I come, I should find you not such as I would, and should myself be found of you such as ye would not; lest by any means there should be strife, jealousy, wraths, factions, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults;

  • 1 Corinthians 11:18

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

  • Galatians 5:20

    idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties,

  • 1 Timothy 6:4

    he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but doting about questionings and disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

  • James 4:1

    Whence comewars and whence come fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your pleasures that war in your members?

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