Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 11:32

What does 1 Corinthians 11:32 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 11:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 11:32 means

When God’s people are judged, they are disciplined by the Lord so that they will not be condemned with the world. Paul reframes the hardships in Corinth as fatherly chastening, not wrathful doom. The purpose is protective and purifying. This teaches the church to receive correction with humility and gratitude, knowing it keeps them from greater harm. The Lord’s Table thus remains a place of grace, even when it exposes sin. God’s discipline aims at restoration, leading the church back to reverent, loving observance that truly proclaims Christ’s death and anticipates His return.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But if punishment does come, it is sent by the Lord, so that we may be safe when the world is judged.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and being judged by the Lord, we are chastened, that with the world we may not be condemned;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But whilst we are judged, we are chastised by the Lord, that we be not condemned with this world.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But being judged, we are disciplined of [the] Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

Context

This theological clarification caps the warning section. It interprets the weakness, sickness, and death (verse 30) through a lens of divine love and purpose. With this understanding, Paul can now transition to simple, actionable instructions that immediately correct the abuses: wait for one another and, if hungry, eat at home (verses 33–34). These steps will help ensure that their gatherings no longer invite judgment but become occasions of mutual edification.

v.31But if we discerned ourselves, we should not be judged.

v.32This passage

v.33Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, wait one for another.

Cross references

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

  • Deuteronomy 8:5

    And thou shalt consider in thy heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so Jehovah thy God chasteneth thee.

  • 1 John 5:19

    We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in the evil one.

  • Job 33:18

    He keepeth back his soul from the pit, And his life from perishing by the sword.

  • Psalms 94:12

    Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Jehovah, And teachest out of thy law;

  • Job 34:31

    For hath any said unto God, I have bornechastisement, I will not offend any more:

  • Isaiah 1:5

    Why will ye be still stricken, that ye revolt more and more? the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.

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