What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 11:31?

Now

• Paul shifts from describing the Corinthians’ misuse of the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:17-30) to the remedy. The adverb “now” signals an immediate, practical application rather than a distant theological idea.

• The context is a family discussion inside the church, not the final judgment of unbelievers (compare 1 Corinthians 5:12-13; 1 Peter 4:17).

• Paul wants believers to act “now,” in real time, during each gathering, echoing his earlier calls for decisive obedience (2 Corinthians 6:2; Hebrews 3:13).

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if we judged ourselves properly

• “Judged” here means honest self-examination—looking at our motives, attitudes, and actions when we approach the Lord’s Table.

– Psalm 139:23-24 models inviting God’s searchlight.

– Lamentations 3:40 urges, “Let us examine and test our ways.”

– 2 Corinthians 13:5 instructs believers to “examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.”

• “Properly” points to doing it God’s way:

– In light of Scripture (James 1:23-25).

– With sincerity, not mere ritual (Isaiah 1:16-17).

– Leading to confession and realignment (1 John 1:9).

• Practical steps:

– Pause before communion, recalling Christ’s sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:26).

– Ask the Spirit to reveal unconfessed sin.

– Make things right with brothers and sisters (Matthew 5:23-24).

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we would not come under judgment

• God’s judgment for believers here is disciplinary, not condemnatory (Hebrews 12:5-11).

• By self-judgment we avoid the heavier hand of divine discipline, illustrated by the sickness and even death some experienced in Corinth (1 Corinthians 11:30).

• This is consistent with Jesus’ promise: “Whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come into judgment” (John 5:24). The believer’s eternal destiny is secure, but temporal discipline remains a loving reality (Revelation 3:19).

• Romans 8:1 underscores the difference: “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” yet daily accountability still matters (Romans 14:10-12).

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summary

When believers commit to ongoing, Spirit-led self-examination, confessing and forsaking sin, they align themselves with God’s holiness and avoid the painful discipline meant to correct wayward children. 1 Corinthians 11:31 invites us to judge ourselves now so the Father need not intervene later.