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1 Corinthians 11:31

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 11:31 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But if we discerned ourselves, we should not be judged.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But if we discerned ourselves, we should not be judged.
1 Corinthians 11:31 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 11

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
28But let a man prove himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup.
29For he that eateth and drinketh, eateth and drinketh judgment unto himself, if he discern not the body.
30For this cause many among you are weak and sickly, and not a few sleep.
31But if we discerned ourselves, we should not be judged.
32But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.
33Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, wait one for another.
34If any man is hungry, let him eat at home; that your coming together be not unto judgment. And the rest will I set in order whensoever I come.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For if we would judge ourselves, etc.] Examine, try, and prove ourselves as above directed, before we eat and drink; or condemn ourselves, by confessing, acknowledging, and mourning over sin, and by repentance for it; or separate ourselves from the company of profane sinners, come out from among them, and touch not their unclean things; or join with them in their unfruitful works of darkness: we should not be judged; by the Lord; he would not inflict these diseases, sicknesses, and death.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“if we would judge ourselves--Most of the oldest manuscripts, read "But," not "For." Translate also literally "If we duly judged ourselves, we should not be (or not have been) judged," that is, we should escape (or have escaped) our present judgments. In order to duly judge or "discern [appreciate] the Lord's body," we need to "duly judge ourselves." A prescient warning against the dogma of priestly absolution after full confession, as the necessary preliminary to receiving the Lord's Supper.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For if we would judge ourselves - If we would examine ourselves, 1 Corinthians 11:28; if we would exercise a strict scrutiny over our hearts and feelings, and conduct, and come to the Lord’s Table with a proper spirit, we should escape the condemnation to which they are exposed who observe it in an improper manner. If we would exercise proper “severity” and “honesty” in determining our own character and fitness for the ordinance, we should not expose ourselves to the divine displeasure. We should not be judged - We should not be exposed to the expression of God’s disapprobation. He refers here to the punishment which had come upon the Corinthians for their improper manner of observing the…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“If we would judge ourselves - As to our knowledge, and the design with which we approach the Lord's table. We should not be thus judged - That is, punished by God. 1 Corinthians 11:32”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“11:31 Self-judgment (which implies confession of sin and repentance) averts God’s judgment.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Co1 11:28; Psa 32:3-5; Jer 31:18-20; Luk 15:18-20; Jo1 1:9; Rev 2:5, Rev 3:2, Rev 3:3 1 Corinthians 11:32”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification