1 Corinthians 11:33

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 11:33 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, wait one for another.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, wait one for another.
1 Corinthians 11:33 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 11

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
33Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, wait one for another.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Wherefore, my brethren, etc.] Though he had said some very awful and awakening things to bring them to themselves, to reclaim them, and rectify disorders among them; yet he hoped well of them in general, and softens the severe things he had said, by calling them “brethren”; and hereby prepares them to attend to, and receive the more kindly, what he had further to say: when ye come together to eat; that is, when ye come to the place of public worship at the usual stated time, in order to eat the Lord’s supper, tarry one for another; do not begin to celebrate the ordinance until the church is met together in general, or at least till as many are got together as may be expected will come; for a…”
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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
“tarry one for another--In contrast to Co1 11:21. The expression is not, "Give a share to one another," for all the viands brought to the feast were common property, and, therefore, they should "tarry" till all were met to partake together of the common feast of fellowship [THEOPHYLACT].”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“When ye come together to eat - Professedly to eat the Lord’s Supper. Tarry one for another - Do not be guilty of disorder, intemperance, and gluttony; see the note at 1 Corinthians 11:21. Doddridge understands this of the feast that he supposes to have preceded the Lord’s Supper. But the more obvious interpretation is, to refer it to the Lord’s Supper itself; and to enjoin perfect order, respect, and sobriety. The idea is, that the table was common for the rich and the poor; and that the rich should claim no priority or precedence over the poor. return to 'Top of Page'”
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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
“The rest - The other circumstances relating to the Lord's supper. Next: 1 Corinthians Chapter 12”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification