1 Corinthians 11
1599 Geneva Bible
11 1 He blameth the Corinthians for that in their holy assemblies, 4 men do pray having their heads covered, 6 and women bareheaded: and because their meetings tended to evil, 21 who mingled profane banquets with the holy Supper of the Lord, 23 which he required to be celebrated according to Christ’s institution.
1 Be (A)ye followers of me, even as I am of Christ:
2 [a]Now brethren, I commend you, that ye remember all my things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
3 [b]But I will that ye know, that Christ is the (B)head of every man: and the man is the woman’s head: and God is [c]Christ’s head.
4 [d]Every [e]man praying or prophesying having anything on his head, dishonoreth his head.
5 [f]But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth bareheaded, dishonoreth her head: [g]for it is even one very thing, as though she were shaven.
6 Therefore if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: and if it be shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
7 [h]For a man ought not to cover his head: forasmuch as he is the (C)image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
8 [i]For the man is not of the woman, but the woman of the man.
9 (D)[j]For the man was not created for the woman’s sake: but the woman for the man’s sake.
10 [k]Therefore ought the woman to have [l]power on her head, because of the [m]Angels.
11 [n]Nevertheless, neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man [o]in the Lord.
12 For as the woman is of the man, so is the man also by the woman: but all things are of God.
13 [p]Judge in yourselves, Is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
14 Doth not nature itself teach you, that if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a praise unto her: for her hair is given her for a [q]covering.
16 [r]But if any man list to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the Churches of God.
17 ¶ [s]Now in this that I declare, I praise you not, that ye come together, not with profit, but with hurt.
18 [t]For first of all, when ye come together in the Church, I hear that there are dissensions among you: and I believe it to be true in some part.
19 [u]For there must be heresies even among you, that they which are [v]approved among you, might be known.
20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is [w]not to eat the Lord’s Supper.
21 For every man when they should eat, taketh his own supper [x]afore, and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
22 [y]Have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? despise ye the Church of God, and shame them that have not? what shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
23 [z]For I have received of the Lord that which I also have delivered unto you, to wit, That the Lord Jesus in the night when he was betrayed, took bread.
24 (E)And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is [aa]broken for you: this do ye in remembrance of me.
25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the New Testament in my blood: this do as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
26 For as often as ye shall eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye show the Lord’s death till he come.
27 [ab]Wherefore, whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink the cup of the Lord [ac]unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
28 (F)[ad]Let [ae]every man therefore examine himself, and so let them eat of this bread, and drink of this cup.
29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh his own damnation, because he [af]discerneth not the Lord’s body.
30 [ag]For this cause many are weak, and sick among you, and many sleep.
31 For if we would [ah]judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, because we should not be condemned with the world.
33 [ai]Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.
34 [aj]And if any man be hungry, let him eat at home, that ye come not together unto condemnation. [ak]Other things will I set in order when I come.
Footnotes
- 1 Corinthians 11:2 The fifth treatise of this epistle concerning the right ordering of public assemblies, containing three points, to wit, of the comely apparel of men and women, of the order of the Lord’s supper, and of the right use of spiritual gifts. But going about to reprehend certain things, he beginneth notwithstanding with a general praise of them, calling those particular laws of comeliness and honesty, which belong to the ecclesiastical policy, traditions: which afterward they called Canons.
- 1 Corinthians 11:3 He setteth down God, in Christ our mediator, for the end and mark not only of doctrine, but also of ecclesiastical comeliness. Then applying it to the question proposed, touching the comely apparel both of men and women in public assemblies, he declareth that the woman is one degree beneath the man by the ordinance of God, and that the man is so subject to Christ, that the glory of God ought to appear in him for the preeminence of the sex.
- 1 Corinthians 11:3 In that, that Christ is our mediator.
- 1 Corinthians 11:4 Hereof he gathereth that if men do either pray or preach in public assemblies having their heads covered (which was then a sign of subjection) they did as it were spoil themselves of their dignity, against God’s ordinance.
- 1 Corinthians 11:4 It appeareth that this was a political law serving only for the circumstances of the time that Paul lived in, by this reason, because in these our days for a man to speak bareheaded in an assembly, is a sign of subjection.
- 1 Corinthians 11:5 And in like sort he concludeth, that women which show themselves in public and ecclesiastical assemblies without the sign and token of their subjection, that is to say, uncovered, shame themselves.
- 1 Corinthians 11:5 The first argument taken from the common sense of man, forsomuch as nature teacheth women, that it is dishonest for them to come abroad bareheaded, seeing that she hath given them thick and long hair, which they do so diligently trim and deck, that they can in no wise abide to have it shaven.
- 1 Corinthians 11:7 The taking away of an objection: Have not men also hair given to them? I grant, saith the Apostle, but there is another matter in it: For man was made to this end and purpose, that the glory of God should appear in his rule and authority: but the woman was made, that by profession of her obedience, she might more honor her husband.
- 1 Corinthians 11:8 He proveth the inequality of the woman, by that, that the man is the matter whereof woman was first made.
- 1 Corinthians 11:9 Secondly, by that, that the woman was made for man, and not the man for the woman’s sake.
- 1 Corinthians 11:10 The conclusion: Women must be covered, to show by this external sign their subjection.
- 1 Corinthians 11:10 A covering which is a token of subjection.
- 1 Corinthians 11:10 What this meaneth, I do not yet understand.
- 1 Corinthians 11:11 A digression which the Apostle useth, lest that which he spake of the superior tie of men, and the lower degrees of women in consideration of the policy of the Church, should be so taken as though there were no measure of this inequality. Therefore he teacheth that men have in such sort the preeminence, that God made them not alone, but women also: and woman was so made of man, that men also are born by the means of women, and this ought to put them in mind to observe the degree of every sex, in such sort that mutual conjunction may be cherished.
- 1 Corinthians 11:11 By the Lord.
- 1 Corinthians 11:13 He urgeth the argument taken from the common sense of nature.
- 1 Corinthians 11:15 To be a covering for her, and such a covering as should procure another.
- 1 Corinthians 11:16 Against such as are stubbornly contentious we have to oppose this, that the Churches of God are not contentious.
- 1 Corinthians 11:17 He passeth now to the next treatise concerning the right administration of the Lord’s Supper. And the Apostle useth this sharper preface that the Corinthians might understand, that whereas they observed generally the Apostle’s commandments, yet they foully neglected them in a matter of greatest importance.
- 1 Corinthians 11:18 To celebrate the Lord’s Supper aright, it is required that there be not only consent of doctrine, but also of affections, that it be not profaned.
- 1 Corinthians 11:19 Although that schisms and heresies proceed from the devil, are evil, and yet they come not by chance, nor without cause, and they turn to the profit of the elect.
- 1 Corinthians 11:19 Whom experience hath taught to be of sound Religion and godliness.
- 1 Corinthians 11:20 This is an usual kind of speech, whereby the Apostle denieth that flatly, which many did not well.
- 1 Corinthians 11:21 Eateth his meat and tarrieth not till other come.
- 1 Corinthians 11:22 The Apostle thinketh it good to take away the love feasts, for their abuse, although they had been a long time, and with commendation used in Churches, and were appointed and instituted by the Apostles.
- 1 Corinthians 11:23 We must take a true form of keeping the Lord’s Supper, out of the institution of it, the parts whereof are these, touching the Pastors, to show forth the Lord’s death, by preaching his word: to bless the bread and the wine by calling upon the name of God, and together with prayers to declare the institution thereof, and finally to deliver the bread broken to be eaten, and the cup received to be drunk with thanksgiving. And touching the flock, that every man examine himself, that is to say, to prove both his knowledge, and also faith and repentance: to show forth the Lord’s death, that is, in true faith to yield unto his word and institution: and last of all, to take the bread at the Minister’s hand, and to eat it and to drink the wine, and give God thanks: This was Paul’s and the Apostles’ manner of ministering.
- 1 Corinthians 11:24 This word (Broken) noteth out unto us Christ his manner of death, for although his legs were not broken, as the thieves legs were, yet was his body very sore tormented, and torn, and bruised.
- 1 Corinthians 11:27 Whoever contemn the holy Sacrament: that is, use them not aright, are guilty not of the bread and wine, but of the thing itself, that is of Christ, and shall be grievously punished for it.
- 1 Corinthians 11:27 Otherwise then meet is such mysteries should be handled.
- 1 Corinthians 11:28 The examination of a man’s self, is of necessity required in the Supper and therefore they ought not to be admitted unto it, which cannot examine themselves: as children, furious and mad men, also such as either have no knowledge of Christ, or not sufficient, although they profess Christian Religion: and others such like.
- 1 Corinthians 11:28 This place beateth down the faith of credit, or unwrapped faith, which the Papists maintain.
- 1 Corinthians 11:29 He is said to discern the Lord’s body, that hath consideration of the worthiness of it, and therefore cometh to eat of this meat with great reverence.
- 1 Corinthians 11:30 The profaning of the body and blood of the Lord in his mysteries is sharply punished of him, and therefore such a mischief ought diligently to be prevented by judging and correcting of a man’s self.
- 1 Corinthians 11:31 Try and examine ourselves, by faith and repentance, separating yourselves from the wicked.
- 1 Corinthians 11:33 The Supper of the Lord is a common action of the whole Church, and therefore there is no place, for private suppers.
- 1 Corinthians 11:34 The Supper of the Lord was instituted not to feed the belly but to feed the soul with the communion of Christ, and therefore it ought to be separate from common banquets.
- 1 Corinthians 11:34 Such things as pertain to order, as place, time, form of prayers, and other such like, the Apostle took order for in Congregations according to the consideration of times, places and persons.
1 Corinthians 11
King James Version
11 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.
5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
8 For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man.
9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.
11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.
13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.
21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? what shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.
34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
1 Corinthians 11
New King James Version
Worship and the Lord’s Supper
11 Imitate(A) me, just as I also imitate Christ.
Head Coverings
2 Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you. 3 But I want you to know that (B)the head of every man is Christ, (C)the head of woman is man, and (D)the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man praying or (E)prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. 5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were (F)shaved. 6 For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is (G)shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered. 7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since (H)he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. 8 For man is not from woman, but woman (I)from man. 9 Nor was man created for the woman, but woman (J)for the man. 10 For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, (K)neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord. 12 For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God.
13 Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? 15 But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given [a]to her for a covering. 16 But (L)if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, (M)nor do the churches of God.
Conduct at the Lord’s Supper
17 Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when you come together as a church, (N)I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. 19 For (O)there must also be factions among you, (P)that those who are approved may be [b]recognized among you. 20 Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. 21 For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and (Q)another is drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise (R)the church of God and (S)shame [c]those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.
Institution of the Lord’s Supper(T)
23 For (U)I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: (V)that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, [d]“Take, eat; this is My body which is [e]broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death (W)till He comes.
Examine Yourself
27 Therefore whoever eats (X)this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and [f]blood of the Lord. 28 But (Y)let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks [g]in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the [h]Lord’s body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many [i]sleep. 31 For (Z)if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, (AA)we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.
33 Therefore, my brethren, when you (AB)come together to eat, wait for one another. 34 But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come.
Footnotes
- 1 Corinthians 11:15 M omits to her
- 1 Corinthians 11:19 Lit. manifest, evident
- 1 Corinthians 11:22 The poor
- 1 Corinthians 11:24 NU omits Take, eat
- 1 Corinthians 11:24 NU omits broken
- 1 Corinthians 11:27 NU, M the blood
- 1 Corinthians 11:29 NU omits in an unworthy manner
- 1 Corinthians 11:29 NU omits Lord’s
- 1 Corinthians 11:30 Are dead
Geneva Bible, 1599 Edition. Published by Tolle Lege Press. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in articles, reviews, and broadcasts.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

