“`html
body { font-family: ‘Palatino Linotype’, ‘Book Antiqua’, Palatino, serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 2em; }
h1, h2, h3 { color: #333; }
blockquote { border-left: 4px solid #ccc; margin: 1.5em 10px; padding: 0.5em 10px; font-style: italic; }
b { font-weight: bold; }
i { font-style: italic; }
ul { list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 20px; }
An Exegetical Examination of 1 Corinthians 11:33: The Purpose of Assembly and Mutual Expectation
This exegetical study of An Exegetical Examination of 1 Corinthians 11:33 is based on a b-greek discussion concerning the nuances of 1 Corinthians 11:33. The initial inquiry focuses on the construction εἰς τὸ with a purpose infinitive in this verse, questioning its precise function. It raises the issue of whether this construction merely reiterates an inherent telic sense of the infinitive or, as per Meyer’s dictum, emphatically designates purpose, especially given that the infinitive might be understood as telic even without the prepositional phrase.
The main exegetical issues revolve around three key grammatical and rhetorical points: first, the precise purpose conveyed by the phrase εἰς τὸ φαγεῖν and whether it adds emphasis beyond a simple infinitive; second, the grammatical classification of the participle συνερχόμενοι, considering whether it functions temporally (“when you come together”) or causally (“since you are coming together”); and third, the possibility of interpreting the infinitive φαγεῖν as an infinitive of result (“so that you can eat”) rather than purpose. Each of these interpretations carries distinct theological and practical implications for the understanding of the Corinthian community’s gatherings.
Ὥστε, ἀδελφοί μου, συνερχόμενοι εἰς τὸ φαγεῖν, ἀλλήλους ἐκδέχεσθε.
(Nestle 1904)
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- No substantive textual variants are observed in the primary clause of 1 Corinthians 11:33 between Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT (2010) or NA28 (28th ed.). Both editions present the text as: Ὥστε, ἀδελφοί μου, συνερχόμενοι εἰς τὸ φαγεῖν, ἀλλήλους ἐκδέχεσθε.
Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes (BDAG)
The textual tradition for 1 Corinthians 11:33 is notably stable, with NA28 (28th ed.) reflecting the same reading as Nestle 1904 for the core clause. No significant variants are recorded that would alter the grammatical or lexical analysis of the key terms in this verse.
Lexical considerations illuminate the semantic range of the primary terms:
- Ὥστε: A consecutive conjunction, typically meaning “so then, therefore,” introducing a consequence or conclusion.
- ἀδελφοί μου: “My brothers/sisters,” a common Pauline address emphasizing familial and communal solidarity.
- συνερχόμενοι (participle from συνέρχομαι): According to BDAG, means “to come together, gather together, assemble.” Its specific function (temporal, causal, etc.) is a point of exegetical discussion.
- εἰς τὸ φαγεῖν (εἰς with the articular infinitive of ἐσθίω): BDAG notes that εἰς with the articular infinitive typically expresses purpose (“for the purpose of eating,” “in order to eat”). The infinitive φαγεῖν simply means “to eat.”
- ἀλλήλους: “One another, each other,” indicating reciprocal action.
- ἐκδέχεσθε (imperative from ἐκδέχομαι): BDAG defines this as “to wait for, expect.” In this context, it carries the nuance of patient, mutual waiting.
Translation Variants and Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis
The interpretation of 1 Corinthians 11:33 hinges on the precise grammatical and rhetorical force of its constituent phrases:
1. The Function of εἰς τὸ φαγεῖν: The phrase εἰς τὸ φαγεῖν, comprising εἰς with the articular infinitive, is overwhelmingly understood as expressing purpose. Scholars like Meyer highlight that εἰς with the articular infinitive is consistently telic. The question is whether this construction merely states the obvious purpose of gathering or adds a layer of emphasis. If the purpose of the gathering (eating the Lord’s Supper) is already implicit, then the explicit inclusion of εἰς τὸ φαγεῖν could serve to underscore the centrality of this shared meal. This aligns with the broader context of 1 Corinthians 11, where Paul critiques the Corinthians for failing to honor the true purpose of their assembly, turning it into a common meal rather than a communal sacred act. The Didache 14:1, which states κατὰ κυριακὴν δὲ κυρίου συναχθέντες κλάσατε ἄρτον καὶ εὐχαριστήσατε (“And on the Lord’s day, having been gathered together, break bread and give thanks”), similarly emphasizes the primary religious purpose of the gathering, providing a parallel for the imperative nature of communal eating.
2. The Role of συνερχόμενοι: The participle συνερχόμενοι (“having come together” or “coming together”) can be interpreted in several ways:
- Temporal Participle: This is a common interpretation, translating as “when you come together.” In this reading, the participle sets the timeframe for the imperative that follows: at the moment of your assembly for eating, wait for one another. This emphasizes the sequential nature of the actions.
- Causal Participle: Alternatively, the participle could convey a causal sense, meaning “since you are assembling together” or “because you come together.” This interpretation would foreground the reason for the directive to wait: because you are assembling for this specific purpose, it is imperative that you wait for one another. This reading lends stronger rhetorical weight to the command, emphasizing the communal responsibility inherent in the act of gathering for the Lord’s Supper.
3. φαγεῖν as an Infinitive of Result: A less common, but suggested, interpretation posits that φαγεῖν might function as an infinitive of result rather than purpose, particularly if συνερχόμενοι is understood temporally. In this view, the translation would be “when you assemble together, wait for one another so that you can eat.” While grammatically plausible for some infinitive constructions, the presence of εἰς τὸ strongly argues against a simple result interpretation, as εἰς τὸ almost invariably signals purpose. For an infinitive of result, one would typically expect a consecutive conjunction like ὥστε followed by an infinitive without εἰς τὸ, or a verbal adjective construction. Thus, while considered, this interpretation stands in weaker grammatical footing compared to the purpose reading.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The grammatical analysis of 1 Corinthians 11:33 reveals the Apostle Paul’s careful wording to impress upon the Corinthian believers the proper conduct during their communal gatherings. The primary purpose of their assembly is intrinsically linked to the act of eating, specifically the Lord’s Supper, and this purpose demands mutual respect and consideration. The most robust interpretations maintain the telic force of εἰς τὸ φαγεῖν while allowing for nuance in the participle’s function.
Based on this exegesis, the following translation suggestions capture the various plausible nuances:
- So then, my brethren, when you gather for the purpose of eating, wait for one another.
This translation emphasizes the temporal aspect of the assembly and the explicit purpose of their gathering. - Therefore, my brethren, since you are assembling for the purpose of eating, be sure to wait for one another.
This option highlights the causal link between their gathering for a specific sacred meal and the resulting imperative for mutual deference. - So then, my brethren, when you assemble, wait for one another so that you can eat.
Though less probable due to the explicit “εἰς τὸ”, this alternative considers the infinitive as expressing result, emphasizing the consequence of waiting.
“`
Ὥστε, ἀδελφοί μου, συνερχόμενοι εἰς τὸ φαγεῖν ἀλλήλους ἐκδέχεσθε.
There seem to be two passages in the NT with an inf following. There is one passage in the LXX (Tobit 12.1), but this is in a different clause. It does not appear in the Apostolic Fathers. This passage and Lk 5.15 are the NT passages. διήρχετο δὲ μᾶλλον ὁ λόγος περὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ συνήρχοντο ὄχλοι πολλοὶ ἀκούειν καὶ θεραπεύεσθαι ἀπὸ τῶν ἀσθενειῶν αὐτῶν·
It is evident that the Lukan passage does not use EIS for either AKOUEIN or QERAPEUESQAI yet both are used in a final sense. It would appear to be simply a stylistic matter. george gfsomsel
… search for truth, hear truth, learn truth, love truth, speak the truth, hold the truth, defend the truth till death.
– Jan Hus _________
________________________________ href=”mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected] Sent: Fri, December 17, 2010 8:30:55 AM
Dear list, CAIREIN I am trying to look at I Cor. 11:33 from every angle. If we focus on the infinitive, what is the purpose of EIS TO with purpose infinitive in this verse?
I was admonished by one grammar to not forget Meyer’s dictum that EIS with the articular infinitive is always telic. But is not the infinitive telic in this verse even without EIS TO? 1 COR.11:33 hWSTE, ADELFOI MOU,SUNERCOMENOI EIS TO FAGEIN ALLHLOUS EKDECESQE. So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. (NASB) 1 COR. 11:33 hWSTE, ADELFOI MOU, SUNERCOMENOI FAGEIN ALLHLOUS EKDECESQE. So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. If that is the case, is it simply a matter of style, i.e. another way to say the
same thing? Or could it be added to the simple infinitive to *emphasize* to the reader that their eating is the central reason for their getting together in the
first place? If this is true, it might shed light on the fact that the DIDACH TWN DWDEKA APOSTOLWN considers such an occurrence an imperative. KATA KURIAKHN DE KURIOU SUNACQENTES KLASATE ARTON KAI EUCARISTHSATE (DIDACHE 14:1) And on the Lord’s day, having been gathered together, break bread and give thanks Secondly, how should we look at the participle? Is it possible that we might not
have a temporal participle at all in this verse, but rather have a causal participle? Therefore, my brethren, since you are assembling together to eat [the Lord’s Supper], be sure to wait for one another. Or, if we do, indeed, have the temporal participle, is it possible that we might
not have a purpose infinitive after all, (in spite of all we said above), but rather an infinitive of result ? Therefore, my brethren, when you assemble together, wait for one another so that
you can eat [the Lord’s Supper].
Any help would be appreciated. It seems either view still fits in nicely with the context. Sincerely, Blue Harris
— B-Greek home page: http://www.ibiblio.org/bgreek B-Greek mailing list [email protected] http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/b-greek DIHRXETO DE MALLON hO LOGOS PERI AUTOU, KAI SUNHRXONTO OXLOI POLLOI AKOUEIN KAI QERAPEUESQAI APO TWN ASQENEWN AUTWN. hWSTE, ADELFOI MOI, SUNERXOMENOI EIS TO FAGEIN ALLHLOUS EKDEXESQE.
— B-Greek home page: http://www.ibiblio.org/bgreek B-Greek mailing list [email protected] http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/b-greek
Since you know English better than me, can you tell me the difference between:
1. So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.
2. So then, my brethren, when you come together in order to eat, wait for one another.
Iver Larsen
—– Original Message —– Sent: 17. december 2010 18:30
href=”mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected]
— B-Greek home page: http://www.ibiblio.org/bgreek B-Greek mailing list [email protected] http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/b-greek
Hi Iver, I do not think there is any difference between the two examples. That was my observance also, that is why I was wondering if it was just a stylistic preference. George S. seems to think so. Sorry, I guess I did not communicate my thoughts very well. In verse 20 he uses just a simple infinitive, and did not use EIS TO, but as verse 33 was his concluding thoughts on the subject, I wondered why he did not continue with a simple infinitive when it would have communicated the same thought. I was wondering if in his conclusion he was trying to emphasize purpose in a fuller way, especially since their partaking of the Lord’s Supper seemed to be a manifestation of their observance of the traditions Paul passed on to them that Paul mentions in the beginning of this section in I Cor. 11:2. Or, on the other hand, I wondered if he added EIS TO because he was now using FAGEIN as an infinitive of result. I am not sure what the answer is, since they all seem to fit the context. I’m trying to consider all possibilities. Regards, Blue Harris
________________________________ href=”mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected] Sent: Fri, December 17, 2010 8:35:41 AM
Since you know English better than me, can you tell me the difference between:
1. So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.
2. So then, my brethren, when you come together in order to eat, wait for one another.
Iver Larsen
Sent: 17. december 2010 18:30
the href=”mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected]
— B-Greek home page: http://www.ibiblio.org/bgreek B-Greek mailing list [email protected] http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/b-greek
Let me send this again, as it seemed I had a problem the first time.
Hi Iver, I do not think there is any difference between the two examples. That was my observance also, that is why I was wondering if it was just a stylistic preference. George S. seems to think so. Sorry, I guess I did not communicate my thoughts very well. In verse 20 he uses just a simple infinitive, and did not use EIS TO, but as verse 33 was his concluding thoughts on the subject, I wondered why he did not continue with a simple infinitive when it would have communicated the same thought. I was wondering if in his conclusion he was trying to emphasize purpose in a fuller way, especially since their partaking of the Lord’s Supper seemed to be a manifestation of their observance of the traditions Paul passed on to them that Paul mentions in the beginning of this subject in I Cor. 11:2. Or, on the other hand, I wondered if he added EIS TO because he was now using FAGEIN as an infinitive of result. I am not sure what the answer is, since they all seem to fit the context. I’m trying to find all the possibilities. Regards, Blue Harris
________________________________ href=”mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected] Sent: Fri, December 17, 2010 8:35:41 AM
Since you know English better than me, can you tell me the difference between:
1. So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.
2. So then, my brethren, when you come together in order to eat, wait for one another.
Iver Larsen
Sent: 17. december 2010 18:30
the href=”mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected]
— B-Greek home page: http://www.ibiblio.org/bgreek B-Greek mailing list [email protected] http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/b-greek
Hi Iver, Just as a postscript to my last post…I do think, obviously, we would have a difference between number one and number two if we understand in number two SUNERCOMENOIas a causal participle.
1. So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.
2. So then, my brethren, *since* you come together in order to eat, wait for one another. Blue Harris
________________________________ href=”mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected] Sent: Fri, December 17, 2010 8:35:41 AM
Since you know English better than me, can you tell me the difference between:
1. So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.
2. So then, my brethren, when you come together in order to eat, wait for one another.
Iver Larsen
Sent: 17. december 2010 18:30
the href=”mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected]
— B-Greek home page: http://www.ibiblio.org/bgreek B-Greek mailing list [email protected] http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/b-greek
Ὥστε, ἀδελφοί μου, συνερχόμενοι εἰς τὸ φαγεῖν ἀλλήλους ἐκδέχεσθε.
There seem to be two passages in the NT with an inf following. There is one passage in the LXX (Tobit 12.1), but this is in a different clause. It does not appear in the Apostolic Fathers. This passage and Lk 5.15 are the NT passages. διήρχετο δὲ μᾶλλον ὁ λόγος περὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ συνήρχοντο ὄχλοι πολλοὶ ἀκούειν καὶ θεραπεύεσθαι ἀπὸ τῶν ἀσθενειῶν αὐτῶν·
It is evident that the Lukan passage does not use EIS for either AKOUEIN or QERAPEUESQAI yet both are used in a final sense. It would appear to be simply a stylistic matter. george gfsomsel
… search for truth, hear truth, learn truth, love truth, speak the truth, hold the truth, defend the truth till death.
– Jan Hus _________
________________________________ href=”mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected] Sent: Fri, December 17, 2010 8:30:55 AM
Dear list, CAIREIN I am trying to look at I Cor. 11:33 from every angle. If we focus on the infinitive, what is the purpose of EIS TO with purpose infinitive in this verse?
I was admonished by one grammar to not forget Meyer’s dictum that EIS with the articular infinitive is always telic. But is not the infinitive telic in this verse even without EIS TO? 1 COR.11:33 hWSTE, ADELFOI MOU,SUNERCOMENOI EIS TO FAGEIN ALLHLOUS EKDECESQE. So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. (NASB) 1 COR. 11:33 hWSTE, ADELFOI MOU, SUNERCOMENOI FAGEIN ALLHLOUS EKDECESQE. So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. If that is the case, is it simply a matter of style, i.e. another way to say the
same thing? Or could it be added to the simple infinitive to *emphasize* to the reader that their eating is the central reason for their getting together in the
first place? If this is true, it might shed light on the fact that the DIDACH TWN DWDEKA APOSTOLWN considers such an occurrence an imperative. KATA KURIAKHN DE KURIOU SUNACQENTES KLASATE ARTON KAI EUCARISTHSATE (DIDACHE 14:1) And on the Lord’s day, having been gathered together, break bread and give thanks Secondly, how should we look at the participle? Is it possible that we might not
have a temporal participle at all in this verse, but rather have a causal participle? Therefore, my brethren, since you are assembling together to eat [the Lord’s Supper], be sure to wait for one another. Or, if we do, indeed, have the temporal participle, is it possible that we might
not have a purpose infinitive after all, (in spite of all we said above), but rather an infinitive of result ? Therefore, my brethren, when you assemble together, wait for one another so that
you can eat [the Lord’s Supper].
Any help would be appreciated. It seems either view still fits in nicely with the context. Sincerely, Blue Harris
— B-Greek home page: http://www.ibiblio.org/bgreek B-Greek mailing list [email protected] http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/b-greek DIHRXETO DE MALLON hO LOGOS PERI AUTOU, KAI SUNHRXONTO OXLOI POLLOI AKOUEIN KAI QERAPEUESQAI APO TWN ASQENEWN AUTWN. hWSTE, ADELFOI MOI, SUNERXOMENOI EIS TO FAGEIN ALLHLOUS EKDEXESQE.
— B-Greek home page: http://www.ibiblio.org/bgreek B-Greek mailing list [email protected] http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/b-greek
Since you know English better than me, can you tell me the difference between:
1. So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.
2. So then, my brethren, when you come together in order to eat, wait for one another.
Iver Larsen
—– Original Message —– Sent: 17. december 2010 18:30
href=”mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected]
— B-Greek home page: http://www.ibiblio.org/bgreek B-Greek mailing list [email protected] http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/b-greek
Hi Iver, I do not think there is any difference between the two examples. That was my observance also, that is why I was wondering if it was just a stylistic preference. George S. seems to think so. Sorry, I guess I did not communicate my thoughts very well. In verse 20 he uses just a simple infinitive, and did not use EIS TO, but as verse 33 was his concluding thoughts on the subject, I wondered why he did not continue with a simple infinitive when it would have communicated the same thought. I was wondering if in his conclusion he was trying to emphasize purpose in a fuller way, especially since their partaking of the Lord’s Supper seemed to be a manifestation of their observance of the traditions Paul passed on to them that Paul mentions in the beginning of this section in I Cor. 11:2. Or, on the other hand, I wondered if he added EIS TO because he was now using FAGEIN as an infinitive of result. I am not sure what the answer is, since they all seem to fit the context. I’m trying to consider all possibilities. Regards, Blue Harris
________________________________ href=”mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected] Sent: Fri, December 17, 2010 8:35:41 AM
Since you know English better than me, can you tell me the difference between:
1. So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.
2. So then, my brethren, when you come together in order to eat, wait for one another.
Iver Larsen
Sent: 17. december 2010 18:30
the href=”mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected]
— B-Greek home page: http://www.ibiblio.org/bgreek B-Greek mailing list [email protected] http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/b-greek
Let me send this again, as it seemed I had a problem the first time.
Hi Iver, I do not think there is any difference between the two examples. That was my observance also, that is why I was wondering if it was just a stylistic preference. George S. seems to think so. Sorry, I guess I did not communicate my thoughts very well. In verse 20 he uses just a simple infinitive, and did not use EIS TO, but as verse 33 was his concluding thoughts on the subject, I wondered why he did not continue with a simple infinitive when it would have communicated the same thought. I was wondering if in his conclusion he was trying to emphasize purpose in a fuller way, especially since their partaking of the Lord’s Supper seemed to be a manifestation of their observance of the traditions Paul passed on to them that Paul mentions in the beginning of this subject in I Cor. 11:2. Or, on the other hand, I wondered if he added EIS TO because he was now using FAGEIN as an infinitive of result. I am not sure what the answer is, since they all seem to fit the context. I’m trying to find all the possibilities. Regards, Blue Harris
________________________________ href=”mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected] Sent: Fri, December 17, 2010 8:35:41 AM
Since you know English better than me, can you tell me the difference between:
1. So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.
2. So then, my brethren, when you come together in order to eat, wait for one another.
Iver Larsen
Sent: 17. december 2010 18:30
the href=”mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected]
— B-Greek home page: http://www.ibiblio.org/bgreek B-Greek mailing list [email protected] http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/b-greek
Hi Iver, Just as a postscript to my last post…I do think, obviously, we would have a difference between number one and number two if we understand in number two SUNERCOMENOIas a causal participle.
1. So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.
2. So then, my brethren, *since* you come together in order to eat, wait for one another. Blue Harris
________________________________ href=”mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected] Sent: Fri, December 17, 2010 8:35:41 AM
Since you know English better than me, can you tell me the difference between:
1. So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.
2. So then, my brethren, when you come together in order to eat, wait for one another.
Iver Larsen
Sent: 17. december 2010 18:30
the href=”mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected]
— B-Greek home page: http://www.ibiblio.org/bgreek B-Greek mailing list [email protected] http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/b-greek