1 Corinthians 11:28 Meaning: What Does 'Examine Himself' Mean in ?
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
But let a man prove himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup.
and let a man be proving himself, and so of the bread let him eat, and of the cup let him drink;
But let a man prove himself, and thus eat of the bread, and drink of the cup.
Meaning in one sentence
Paul calls believers to self-examination before Communion. Find out what this means and how it differs from confession practices.
Context
The Corinthians had turned the Lord's Supper into a rowdy potluck. The rich went ahead without waiting for the poor. Some ate until drunk while others went hungry. Paul stops them. He repeats Jesus' words from the night he was betrayed: the bread is his body, the cup is the new covenant in his blood. The meal is a proclamation of his death, not a party. With that foundation laid, Paul adds a warning: anyone who eats or drinks in an unworthy way is guilty of the Lord's body and blood. Then he gives the remedy: self-examination. This verse sits right in the middle of that pastoral crisis. It is not a new rule. It is the way back to reverence.
Key Words
The Greek word Paul uses for “examine” is dokimazetō, a verb that carries the idea of testing metal to see if it is genuine. Miners would put ore in the fire and watch for impurities. The outcome was not punishment but proof of value. That changes how you read the verse. Paul is not calling you to pick yourself apart. He is inviting you to look honestly at your heart and ask: Do I trust Christ? Am I holding onto sin? Do I love the church? The verb is present tense: keep doing this. Not a frantic check before the service but a habit of honesty. Notice also the little phrase “and so”, houtōs. After you test yourself, then come. The testing leads to the table. It is a door, not a wall.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians agree that preparation matters before the Lord's Supper. They differ on how it happens. The Catholic Church has long taught that a person conscious of grave sin should receive the sacrament of reconciliation (auricular confession) before Communion, as a way to be restored to grace. Reformers like Calvin insisted that Paul's words point to each believer's own scrutiny of heart and faith, without a priest as intermediary. Calvin worried that requiring confession caused needless fear. Both traditions want the same thing: a sincere heart that approaches Christ. They disagree on the path, but they share the goal. The verse itself does not specify a method. It commands the examination and trusts the believer and the Spirit to carry it out.
A common misunderstanding
Some people read this verse and think: “I must be perfect to take Communion. I better stay away until I get my life together.” That is not what Paul meant. In fact, he says “examine himself, and so let him eat.” The testing is not meant to keep you away; it is meant to usher you to the table. The goal is a prepared heart, not a sinless one. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown note that the examination is “in order that he may eat, that is, communicate.” If you wait until you are faultless, you will never come. Come honestly, not perfectly.
Living This Out
The next time you go to Communion, do not rush. Before the bread comes, pause for a minute. Ask yourself three quiet questions: Do I see the Lord's death as my only hope? Is there a broken relationship I need to begin mending? Am I holding onto something I know is wrong? Let those questions lead you to confession, not despair. Then look at the bread and cup and say: This is for me. Christ knew what I would bring, and He set this table anyway. That is not presumption. That is faith. Take the bread and drink the cup with your eyes open, because you looked inward and saw that you need Him.
Main takeaway: Before receiving Communion, examine your heart honestly, not to stay away, but to come with faith and gratitude.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Before we eat the special bread and juice at church, we check our hearts. We tell God we are sorry for wrong things. We remember Jesus died for us. Then we can take the bread and juice and be happy because Jesus loves us.
For ages 9, 12
Communion is a very special meal. Paul says we should examine ourselves first. That means you take a quiet minute to think: Do I believe Jesus died for my sins? Is there something I did wrong that I need to say sorry for? Am I mad at someone? If you think about those things and pray, then you are ready to take the bread and cup. It is not about being perfect. It is about being honest with God.
Questions People Ask
What does it mean to 'examine himself' before Communion?
Paul uses the Greek word dokimazetō, which means to test something to see if it is genuine, like testing metal in a fire. In this context, it means to look honestly at your heart: check your faith in Christ, your repentance from sin, and your love for others. The goal is not to find yourself worthy, but to come to the table honestly, relying on Jesus.
Does 1 Corinthians 11:28 require confession to a priest before taking Communion?
Different Christian traditions read this verse differently. The Catholic Church has taught that anyone aware of serious sin should receive the sacrament of reconciliation before Communion. Many Protestant churches understand this verse as calling each believer to personal self-examination without a priest. The verse itself does not specify a method; it commands the examination and leaves the means to the guidance of the Church and the Holy Spirit.
Should I stay away from Communion if I feel I am not worthy?
No. That is a common misunderstanding. Paul says "examine himself, and so let him eat." The examination is meant to prepare you to come, not to keep you away. If you wait until you feel completely worthy, you will never come. Bring your sins and your faith to the table, trusting in Christ's sacrifice, not your own goodness.
What is the difference between self-examination and self-judgment in this passage?
Self-examination is honest reflection that leads you to depend on Christ. Self-judgment is condemning yourself and staying away. Paul says in verse 31, "if we discerned ourselves, we wouldn't be judged." The goal is to identify what needs to change so that you can partake with a clear conscience, not to disqualify yourself from the sacrament.
How can I practically examine myself before Communion?
Take a few quiet minutes before the service. Ask yourself: Do I believe Jesus died for me and rose again? Is there any sin I have not confessed to God? Am I holding a grudge against anyone? Do I love the church? If the answer to these questions reveals a need, confess it to God, receive His forgiveness, and then come to the table with a thankful heart.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study