1 Corinthians 11:32
But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
Study Note
Study Note
Paul interprets the illness and death occurring at the Corinthian communion table (vv. 29–30) not as divine punishment but as divine discipline (paideuō) — a distinction that carries significant pastoral weight. The verb paideuō derives from the Greek educational tradition of formative correction, and its use here echoes the wisdom tradition's view of suffering as divine pedagogy (Proverbs 3:11–12; Hebrews 12:5–6). The soteriological logic is striking: being 'chastened' in the present spares the community from being 'condemned with the world' at the final judgment, meaning temporal suffering functions as proleptic grace. The verse has been important in Christian sacramental theology's discussions of the eucharist's seriousness and the ecclesial implications of unworthy participation.
Other Translations
But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.
and being judged by the Lord, we are chastened, that with the world we may not be condemned;
But if punishment does come, it is sent by the Lord, so that we may be safe when the world is judged.
Cross References
Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the Lord thy God chasteneth …
Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:
For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.
He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.
To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.
Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more:
That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.
Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law;
That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.
The Lord hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.