A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 Corinthians 11:22

A.T. Robertson Commentary

1 Corinthians 11:22

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
A.T. Robertson
A.T. Robertson

A.T. Robertson Commentary

1 Corinthians 11:22

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
SCRIPTURE

"What, have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and put them to shame that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you? In this I praise you not." — 1 Corinthians 11:22 (ASV)

What? Have ye not houses? (Μη γαρ οικιας ουκ εχετε; ) The double negative (μη--ουκ) in the single question is like the idiom in 9:4f. which see. Μη expects a negative answer while ουκ negatives the verb εχετε. "For do you fail to have houses?" Paul is not approving gluttony and drunkenness but only expressing horror at their sacrilege (despising, καταφρονειτε) of the church of God.

That have not (τους μη εχοντας). Not those without houses, but those who have nothing, "the have-nots" (Findlay) like 2 Corinthians 8:12, in contrast with ο εχοντες "the haves" (the men of property).

What shall I say to you? (τ ειπω υμιν; ) Deliberative subjunctive that well expresses Paul's bewilderment.