1 Corinthians 11:28

“But (in contrast with the guilt described, and in order to escape it) let a man put himself to proof, and so from the bread let him eat and from the cup let him drink.” ἄνθρωπος, replacing ὄς ἄν (1 Corinthians 11:27), is qualitative, “containing the ideas of infirmity and responsibility” (Gd [1776]); cf. 1 Corinthians 3:4; 1 Corinthians 10:13. On δοκιμάζω, see 1 Corinthians 3:13, and parls.; it signifies not judicial examination (ἀνακρίνω, 1 Corinthians 4:3, etc.), nor discriminative estimate (διακρίνω, 31), but self-probing (probet se ipsum, Vg [1777]; not exploret se, Bz [1778]) with a view to fit partaking; any serious attempt at this would make the scene of 1 Corinthians 11:20 ff. impossible: the impv [1779] is pr., enjoining a practice; the communicant must test himself habitually by the great realities with which he is confronted, asking himself, e.g., whether he “discerns the Lord's body” (1 Corinthians 11:29). καὶ οὕτως : scarcely sic demum (Bg [1780]), but hoc cum animo; cf. Philippians 4:1. ἐκ … ἐσθιέτω, ἐκ … πινέτω a solemn fulness of expression, in keeping with the temper of mind required; the prp [1781] implies participation with others (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:7; 1 Corinthians 9:13; 1 Corinthians 10:17).

[1776] F. Godet's Commentaire sur la prem. Ép. aux Corinthiens (Eng. Trans.).

[1777] Latin Vulgate Translation.

[1778] Beza's Nov. Testamentum: Interpretatio et Annotationes (Cantab., 1642).

[1779] imperative mood.

[1780] Bengel's Gnomon Novi Testamenti.

[1781] preposition.