Definition: For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Corinthians 11:18. It's a bit complex, but we can understand it in simpler terms. Here’s what it means: This verse is about the importance of harmony and unity within a community. It’s saying that the church – a group of believers – isn’t always perfect. Sometimes there are disagreements or tensions among its members. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “For first of all…” : This sets up a situation where we’re looking at something important, like the health of the church community. “…when ye come together in the church…” : This refers to gatherings or meetings of believers – churches. It's about how people relate to each other within this group. “I hear that there be divisions among you…” : This is the core of the verse. The speaker (who’s likely Paul, a key figure in early Christian teachings) is noticing that there are differences or disagreements amongst the members. It's like noticing a few people aren’t quite on the same page. “and I partly believe it.” : This is where it gets a little nuanced. The speaker isn't saying all of them are divided. Instead, they acknowledge that there might be some issues or problems within the church community. It’s suggesting there could be areas needing attention or reconciliation. In short: Paul is worried about the health and harmony of the church. He recognizes that sometimes, disagreements can exist amongst its members, and he's expressing a feeling of concern – perhaps hoping for resolution and continued unity. Important Note: This doesn’t mean the verse implies a catastrophic problem. It simply points out that there could be challenges within the church. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how disagreements might happen in a church community? Offer a related quote or idea from another Bible passage?