FocusThe one God and the Lord Jesus Christ
Connection to the wholePaul places the question of idol food under love's edifying work and the confession that an idol does not possess the divine reality claimed for it.
interpretation 1 Corinthians 8:1
KJVNow as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
Read it in context
Christian Liberty and Meat Offered to Idols
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 8:1 (1 Corinthians 8:1 to 1 Corinthians 8:13).
This passage introduces the topic of eating meat offered to idols and establishes the principle that love (charity) should govern the exercise of Christian liberty, especially concerning those with weaker consciences. The broader discussion on idol meat and Christian liberty extends through chapter 10.
- 8:1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
- 8:2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
- 8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
- 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
- 8:5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
- 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
- 8:7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
- 8:8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
- 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
- 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
- 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
- 8:12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
- 8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Sosthenes is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Corinthians 8:1–10:33): Paul addresses Corinthian believers about food associated with idols, conscience, and warnings from Israel's history. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth, with all who call on Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul addresses an existing congregation, including members with a Gentile past. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 12:2. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme is the proper attitude towards "things offered unto idols," contrasting "knowledge" that "puffeth up" with "charity" that "edifieth." It emphasizes that while idols are nothing, believers should not use their liberty to cause a "weak brother" to stumble.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing that true spiritual maturity is not merely intellectual knowledge but is demonstrated through love (charity) for fellow believers. He reveals that while there is only one God, and idols are nothing, the exercise of Christian liberty must be tempered by consideration for the conscience of others, especially the "weak."
- What is the literary style? The literary style is an epistle, characterized by didactic instruction, argumentation, and exhortation, addressing specific issues within the Corinthian church.
When
- When was it written? Approximately A.D. 55. book background
- When does the event take place? The discussion addresses contemporary issues within the Corinthian church during Paul's third missionary journey, around the time the letter was written. book background
Where
- Where did it happen? The issues discussed, particularly concerning eating meat offered to idols, were occurring in Corinth, where the church was located. book background
- Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Ephesus when he wrote this epistle. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Christian Liberty and Meat Offered to Idols (1 Corinthians 8:1 to 1 Corinthians 8:13). Start reading at 1 Corinthians 8:1. This passage introduces the topic of eating meat offered to idols and establishes the principle that love (charity) should govern the exercise of Christian liberty, especially concerning those with weaker consciences. The broader discussion on idol meat and Christian liberty extends through chapter 10.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This passage initiates Paul's detailed instruction regarding Christian liberty and its limits, specifically concerning food offered to idols. It follows earlier discussions on divisions and immorality, setting the stage for further exhortations on self-control, avoiding stumbling blocks, and the importance of love (charity) which is further elaborated in chapter 13. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? The passage points to Christ by emphasizing that the "weak brother" for whom Christ died should not be caused to "perish" through another's knowledge or liberty. It highlights Christ's sacrificial love as the ultimate example and states that sinning against a brother's weak conscience is sinning against Christ Himself. stated in the text
- How do I apply it today? Believers today should prioritize love (charity) and the spiritual well-being of others over their own personal knowledge or liberties. We should be mindful that our actions, even if permissible for us, could cause a weaker brother or sister in Christ to stumble or violate their conscience, and therefore we should willingly restrict our freedom for the sake of others. interpretation
Cited: 1 Corinthians 1:1, 1 Corinthians 8:1, 1 Corinthians 8:2, 1 Corinthians 8:3, 1 Corinthians 8:4, 1 Corinthians 8:6, 1 Corinthians 8:7, 1 Corinthians 8:9, 1 Corinthians 8:11, 1 Corinthians 8:12, 1 Corinthians 8:13
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
1 Corinthians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- touching 1 Cor 8:10 1 Cor 10:19-22,28 Num 25:2 Acts 15:10,19-20,29 Acts 21:25 Rev 2:14,20
- we are 1 Cor 8:2,4,7,11 1 Cor 1:5 1 Cor 4:10 1 Cor 13:2 1 Cor 14:20 1 Cor 15:34 Rom 14:14,22 Col 2:18
- Knowledge 1 Cor 4:18 1 Cor 5:2,6 1 Cor 13:4 Isa 5:21 Isa 47:10 Rom 11:25 Rom 12:16 Rom 14:3,10
- but 1 Cor 13:1-13 Eph 4:16
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Corinthians 8
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
1 Corinthians 1:1 1 Corinthians 1:2 1 Corinthians 6:11
Knowledge limited by a brother's need
1 Corinthians 8:7–13FocusConscience and stumbling
Connection to the wholeThe practical question is whether one's conduct wounds another's conscience; Paul makes love for the brother a limit on exercising liberty.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Corinthians
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
1 Corinthians 1:1 1 Corinthians 1:2 1 Corinthians 6:11
Divisions and God's wisdom
1 Corinthians 1:1–4:21FocusThe cross and faithful ministry
Connection to the wholePaul confronts party loyalty by directing the church to Christ crucified and by redefining ministers as servants accountable to God.
interpretation The church's conduct
1 Corinthians 5:1–6:20FocusDiscipline, disputes, and the body
Connection to the wholeCases of immorality and litigation expose conduct inconsistent with the church's calling and the readers' belonging to Christ.
interpretation Questions about marriage
1 Corinthians 7:1–40FocusFaithfulness within one's calling
Connection to the wholePaul answers questions about marriage and differing circumstances, distinguishing commands, permission, and his judgments within the discussion.
interpretation FocusIdolatry, conscience, and others' good
Connection to the wholeQuestions about idol food lead through Paul's own example to warnings from Israel and the command to flee idolatry while seeking others' benefit.
interpretation Order in the assembly
1 Corinthians 11:2–14:40FocusHonour, the supper, love, and gifts
Connection to the wholePaul corrects gathered conduct and the use of spiritual gifts, making love and the church's edification central.
interpretation The resurrection
1 Corinthians 15:1–58FocusChrist raised and believers' hope
Connection to the wholePaul answers denial of resurrection by joining the risen Christ with the future resurrection and transformation of those who belong to Him.
interpretation Collection and closing directions
1 Corinthians 16:1–24FocusShared service and steadfast love
Connection to the wholePractical arrangements, commendations, and final exhortations connect the corrected church with the wider fellowship of believers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.