1 Corinthians Chapter 8

Food Sacrificed to Idols

(Ezekiel 14:1-11; Romans 14:13-23)

1Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. 2And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. 3But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

4As 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. 5For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 6But 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.

7Howbeit 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. 8But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. 9But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 10For 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; 11And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. 13Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Food Sacrificed to Idols
(Ezekiel 14:1–11; Romans 14:13–23)

1 Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2 But if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he doesn’t yet know as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, the same is known by him.

4 Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that no idol is anything in the world, and that there is no other God but one. 5 For though there are things that are called “gods,” whether in the heavens or on earth; as there are many “gods” and many “lords;” 6 yet to us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we live through him.

7 However, that knowledge isn’t in all men. But some, with consciousness of the idol until now, eat as of a thing sacrificed to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 But food will not commend us to God. For neither, if we don’t eat, are we the worse; nor, if we eat, are we the better. 9 But be careful that by no means does this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if a man sees you who have knowledge sitting in an idol’s temple, won’t his conscience, if he is weak, be emboldened to eat things sacrificed to idols? 11 And through your knowledge, he who is weak perishes, the brother for whose sake Christ died. 12 Thus, sinning against the brothers, and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will eat no meat forevermore, that I don’t cause my brother to stumble.

Food Sacrificed to Idols
(Ezekiel 14:1–11; Romans 14:13–23)

1 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2 The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But the one who loves God is known by God.

4 So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many so-called gods and lords), 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist.

7 But not everyone has this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that they eat such food as if it were sacrificed to an idol. And since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. 8 But food does not bring us closer to God: We are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.

9 Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if someone with a weak conscience sees you who are well informed eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged to eat food sacrificed to idols? 11 So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12 By sinning against your brothers in this way and wounding their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.

13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to stumble.

Food Sacrificed to Idols

(Ezekiel 14:1-11; Romans 14:13-23)

1And concerning the things sacrificed to idols, we have known that we all have knowledge: knowledge puffeth up, but love buildeth up; 2and if any one doth think to know anything, he hath not yet known anything according as it behoveth him to know; 3and if any one doth love God, this one hath been known by Him.

4Concerning the eating then of the things sacrificed to idols, we have known that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God except one; 5for even if there are those called gods, whether in heaven, whether upon earth -- as there are gods many and lords many -- 6yet to us is one God, the Father, of whom are the all things, and we to Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are the all things, and we through Him;

7but not in all men is the knowledge, and certain with conscience of the idol, till now, as a thing sacrificed to an idol do eat it, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8But victuals do not commend us to God, for neither if we may eat are we in advance; nor if we may not eat, are we behind; 9but see, lest this privilege of yours may become a stumbling-block to the infirm, 10for if any one may see thee that hast knowledge in an idol's temple reclining at meat -- shall not his conscience -- he being infirm -- be emboldened to eat the things sacrificed to idols, 11and the brother who is infirm shall perish by thy knowledge, because of whom Christ died? 12and thus sinning in regard to the brethren, and smiting their weak conscience -- in regard to Christ ye sin; 13wherefore, if victuals cause my brother to stumble, I may eat no flesh -- to the age -- that my brother I may not cause to stumble.

1 Corinthians 8: Understanding Knowledge and Love

Concerning Food Sacrificed to Idols

¹ Now, about food offered to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge. But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. ² Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. ³ But whoever loves God is known by God.

Idols and the One True God

⁴ So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one. ⁵ For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), ⁶ yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things come and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

The Danger of Knowledge

⁷ But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food, they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. ⁸ Food will not bring us close to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.

The Call to Love

⁹ Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. ¹⁰ For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols? ¹¹ So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. ¹² When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.

Conclusion

¹³ Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.

Footnotes

8:1: The chapter begins with a discussion on food offered to idols, addressing a specific issue in the Corinthian church.

8:2: Emphasizes the difference between knowledge that inflates pride and love that nurtures relationships.

8:4: Paul clarifies that idols are not real gods and there is only one true God.

8:7: Acknowledges that not all believers understand this distinction, leading to conflicts.

8:9: Warns against the potential harm of exercising personal rights at the expense of others’ faith.

8:11: Highlights the importance of community and the weight of responsibility toward weaker believers.

8:13: Concludes with a strong commitment to love and consideration over personal freedom.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 8?

2Introduction to 1 Corinthians 8

3Context of 1 Corinthians 8

4Ancient Key Word Study

5Compare & Contrast

61 Corinthians 8 Unique Insights

71 Corinthians 8 Connections to Yeshua

81 Corinthians 8 Scriptural Echoes

91 Corinthians 8 Devotional

10Did You Know

What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 8?

Introduction to 1 Corinthians 8

In this pivotal chapter, the Apostle Paul addresses a complex issue that threatened to divide the Corinthian congregation: food sacrificed to idols. While this might seem like an ancient concern far removed from our modern context, the principles Paul establishes here reach far beyond dietary restrictions into the heart of Christian love, liberty, and responsibility. The chapter masterfully balances theological truth with practical wisdom, showing us how knowledge must always be tempered by love.

Context of 1 Corinthians 8

The immediate context of this chapter falls within Paul’s extended response to questions the Corinthian church had sent him (indicated by the phrase “Now concerning” in 1 Corinthians 8:1). The Corinthian believers, living in a predominantly pagan city, faced daily challenges regarding their interaction with idol worship and its associated practices. This issue was particularly complex because much of the meat available in the marketplace had been offered to idols before being sold.

The larger biblical context connects this discussion to similar debates about food laws and Christian freedom found in Romans 14 and Acts 15. It represents a crucial moment in the early church’s wrestling with how to live out faith in a pagan world while maintaining both truth and love. The principles established here echo the Jerusalem Council’s decisions and demonstrate the ongoing process of applying Torah wisdom to new cultural contexts.

Ancient Key Word Study

γνῶσις (gnōsis) – “Knowledge” (1 Corinthians 8:1): This term carried special weight in Greek philosophy and mystery religions. Paul deliberately uses their own terminology to show that true knowledge must be coupled with love. The word appears 23 times in Paul’s letters, showing its significance in addressing Hellenistic thought.
ἀγάπη (agapē) – “Love” (1 Corinthians 8:1): The highest form of love in biblical Greek, representing self-sacrificial, divine love. Paul contrasts this with knowledge to show that love builds up the community while knowledge alone can lead to pride.
συνείδησις (syneidēsis) – “Conscience” (1 Corinthians 8:7): More than just moral awareness, this term in ancient Greek thought represented the inner voice of moral judgment. Paul uses it to describe the sensitive moral compass of newer believers.
εἰδωλόθυτος (eidōlothytos) – “Food offered to idols” (1 Corinthians 8:4): A compound word combining “idol” and “sacrificed,” this term appears only in New Testament discussions of this specific issue, showing its unique importance to the early church.
ἐξουσία (exousia) – “Right/Liberty” (1 Corinthians 8:9): Usually translated as “authority” or “power,” here it refers to the freedom Christians have in Christ. The word carries legal connotations of both privilege and responsibility.
ἀσθενής (asthenēs) – “Weak” (1 Corinthians 8:7): This term describes spiritual immaturity rather than moral failing. It literally means “without strength” and was used in medical contexts, showing Paul’s pastoral sensitivity in dealing with spiritual growth.
οἰκοδομέω (oikodomeō) – “Builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1): A construction metaphor meaning to build or edify. Paul uses this architectural term to describe spiritual growth and community development.

Compare & Contrast

In 1 Corinthians 8:1, Paul could have simply stated “knowledge makes arrogant” but instead creates a powerful contrast with “love builds up.” The Greek construction deliberately pairs φυσιόω (physioō, “puffs up”) with οἰκοδομέω (oikodomeō, “builds up”), creating a memorable rhetorical parallel that emphasizes the destructive nature of pride versus the constructive nature of love.
The declaration “there is no God but one” in 1 Corinthians 8:4 deliberately echoes the Shema of Deuteronomy 6:4. Paul could have used various Greek constructions but chose one that would resonate with the Jewish declaration of faith while being comprehensible to Gentiles.
In 1 Corinthians 8:6, Paul adapts the standard Jewish monotheistic confession to include both the Father and the Son. The phrase “through whom are all things” applies creation language to both God and Jesus, a remarkable theological development.
The term “weak” (ἀσθενής) in 1 Corinthians 8:7 was chosen over other possible terms like ἄπειρος (inexperienced) or νήπιος (immature). This choice emphasizes vulnerability rather than fault, encouraging empathy rather than judgment.
The warning about becoming a “stumbling block” in 1 Corinthians 8:9 uses πρόσκομμα rather than σκάνδαλον, emphasizing the idea of causing someone to trip rather than entrapping them, highlighting the unintentional nature of the offense.

1 Corinthians 8 Unique Insights

The chapter contains one of the earliest Christian adaptations of the Shema, showing how the early church maintained monotheism while acknowledging Jesus’s divine nature. This theological innovation is particularly striking given Paul’s strict Jewish background and training. The reformulation in verse 6 became a crucial text in early Christian discussions about the nature of God and Christ.

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Rabbinical literature from the period shows that the question of food sacrificed to idols was debated among Jewish communities as well. The Mishnah tractate Avodah Zarah discusses similar issues, suggesting that Paul’s treatment of this topic drew from existing Jewish ethical discussions while developing new Christian approaches. The Rabbis generally took a stricter approach, whereas Paul introduces the revolutionary principle that love for others should guide our use of freedom.

The chapter also reflects sophisticated Greco-Roman philosophical concepts about conscience and knowledge, indicating Paul’s ability to engage with Hellenistic thought while transforming it through Christian theology. The discussion of συνείδησις (conscience) parallels Stoic philosophy but reframes it within a community-oriented, Christ-centered ethic.

1 Corinthians 8 Connections to Yeshua

The Messiah’s sacrificial love serves as the foundation for Paul’s entire argument. Just as Jesus laid aside His divine privileges for our sake (Philippians 2:5-8), believers are called to set aside their rights for the sake of others. The principle that knowledge must be governed by love reflects Jesus’s consistent prioritization of compassion over rigid application of rules.

The chapter’s high Christology, particularly in verse 6, presents Jesus as the agent of creation and the mediator of salvation, echoing and expanding upon John’s prologue (John 1:1-3). This theological framework shows how early Christian understanding of Jesus’s divine nature developed while maintaining strict monotheism.

1 Corinthians 8 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates deeply with various biblical themes and passages. The emphasis on love over knowledge echoes the prophetic tradition, particularly Hosea 6:6: “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” The discussion of idol food connects to Daniel’s refusal of the king’s food (Daniel 1) and the Maccabean resistance to eating unclean food.

The concern for weaker believers mirrors Moses’s intercession for Israel and prophetic calls to care for the vulnerable. The modified Shema in verse 6 builds on Deuteronomy 6:4 while incorporating New Testament revelation about Jesus’s divine nature.

1 Corinthians 8 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine how we use our freedom in Christ. Knowledge, rights, and freedom – good things in themselves – must always be governed by love. In our modern context, this might mean reconsidering how our exercise of Christian liberty affects others, whether in our choices of entertainment, social media use, or lifestyle decisions.

The principle that “knowledge puffs up while love builds up” remains profoundly relevant. In an age of information abundance, we must remember that accumulating biblical knowledge is not an end in itself but should lead to greater love for God and others. This challenges us to move beyond merely knowing correct doctrine to living it out in ways that strengthen the faith community.

Did You Know

The meat market in ancient Corinth was directly connected to the temple of Apollo, making the issue of idol food a daily practical concern for believers.
Archaeological evidence shows that Corinth had at least 12 major temples in Paul’s time, explaining why this issue was so pressing for the local church.
The term “conscience” (συνείδησις) appears 14 times in Paul’s letters, half of them in the Corinthian correspondence, showing its special relevance to this community.
The modified Shema in verse 6 is considered one of the earliest Christian creeds, possibly predating Paul’s letter.
The phrase “puffs up” used metaphorically for pride was a common idiom in ancient Greek medical texts, describing physical swelling.
The principle of avoiding offense to “weaker” believers influenced Christian dietary practices for centuries, particularly in missionary contexts.
The philosophical schools in Corinth taught that knowledge was the highest virtue, explaining Paul’s emphasis on love over knowledge.

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