King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 10:26 Mean?

1 Corinthians 10:26 in the King James Version says “For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.”

1 Corinthians 10:26 · KJV

Context

24

Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.

25

Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:

26

For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.

27

If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.

28

But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof—Paul quotes Psalm 24:1 (LXX) to provide theological grounding for v. 25's permission. All creation belongs to God: the earth (tēs gēs, τῆς γῆς) and the fulness thereof (to plērōma autēs, τὸ πλήρωμα αὐτῆς, "everything that fills it")—animals, plants, resources. Nothing in creation is inherently unclean or off-limits because of pagan misuse.

This monotheistic confidence liberates Christian conscience. Idolaters may dedicate animals to false gods, but their rituals don't change ownership—everything still belongs to the true God. The meat itself isn't defiled by idolatrous context (contra Jewish food laws that Paul has relativized for Christians). What matters is whether eating involves fellowship with demons (temple context) or grateful reception of God's provision (market context).

Paul's citation also echoes Jesus's teaching that foods don't defile (Mark 7:18-19). The new covenant relocates purity from external rituals to heart allegiance. Because the earth is the Lord's, Christians can receive all food with thanksgiving (1 Timothy 4:4-5), provided eating doesn't involve idolatrous context (temple meals) or harm others (weaker brother's conscience). Creation is good; context determines appropriateness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish dietary laws (Leviticus 11, Deuteronomy 14) prohibited many foods and regulated meat preparation. Early Christians debated these laws' applicability (Acts 15, Galatians 2:11-14). Paul's citation of Psalm 24:1 reflects the Jerusalem Council's conclusion: Gentile Christians aren't bound by Mosaic dietary laws, though they should avoid obvious idol-association (Acts 15:29). God's ownership of creation grounds freedom from food taboos while maintaining boundaries against idolatry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God's ownership of all creation affect your stewardship of food, possessions, and natural resources?
  2. What freedoms does Psalm 24:1's truth grant you that religious legalism might deny?
  3. How can you maintain both confidence in creation's goodness and vigilance against idolatrous misuse of God's gifts?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
τοῦ1 of 9
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γὰρ2 of 9

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

κυρίου3 of 9

“is the Lord's”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡ4 of 9
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γῆ5 of 9

“the earth”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

καὶ6 of 9

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸ7 of 9
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πλήρωμα8 of 9

“the fulness”

G4138

repletion or completion, i.e., (subjectively) what fills (as contents, supplement, copiousness, multitude), or (objectively) what is filled (as contai

αὐτῆς9 of 9

“thereof”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 10:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 10:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 24:1Exodus 19:5Psalms 50:12Deuteronomy 10:14Job 41:111 Timothy 6:17

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