King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 10:28 Mean?

1 Corinthians 10:28 in the King James Version says “But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for consc...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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:”

1 Corinthians 10:28 · KJV

Context

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:

29

Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?

30

For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? grace: or, thanksgiving

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—Paul introduces a qualification to v. 27's permission. If someone at the meal explicitly identifies food as offered in sacrifice unto idols (hierothyton, ἱερόθυτον, "temple-sacrificed"), then eat not. The reason isn't that the food itself becomes defiled but consideration for his sake that shewed it (di' ekeinon ton mēnysanta, δι' ἐκεῖνον τὸν μηνύσαντα, "on account of the one who informed you").

Who is this informer? Either (1) a weaker Christian whose conscience would be violated seeing you eat known idol-food, or (2) a pagan host deliberately framing the meal as religious, testing your allegiance. In either case, abstaining is required—with the Christian, to avoid wounding conscience (8:9-13); with the pagan, to maintain clear witness that you worship only Christ, not idols. Knowledge changes obligation: what was permissible in ignorance becomes wrong when idol-association is explicit.

For conscience sake refers to the other person's conscience (clarified in v. 29), not your own. Your conscience can handle eating (knowing idols are nothing), but love constrains liberty to protect another's weaker conscience or clarify witness to pagans. The final clause for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof (absent in some manuscripts) reaffirms that abstaining isn't due to food's defilement but relational wisdom.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This scenario likely occurred frequently in Corinth—Christians attending social dinners where food origins became explicit through conversation. Paul's instruction navigates complex social dynamics: maintain relationships with pagans, accept hospitality, but draw clear boundaries when explicit idol-association arises. This requires situational discernment rather than rigid rules, using love and witness concerns to guide decisions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you discern when accepting an invitation would compromise witness versus when declining would appear self-righteous?
  2. In what situations should you limit your freedoms to avoid confusing or harming others' consciences?
  3. How does the principle of abstaining "for his sake that shewed it" apply to modern ethical dilemmas involving disputed practices?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ἐὰν1 of 26

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

δέ2 of 26

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

τις3 of 26

“any man”

G5100

some or any person or object

ὑμῖν4 of 26

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

εἴπῃ5 of 26

“say”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Τοῦτο6 of 26

“This”

G5124

that thing

εἰδωλόθυτόν7 of 26

“offered in sacrifice unto idols”

G1494

an image-sacrifice, i.e., part of an idolatrous offering

ἐστιν8 of 26

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

μὴ9 of 26

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐσθίετε10 of 26

“eat”

G2068

used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)

δι'11 of 26

“for”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ἐκεῖνον12 of 26

“his sake”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

τὸν13 of 26
G3588

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

μηνύσαντα14 of 26

“that shewed it”

G3377

to disclose (through the idea of mental effort and thus calling to mind), i.e., report, declare, intimate

καὶ15 of 26

“and”

G2532

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

τὴν16 of 26
G3588

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

συνείδησιν·17 of 26

“for conscience sake”

G4893

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

τοῦ18 of 26
G3588

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

γὰρ19 of 26

“for”

G1063

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

κυρίου20 of 26

“is the Lord's”

G2962

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

ἡ21 of 26
G3588

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

γῆ22 of 26

“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)

καὶ23 of 26

“and”

G2532

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

τὸ24 of 26
G3588

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

πλήρωμα25 of 26

“the fulness”

G4138

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

αὐτῆς26 of 26

“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 10:28 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 10:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 8:10-131 Corinthians 8:7Romans 14:151 Corinthians 10:26Matthew 6:31-32Jeremiah 27:5-6

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