King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 10:29 Mean?

1 Corinthians 10:29 in the King James Version says “Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 10:29 · KJV


Context

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

31

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?—Paul clarifies that conscience in v. 28 refers to the other person's conscience, not your own. You know idols are nothing (8:4), so your conscience is clear about eating. But love requires considering how your actions impact another man's conscience (tou heterou, τοῦ ἑτέρου, "the other person")—either a weaker believer or a watching pagan.

The question for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? expresses potential objection: "Why should someone else's conscience restrict my freedom?" Paul doesn't directly answer but implies: because love limits liberty. Christian freedom exists to serve others' good (v. 24), not maximize personal autonomy. If exercising freedom harms another's faith or witness, love requires self-limitation.

This verse reveals the tensions in Paul's ethics: affirming genuine Christian liberty while constraining it by love. You have freedom to eat, but that freedom isn't absolute—it's qualified by impact on others. The strong must defer to the weak, not asserting rights at cost of souls. This is cruciform ethics—voluntary self-limitation modeled after Christ who surrendered His rights for our salvation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Corinthian society prized individual autonomy, honor, and status. The strong despised the weak; the sophisticated mocked the scrupulous. Paul's ethic inverts this: the strong are responsible for the weak, and knowledge must be constrained by love. This countercultural approach challenged both Greco-Roman individualism and potential Christian triumphalism that viewed freedom as license.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas are you most tempted to assert personal liberty without considering impact on others' consciences?
  2. How can you distinguish between appropriate deference to weaker consciences and enabling immature legalism?
  3. What freedoms might God be calling you to limit (not because they're sinful) for the sake of love toward others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
συνειδήσεως1 of 20

Conscience

G4893

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

δὲ2 of 20
G1161

but, and, etc

λέγω3 of 20

I say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

οὐχὶ4 of 20

not

G3780

not indeed

τὴν5 of 20
G3588

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

ἑαυτοῦ6 of 20

thine own

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἀλλὰ7 of 20

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τὴν8 of 20
G3588

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

τοῦ9 of 20
G3588

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

ἑτέρου10 of 20

of the other

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

ἵνα11 of 20
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

τί12 of 20

why

G2444

for what reason ?, i.e., why?

γὰρ13 of 20

for

G1063

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

14 of 20
G3588

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

ἐλευθερία15 of 20

liberty

G1657

freedom (legitimate or licentious, chiefly moral or ceremonial)

μου16 of 20

my

G3450

of me

κρίνεται17 of 20

is

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

ὑπὸ18 of 20

of

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

ἄλλης19 of 20

another

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

συνειδήσεως20 of 20

Conscience

G4893

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness


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 10:29 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 10:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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