King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 10:30 Mean?

1 Corinthians 10:30 in the King James Version says “For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? grace: or, thanksgiving” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 10:30 · KJV

Grace

Context

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.

32

Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Gentiles: Gr. Greeks

Read 1 Corinthians 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?—This verse continues the potential objection from v. 29. If I eat food by grace (chariti, χάριτι, "with thanksgiving/gratitude"), recognizing God's provision and giving thanks (as Jesus taught, 1 Timothy 4:4-5), why should I be evil spoken of (blasphēmoumai, βλασφημοῦμαι, "blasphemed/slandered/spoken evil of") for it? Why should grateful reception of God's gifts be criticized?

Paul's point is precisely that thanksgiving (eucharistia) legitimates eating when done in faith, recognizing God's ownership (v. 26). However, this theological truth must be balanced with practical love. While you can eat known idol-food with clear conscience (because you're thanking God, not idols), doing so when it harms others or confuses witness contradicts love's demands. Right theology doesn't override relational wisdom.

The tension is real: Christian freedom includes eating all foods with thanksgiving, yet love sometimes requires abstaining from permissible things. Paul doesn't resolve the tension by eliminating freedom or ignoring others' consciences. Instead, he subordinates both to a higher principle: God's glory (v. 31). When freedom's exercise causes offense that hinders gospel or harms souls, glory-seeking demands self-limitation despite theological correctness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christian table fellowship was controversial—Jews criticized Gentile Christians for eating unclean foods; Gentiles criticized Jewish Christians for food scruples. Paul navigates these tensions by affirming freedom (grace permits eating with thanksgiving) while constraining it by love (consideration for others' consciences). The ultimate criterion isn't individual rights or others' opinions but God's glory and gospel advance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you maintain robust confidence in Christian freedom while remaining sensitive to how exercising it impacts others?
  2. When have you needed to limit theologically justified freedom for the sake of love or witness?
  3. What role does thanksgiving play in sanctifying otherwise neutral activities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
εἰ1 of 11

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ2 of 11

“For”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐγὼ3 of 11

“I”

G1473

i, me

χάριτι4 of 11

“by grace”

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

μετέχω5 of 11

“be a partaker”

G3348

to share or participate; by implication, belong to, eat (or drink)

τί6 of 11

“why”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

βλασφημοῦμαι7 of 11

“am I evil spoken of”

G987

to vilify; specially, to speak impiously

ὑπὲρ8 of 11

“for that”

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

οὗ9 of 11

“for which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐγὼ10 of 11

“I”

G1473

i, me

εὐχαριστῶ11 of 11

“give thanks”

G2168

to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal

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 10:30 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 10:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 14:61 Timothy 4:3-4

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