King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 10:31 Mean?

1 Corinthians 10:31 in the King James Version says “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 10:31 · KJV

Context

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

33

Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

Read 1 Corinthians 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God—This verse provides the comprehensive principle governing all Christian behavior. Whether ye eat, or drink directly addresses the food controversy but or whatsoever ye do (panta, πάντα, "all things") universalizes the principle—every activity, decision, and moment exists for one purpose: the glory of God (doxan theou, δόξαν θεοῦ).

God's doxa (δόξα, "glory/honor/splendor") is His revealed excellence and majesty. To glorify God means living in ways that display His character, honor His name, and advance His kingdom. This transcends negative ethics (avoiding sin) to positive purpose—actively making God look glorious through every dimension of life. Eating, drinking, working, resting, relationships—all become worship when oriented toward God's glory.

Applied to the idol-food controversy: don't merely ask "Is this permissible?" but "Does this glorify God?" If eating harms a brother, confuses pagans, or associates you with demons, it doesn't glorify God—regardless of your theological sophistication or clear conscience. This God-centered criterion resolves the tensions of vv. 23-30: when freedom and others' consciences conflict, ask which course magnifies God's glory more. Usually, self-limiting love displays God's character better than liberty-asserting rights.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient philosophy sought the highest good—Stoics in virtue, Epicureans in pleasure, Aristotelians in flourishing. Paul posits a higher telos: God's glory. This theocentric orientation relativizes all other goods and provides a unified principle for ethics. For Corinthians debating food, honor, and freedom, Paul offers a singular focus: make every decision, including mundane ones like meals, about displaying God's excellence to the world.

Reflection Questions

  1. How would asking "Does this glorify God?" change your decision-making in areas where Scripture doesn't give explicit commands?
  2. What mundane activities (eating, working, entertainment) could become worship if reoriented toward God's glory?
  3. In what areas are you most tempted to pursue your own satisfaction rather than God's glory?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
εἴτε1 of 13

“Whether”

G1535

if too

οὖν2 of 13

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἐσθίετε3 of 13

“ye eat”

G2068

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

εἴτε4 of 13

“Whether”

G1535

if too

πίνετε5 of 13

“drink”

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

εἴτε6 of 13

“Whether”

G1535

if too

τι7 of 13

“whatsoever”

G5100

some or any person or object

ποιεῖτε8 of 13

“do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

πάντα9 of 13

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

εἰς10 of 13

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

δόξαν11 of 13

“the glory”

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

θεοῦ12 of 13

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ποιεῖτε13 of 13

“do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

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 10:31 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 10:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 3:17Colossians 3:231 Peter 4:11Deuteronomy 12:7Deuteronomy 12:18Zechariah 7:5-6

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