King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 10:32 Mean?

1 Corinthians 10:32 in the King James Version says “Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Gentiles: Gr. Greeks” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 10:32 · KJV

Context

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God—Paul specifies how to glorify God (v. 31): give none offence (aproskopoi ginesthe, ἀπρόσκοποι γίνεσθε, "be without offense/stumbling block"). The goal is removing obstacles that hinder gospel reception or harm spiritual growth. Paul identifies three groups requiring consideration: Jews, Gentiles (literally "Greeks"), and the church of God.

To Jews, offense might involve eating unclean food or violating Sabbath, creating barriers to gospel hearing. To Gentiles, offense might involve Christian behavior that seems antisocial, weird, or morally compromised, discrediting the message. To the church, offense involves wounding weak consciences (8:9-13) or creating division. Love seeks to remove unnecessary stumbling blocks in all three contexts, becoming "all things to all people" (9:19-23) for gospel's sake.

This doesn't mean compromising truth or fearing all criticism—Jesus offended religious leaders by speaking truth (Matthew 15:12-14). Rather, it means avoiding unnecessary offense through cultural insensitivity, flaunting freedom, or indifference to others' consciences. Where the gospel itself offends (the cross is a stumbling block, 1:23), we proclaim it boldly. But where our behavior unnecessarily offends, we adjust for love's sake and gospel effectiveness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Corinth's strategic location made it ethnically diverse—Jews, Greeks, Romans, various Mediterranean peoples. The church included members from all backgrounds (1:26-29, 12:13). Paul's mission strategy required cultural sensitivity without gospel compromise—don't offend Jews unnecessarily (Acts 16:3, circumcising Timothy), don't scandalize Gentiles unnecessarily, don't wound believers unnecessarily. This navigation required wisdom, love, and gospel-centeredness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you distinguish between offensive gospel truth (which must be proclaimed) and offensive Christian behavior (which should be avoided)?
  2. What culturally conditioned behaviors might you need to adjust to avoid unnecessarily offending different groups?
  3. In what ways might insensitivity to others' backgrounds or scruples hinder gospel effectiveness in your context?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
ἀπρόσκοποι1 of 11

“none offence”

G677

actively, inoffensive, i.e., not leading into sin; passively, faultless, i.e., not led into sin

γίνεσθε2 of 11

“Give”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

καὶ3 of 11

“neither”

G2532

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

Ἰουδαίοις4 of 11

“to the Jews”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

καὶ5 of 11

“neither”

G2532

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

Ἕλλησιν6 of 11

“to the Gentiles”

G1672

a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew

καὶ7 of 11

“neither”

G2532

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

τῇ8 of 11
G3588

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

ἐκκλησίᾳ9 of 11

“to the church”

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

τοῦ10 of 11
G3588

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

θεοῦ11 of 11

“of God”

G2316

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

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 10:32 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 10:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 20:281 Corinthians 10:33Romans 14:131 Corinthians 8:132 Corinthians 6:3Acts 24:16

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