King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 8:1 Mean?

1 Corinthians 8:1 in the King James Version says “Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifiet...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.”

1 Corinthians 8:1 · KJV

Context

1

Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

2

And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

3

But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

Read 1 Corinthians 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now as touching things offered unto idols (περὶ δὲ τῶν εἰδωλοθύτων, peri de ton eidolothyton)—Paul addresses meat sacrificed in pagan temples, a volatile issue in cosmopolitan Corinth. His pastoral response pivots on a crucial contrast: Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth (ἡ γνῶσις φυσιοῖ, ἡ δὲ ἀγάπη οἰκοδομεῖ). The verb physioi (φυσιοῖ, "inflates, puffs up") depicts pride as spiritual bloating, while oikodomei (οἰκοδομεῖ, "builds up, edifies") uses architectural imagery—love constructs, knowledge merely inflates.

The Corinthians prided themselves on theological sophistication ("we all have knowledge"), but Paul subordinates gnosis (knowledge) to agape (self-sacrificing love). This becomes the interpretive key for chapters 8-10: intellectual correctness without pastoral sensitivity destroys rather than edifies the church. The "strong" believer who flaunts liberty wounds the "weak" brother—making orthodoxy an instrument of harm rather than help.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In first-century Corinth, virtually all meat sold in the macellum (public market) came from animals sacrificed in pagan temples. Temple rituals provided the city's meat supply, creating a conscience crisis: could Christians eat such meat? The "strong" argued idols were nonentities (8:4); the "weak" feared spiritual contamination. Social meals at temples (8:10) complicated matters further—declining invitations meant social ostracism.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where do you prioritize being "right" over being loving—using theological knowledge as a weapon rather than a tool for building up?
  2. How does Paul's "knowledge puffs up, love builds up" challenge evangelical culture that prizes doctrinal precision over pastoral sensitivity?
  3. In what areas might your Christian liberty become a stumbling block to weaker believers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
Περὶ1 of 16

“as touching”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

δὲ2 of 16

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

τῶν3 of 16
G3588

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

εἰδωλοθύτων4 of 16

“things offered unto idols”

G1494

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

οἴδαμεν5 of 16

“we know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι6 of 16

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πάντες7 of 16

“we all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

γνῶσις8 of 16

“Knowledge”

G1108

knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge

ἔχομεν9 of 16

“have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἡ10 of 16
G3588

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

γνῶσις11 of 16

“Knowledge”

G1108

knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge

φυσιοῖ12 of 16

“puffeth up”

G5448

to inflate, i.e., (figuratively) make proud (haughty)

ἡ13 of 16
G3588

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

δὲ14 of 16

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀγάπη15 of 16

“charity”

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

οἰκοδομεῖ·16 of 16

“edifieth”

G3618

to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm

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 8:1 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 8:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 8:7Isaiah 5:21Romans 14:31 Corinthians 8:4Revelation 2:141 Corinthians 8:2

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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