King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 8:10 Mean?

1 Corinthians 8:10 in the King James Version says “For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is ...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; emboldened: Gr. edified”

1 Corinthians 8:10 · KJV

Context

8

But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. are we the better: or, have we the more are we the worse: or, have we the less

9

But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. liberty: or, power

10

For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; emboldened: Gr. edified

11

And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

12

But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

Read 1 Corinthians 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple (ἐν εἰδωλείῳ κατακείμενον, en eidoleio katakeimenon, "reclining in an idol-shrine")—Paul provides a concrete scenario. The verb katakeimai describes the Greco-Roman dining posture (reclining on couches), indicating formal meals, not merely purchasing meat at market. The "strong" believer, confident idols are nonentities, accepts social invitations to temple banquets.

Shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened (οἰκοδομηθήσεται, oikodomethsetai, "be built up, encouraged")—bitter irony drips from Paul's reuse of "edify" from verse 1. The weak believer's conscience is "built up" not unto godliness but unto sin—emboldened to violate his own conscience by imitating the "strong" believer's example. To eat those things which are offered to idols—the weak person isn't liberated but destroyed, acting against conscience and thus sinning (Romans 14:23).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Temple dining rooms (eidoleia) hosted social, business, and civic meals. Invitations indicated social status and networking opportunities. Declining meant social and economic consequences. The "strong" argued their theology permitted attendance—idols are nothing, so meals are neutral. Paul agrees theologically but condemns the practice pastorally: it destroys weaker believers who imitate without the strong's theological foundation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What practices do you engage in that might embolden weaker believers to violate their consciences by imitating you?
  2. How do you balance Christian freedom with the responsibility your example carries?
  3. Where might your "liberty" be functioning as a destructive influence rather than a helpful witness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἐὰν1 of 23

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

γάρ2 of 23

“For”

G1063

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

τις3 of 23

“any man”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἴδῃ4 of 23

“see”

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

σὲ5 of 23

“thee”

G4571

thee

τὰ6 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

ἔχοντα7 of 23

“hast”

G2192

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

γνῶσιν8 of 23

“knowledge”

G1108

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

ἐν9 of 23

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

εἰδωλείῳ10 of 23

“the idol's temple”

G1493

an image-fane

κατακείμενον11 of 23

“sit at meat”

G2621

to lie down, i.e., (by implication) be sick; specially, to recline at a meal

οὐχὶ12 of 23

“not”

G3780

not indeed

τὰ13 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

συνείδησις14 of 23

“the conscience”

G4893

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

αὐτοῦ15 of 23

“of him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀσθενοῦς16 of 23

“weak”

G772

strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)

ὄντος17 of 23

“which is”

G5607

being

οἰκοδομηθήσεται18 of 23

“be emboldened”

G3618

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

εἰς19 of 23
G1519

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

τὰ20 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

τὰ21 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

εἰδωλόθυτα22 of 23

“those things which are offered to idols”

G1494

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

ἐσθίειν23 of 23

“to eat”

G2068

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

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 8:10 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 8:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 10:28-29Romans 14:231 Corinthians 8:41 Corinthians 10:20-21Romans 14:141 Corinthians 8:7

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