King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 8:13 Mean?

1 Corinthians 8:13 in the King James Version says “Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth , lest I make my brother to o...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth , lest I make my brother to offend.”

1 Corinthians 8:13 · KJV

Context

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.

13

Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth , lest I make my brother to offend.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth (οὐ μὴ φάγω κρέα εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα, ou me phago krea eis ton aiona, "I will never eat meat forever")—Paul's emphatic double negative (ou me) expresses absolute resolve. He personally pledges perpetual vegetarianism if meat-eating causes a brother to stumble. This isn't hypothetical posturing but apostolic example: love gladly surrenders even legitimate liberties for others' spiritual good.

Lest I make my brother to offend (ἵνα μὴ τὸν ἀδελφόν μου σκανδαλίσω, hina me ton adelphon mou skandaliso, "lest I cause my brother to stumble")—the verb skandalizo (σκανδαλίζω) means to cause someone to sin or fall away. Paul's priority is protecting his brother's conscience above asserting his own rights. This is Christian maturity: the "strong" prove strength not by exercising all liberties but by surrendering them for love's sake. Chapters 9-10 will apply this principle to Paul's own apostolic rights, demonstrating he practices what he preaches.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's pledge wasn't ascetic legalism (he affirms meat's goodness elsewhere, 1 Timothy 4:3-4) but pastoral love. In a culture where social meals cemented relationships and identity, Paul's willingness to forego meat permanently for a brother's sake was staggering. This set the pattern for Christian ethics: love limits liberty, and the mature willingly accept restrictions the immature cannot yet bear.

Reflection Questions

  1. What legitimate Christian liberties is God calling you to surrender for the sake of weaker believers?
  2. How do you distinguish between enabling legalism versus protecting a brother from stumbling?
  3. Where do you need to imitate Paul's radical self-denial for the sake of others' spiritual growth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
διόπερ1 of 20

“Wherefore”

G1355

on which very account

εἰ2 of 20

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

βρῶμα3 of 20

“meat”

G1033

food (literally or figuratively), especially (ceremonially) articles allowed or forbidden by the jewish law

σκανδαλίσω4 of 20

“I make”

G4624

to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)

τὸν5 of 20
G3588

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

ἀδελφόν6 of 20

“brother”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

μου7 of 20

“my”

G3450

of me

οὐ8 of 20
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μὴ9 of 20
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

φάγω10 of 20

“I will eat”

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

κρέα11 of 20

“flesh”

G2907

(butcher's) meat

εἰς12 of 20

“while the world standeth”

G1519

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

τὸν13 of 20
G3588

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

αἰῶνα14 of 20
G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

ἵνα15 of 20
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ16 of 20
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

τὸν17 of 20
G3588

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

ἀδελφόν18 of 20

“brother”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

μου19 of 20

“my”

G3450

of me

σκανδαλίσω20 of 20

“I make”

G4624

to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)

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 8:13 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 8:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 14:212 Corinthians 6:32 Corinthians 11:291 Corinthians 6:121 Corinthians 13:51 Corinthians 9:19-23

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