King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 8:4 Mean?

1 Corinthians 8:4 in the King James Version says “As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is not...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.”

1 Corinthians 8:4 · KJV

Context

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.

4

As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

5

For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

6

But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. in: or, for

Read 1 Corinthians 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols (περὶ τῆς βρώσεως τῶν εἰδωλοθύτων, peri tes broseos ton eidolothyton)—Paul now applies his love-knowledge principle to the specific case. The theological facts are correct: an idol is nothing in the world, and there is none other God but one. The Greek ouden (οὐδέν, "nothing") is emphatic—idols have zero ontological reality.

This monotheistic confession echoes the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4, "The LORD our God is one LORD"). Paul affirms the "strong" party's theology: since idols are non-existent, meat sacrificed to them is metaphysically unchanged. The error isn't their doctrine but their failure to apply it pastorally. Correct theology divorced from love destroys; theology governed by love edifies. Chapters 8-10 will nuance this: while idols are "nothing," demons operate through idolatry (10:19-21), so the issue is complex.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Pagan temples dominated Corinth's landscape—temples to Aphrodite, Apollo, Poseidon, and the imperial cult. Sacrificial rituals were civic duties, not merely private religion. For new Gentile converts, especially those from pagan priestly backgrounds, eating eidolothyta (idol-meat) triggered traumatic associations with their former demon-worship. The "strong" believers, confident in monotheism, lacked empathy for these psychological and spiritual scars.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where are you theologically correct but pastorally insensitive—wielding truth without love?
  2. How do you balance "an idol is nothing" with respect for believers whose consciences differ?
  3. What "freedoms" might you need to limit out of love for weaker Christians?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
Περὶ1 of 20

“As concerning”

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

τῆς2 of 20
G3588

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

βρώσεως3 of 20

“the eating”

G1035

(abstractly) eating (literally or figuratively); by extension (concretely) food (literally or figuratively)

οὖν4 of 20

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τῶν5 of 20
G3588

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

εἰδωλοθύτων6 of 20

“of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols”

G1494

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

οἴδαμεν7 of 20

“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

ὅτι8 of 20

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐδεὶς9 of 20

“is nothing”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

εἴδωλον10 of 20

“an idol”

G1497

an image (i.e., for worship); by implication, a heathen god, or (plural) the worship of such

ἐν11 of 20

“in”

G1722

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

κόσμῳ12 of 20

“the world”

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

καὶ13 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

ὅτι14 of 20

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐδεὶς15 of 20

“is nothing”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

θεὸς16 of 20

“God”

G2316

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

ἕτερος17 of 20

“other”

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

εἰ18 of 20
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ19 of 20
G3361

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

εἷς20 of 20

“one”

G1520

one

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 8:4 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 8:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 4:39Isaiah 41:241 Corinthians 10:19-20Ephesians 4:6Deuteronomy 6:41 Timothy 2:5

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