King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 8:7 Mean?

1 Corinthians 8:7 in the King James Version says “Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing ...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.”

1 Corinthians 8:7 · King James Version

Context

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

7

Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

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

Read 1 Corinthians 8 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge (ἀλλ' οὐκ ἐν πᾶσιν ἡ γνῶσις, all' ouk en pasin he gnosis)—Paul pivots from theology to pastoral reality. Not all believers possess the mature understanding that idols are metaphysical zeros. For some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol—the phrase "conscience of the idol" (syneidesis tou eidolou) describes believers whose syneidesis (συνείδησις, "conscience, moral consciousness") remains traumatized by their idolatrous past.

These "weak" believers intellectually affirm monotheism but psychologically cannot escape associations between meat and demon-worship. When they eat, their conscience being weak is defiled (μολύνεται, molynetai, "is stained, polluted"). The pollution isn't metaphysical (the meat is neutral) but psychological and spiritual—they sin by acting against conscience (Romans 14:23, "whatsoever is not of faith is sin"). The "strong" must limit liberty to avoid pushing the "weak" into sin.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Many Corinthian converts came from pagan backgrounds involving temple prostitution, mystery cult initiations, and animal sacrifices to demons. These experiences left deep spiritual and psychological scars. Recent converts ("unto this hour" suggests proximity to conversion) struggled to separate cultural practices from spiritual reality. The "weak" weren't intellectually deficient but spiritually traumatized—their past held them captive.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who are the "weak" believers in your church whose consciences differ from yours on matters of Christian liberty?
  2. How do you balance truth ("idols are nothing") with compassion for those whose past experiences make certain actions spiritually dangerous?
  3. Where might you be pushing someone to violate their conscience by flaunting your freedom?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
Ἀλλ'1 of 24

“Howbeit”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

οὐκ2 of 24

“there is not”

G3756

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

ἐν3 of 24

“in”

G1722

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

πᾶσιν4 of 24

“every man”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἡ5 of 24
G3588

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

γνῶσις·6 of 24

“that knowledge”

G1108

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

τινὲς7 of 24

“some”

G5100

some or any person or object

δὲ8 of 24

“for”

G1161

but, and, etc

τῇ9 of 24
G3588

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

συνείδησις10 of 24

“conscience”

G4893

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

τοῦ11 of 24
G3588

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

εἰδώλου12 of 24

“of the idol”

G1497

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

ἕως13 of 24

“unto”

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

ἄρτι14 of 24

“this hour”

G737

just now

ὡς15 of 24

“it as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

εἰδωλόθυτον16 of 24

“a thing offered unto an idol”

G1494

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

ἐσθίουσιν17 of 24

“eat”

G2068

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

καὶ18 of 24

“and”

G2532

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

ἡ19 of 24
G3588

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

συνείδησις20 of 24

“conscience”

G4893

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

αὐτῶν21 of 24

“their”

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

ἀσθενὴς22 of 24

“weak”

G772

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

οὖσα23 of 24

“being”

G5607

being

μολύνεται24 of 24

“is defiled”

G3435

to soil (figuratively)

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 8:7 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 8:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 14:141 Corinthians 10:28-29Romans 14:22-231 Corinthians 8:9-101 Corinthians 1:10-11

Test Your Knowledge

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

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