1 Corinthians 8:4
What does 1 Corinthians 8:4 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 8:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 8:4 means
Paul affirms the core truth: idols have no real existence as gods, and there is only one true God. This theological reality means meat that once sat before an idol is not inherently polluted or spiritually potent. The carved image or pagan name confers no power upon the food. Knowledge of the one God liberates the believer from superstitious fears. Still, this truth must be handled wisely. While the meat is morally indifferent in itself, the act of eating—and the context in which one eats—may carry meanings for others. Theology clears the conscience, but love will decide how and when to exercise that freedom.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Concerning therefore the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that no idol is anything in the world, and that there is no God but one.
KJV
King James Version · 1611As 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Concerning therefore the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that no idol is anything in the world, and that there is no God but one.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So, then, as to the question of taking food offered to images, we are certain that an image is nothing in the world, and that there is no God but one.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Concerning the eating then of the things sacrificed to idols, we have known that an idol <FI>is<Fi> nothing in the world, and that there is no other God except one;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But as for the meats that are sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world and that there is no God but one.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890— concerning then the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in [the] world, and that there [is] no otherGod save one.
Context
This verse begins Paul’s doctrinal basis for Christian liberty concerning idol food. After correcting attitudes (vv. 1–3), he now states the truth: idols are nothing; God is one. Verses 5–6 will acknowledge the cultural reality of many so-called “gods” and then confess the Christian monotheism centered in the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Then, verses 7–13 will qualify how this sound knowledge must be applied with sensitivity toward believers who remain troubled by their past with idols.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jeremiah 10:10
But Jehovah is the true God; he is the living God, and an everlasting King: at his wrath the earth trembleth, and the nations are not able to abide his indignation.
- 1 Corinthians 8:6
yet to us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we unto him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we through him.
- 1 Corinthians 10:19
What say I then? that a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything?
- Deuteronomy 4:35
Unto thee it was showed, that thou mightest know that Jehovah he is God; there is none else besides him.
- Jeremiah 10:14
Every man is become brutish and is without knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his graven image; for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.
- Isaiah 45:5
I am Jehovah, and there is none else; besides me there is no God. I will gird thee, though thou hast not known me;
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