Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 8:7

What does 1 Corinthians 8:7 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 8:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 8:7 means

Paul recognizes that not every believer shares the same settled understanding. Some, freshly rescued from idolatry, still associate the meat with the idol, and if they eat, they feel they are reentering their old worship. Their conscience is tender and becomes defiled when they act against it. Knowledge must never be used to trample such souls. Sensitivity to background and spiritual maturity is essential. The goal is not to keep them weak, but to avoid pushing them into actions their conscience cannot yet bear. Love protects them while they grow, refusing to make a test of fellowship out of something that wounds their hearts.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Howbeit there is not in all men that knowledge: but some, being used until now to the idol, eat as of a thing sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Howbeit there is not in all men that knowledge: but some, being used until now to the idol, eat as of a thing sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Still, all men have not that knowledge: but some, being used till now to the image, are conscious that they are taking food which has been offered to the image; and because they are not strong in the faith, their minds are troubled.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but not in all men <FI>is<Fi> the knowledge, and certain with conscience of the idol, till now, as a thing sacrificed to an idol do eat <FI>it<Fi> , and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But there is not knowledge in every one. For some until this present, with conscience of the idol, eat as a thing sacrificed to an idol: and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But knowledge [is] not in all: but some, with conscience of the idol, until now eat as of a thing sacrificed to idols; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.

Context

After stating the right doctrine (vv. 4–6), Paul adds a necessary pastoral qualification: theology is true, but not all hearts can yet live by it without harm. Verse 8 will insist that food does not affect our standing with God, clarifying the moral indifference of the issue. Then verses 9–13 will warn the “strong” to guard their liberty so it does not pressure or entice the “weak” to act against conscience, which would injure them spiritually.

v.6yet 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.

v.7This passage

v.8But food will not commend us to God: neither, if we eat not, are we the worse; nor, if we eat, are we the better.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 14:22

    The faith which thou hast, have thou to thyself before God. Happy is he that judgeth not himself in that which he approveth.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:28

    But if any man say unto you, This hath been offered in sacrifice, eat not, for his sake that showed it, and for conscience’ sake:

  • 1 Corinthians 1:10

    Now I beseech you, brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

  • Romans 14:14

    I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself: save that to him who accounteth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

  • 1 Corinthians 8:9

    But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to the weak.

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