1 Corinthians 8

New International Version

Concerning Food Sacrificed to Idols

8 Now about food sacrificed to idols:^(A) We know that “We all possess knowledge.”^(B) But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. ²Those who think they know something^(C) do not yet know as they ought to know.^(D) ³But whoever loves God is known by God.^[a]^(E)

⁴So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols:^(F) We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world”^(G) and that “There is no God but one.”^(H) ⁵For even if there are so-called gods,^(I) whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), ⁶yet for us there is but one God,^(J) the Father,^(K) from whom all things came^(L) and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord,^(M) Jesus Christ, through whom all things came^(N) and through whom we live.

⁷But not everyone possesses this knowledge.^(O) Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak,^(P) it is defiled. ⁸But food does not bring us near to God;^(Q) we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.

⁹Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block^(R) to the weak.^(S) ¹⁰For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols?^(T) ¹¹So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed^(U) by your knowledge. ¹²When you sin against them^(V) in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.^(W) ¹³Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.^(X)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

1 Corinthians 8:3 An early manuscript and another ancient witness think they have knowledge do not yet know as they ought to know. ³But whoever loves truly knows.

1 Corinthians 10:23-33

New International Version

The Believer’s Freedom

²³“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial.^(A) “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. ²⁴No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.^(B)

²⁵Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience,^(C) ²⁶for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”^[a]^(D)

²⁷If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you^(E) without raising questions of conscience. ²⁸But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience.^(F) ²⁹I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom^(G) being judged by another’s conscience? ³⁰If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?^(H)

³¹So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.^(I) ³²Do not cause anyone to stumble,^(J) whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God^(K)— ³³even as I try to please everyone in every way.^(L) For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many,^(M) so that they may be saved.^(N)