1 Corinthians 10:25

KJV

Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, [that] eat, asking no question for conscience sake:

KJV (with Strong's)

Whatsoever {G3956} is sold {G4453} in {G1722} the shambles {G3111}, that eat {G2068}, asking {G350} no {G3367} question {G350} for {G1223} conscience {G4893} sake {G1223}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience,

Berean Standard Bible

Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience,

American Standard Version

Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, eat, asking no question for conscience’ sake;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 10:25 provides practical guidance regarding Christian liberty, specifically concerning the consumption of meat sold in public markets that may have originated from pagan sacrifices. Paul instructs believers to eat whatever is available without scrupulous inquiry into its origin, emphasizing that such investigation is unnecessary and could potentially trouble one's own conscience or that of others. This directive underscores the principle that believers are free in Christ and should not create unnecessary burdens or divisions over matters indifferent to faith, provided their actions do not cause a brother or sister to stumble.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger, intricate discussion by the Apostle Paul concerning the relationship between Christian liberty, conscience, and communal responsibility, spanning [1 Corinthians 8-10](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8-10 - Christian Liberty and Conscience"). Paul begins in [1 Corinthians 8](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Sacrificed to Idols") by establishing that while idols are "nothing" ([1 Corinthians 8:4](/1_corinthians/8-4 "1 Corinthians 8:4 - An Idol is Nothing")), knowledge must be tempered by love, lest it cause a "weak brother" to stumble ([1 Corinthians 8:9-13](/1_corinthians/8-9-13 "1 Corinthians 8:9-13 - Do Not Cause a Brother to Stumble")). He then uses his own example of foregoing rights for the sake of the gospel in [1 Corinthians 9](/1_corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Example of Self-Denial"), before warning against idolatry and presumption in [1 Corinthians 10:1-22](/1_corinthians/10-1-22 "1 Corinthians 10:1-22 - Warnings from Israel's History and Idolatry"). Verses [1 Corinthians 10:23-33](/1_corinthians/10-23-33 "1 Corinthians 10:23-33 - All Things for God's Glory") then offer specific applications, distinguishing between eating meat in the market, at a pagan's home, and the overarching principle of doing all things for God's glory and the good of others, leading into the summary statement of [1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Do All to the Glory of God").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub in the Roman Empire, replete with numerous pagan temples and active cults. A common practice was for animals sacrificed to idols to have their edible portions sold in public meat markets, known as "shambles" or *macella*. This meat was often cheaper and readily available. For early Christians, many of whom were converts from paganism, the question of whether it was permissible to eat such meat was a significant point of contention. Some, understanding that idols were not real gods, felt free to eat it, while others, perhaps with recent memories of pagan worship, felt eating such meat was a compromise or even participation in idolatry. The cultural context also involved social dining, where Christians might be invited to meals in the homes of non-believers where meat from sacrifices could be served. Paul's instructions provided practical guidance for navigating these complex social and religious interactions without compromising faith or causing division.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, and the broader passage, contributes significantly to several key themes within 1 Corinthians. Foremost is the theme of **Christian liberty**, emphasizing the freedom believers have in Christ from external regulations, particularly those related to food, as "all things are lawful" ([1 Corinthians 10:23](/1_corinthians/10-23 "1 Corinthians 10:23 - All Things Are Lawful")). However, this liberty is always balanced by the theme of **love and consideration for others**, especially the "weaker brother" whose conscience might be troubled ([1 Corinthians 8:9](/1_corinthians/8-9 "1 Corinthians 8:9 - Do Not Cause a Brother to Stumble")). The concept of **conscience** itself is central, highlighting the internal moral compass that guides believers' actions. Finally, the overarching theme of **glorifying God** in all things ([1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Do All to the Glory of God")) serves as the ultimate principle governing the exercise of Christian freedom, ensuring that personal choices contribute to the spiritual well-being of the community and the honor of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **shambles (Greek, _mákellon'_):** This term refers to a butcher's stall, meat market, or provision-shop. It denotes a public place where meat, including that which might have been part of pagan sacrifices, was sold to the general populace. Paul's use of this specific term indicates that his instruction applies to everyday commercial transactions, distinguishing it from eating meat knowingly offered to idols in a temple setting or at a pagan feast.
* **asking (Greek, _anakrínō'_):** Properly, this word means "to scrutinize," "investigate," "interrogate," or "determine." In this context, it refers to making a deliberate inquiry or examination into the origin of the meat. Paul's prohibition against "asking no question" implies that believers should not proactively seek out information that might trouble their conscience or lead to unnecessary scrupulosity about indifferent matters.
* **conscience (Greek, _syneídēsis'_):** This term denotes "co-perception," or moral consciousness. It refers to the inner faculty that judges one's actions and motives, discerning right from wrong. Paul's emphasis on "conscience sake" highlights that the primary concern is not the inherent nature of the meat (which is morally neutral), but the internal state of the believer and the potential for their own conscience or that of another to be defiled or troubled by the knowledge of the meat's origin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whatsoever is sold in the shambles":** This phrase establishes the specific context for Paul's instruction: meat purchased in a public market. It implies a setting where the origin of the meat (whether it was part of a pagan sacrifice or not) is generally unknown to the buyer, or at least not the primary concern of the vendor. The focus is on common, everyday transactions.
* **"that eat":** This is a direct command, granting permission and encouraging believers to consume such meat. It reinforces the idea that the meat itself is not defiled by its potential association with idolatry, aligning with the New Testament understanding that "food does not commend us to God" ([1 Corinthians 8:8](/1_corinthians/8-8 "1 Corinthians 8:8 - Food Does Not Commend Us to God")).
* **"asking no question for conscience sake":** This is the crucial qualification. Believers are not to initiate an inquiry into the meat's background. The phrase "for conscience sake" signifies that the reason for this avoidance of inquiry is to prevent troubling one's own conscience with unnecessary scruples or, by extension, to avoid raising issues that might trouble the conscience of a weaker brother who might overhear such questioning. It promotes a practical, unburdened approach to matters of Christian liberty.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Didacticism** in this verse, providing direct and practical instruction to the Corinthian believers on how to navigate a specific ethical dilemma. The imperative verbs "eat" and "asking no question" demonstrate his authoritative teaching role. There is also an element of **Pragmatism**, as Paul offers a sensible, real-world solution to a common issue, prioritizing peace and the spiritual well-being of the community over rigid legalism or unnecessary scrupulosity. The phrase "for conscience sake" functions as a form of **Etiology**, explaining the underlying reason or principle behind the command, linking the action directly to an internal moral state.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the New Testament principle of Christian liberty, asserting that for the believer, all creation is good and usable, sanctified by God's word and prayer, and not inherently defiled by human rituals or associations. It underscores that true defilement comes not from external things but from the heart. However, this freedom is not absolute; it is always to be exercised within the bounds of love for one's neighbor and the pursuit of God's glory. The instruction to avoid unnecessary inquiry highlights a profound trust in God's provision and a rejection of legalistic burdens, while simultaneously maintaining a sensitivity to the consciences of others, ensuring that liberty does not become a stumbling block.

* [Romans 14:14](/romans/14-14 "Romans 14:14 - Nothing is Unclean in Itself")
* [Titus 1:15](/titus/1-15 "Titus 1:15 - To the Pure All Things Are Pure")
* [1 Timothy 4:4-5](/1_timothy/4-4-5 "1 Timothy 4:4-5 - Everything God Created Is Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 10:25 offers profound guidance for navigating ethical dilemmas in contemporary life, particularly where personal convictions intersect with communal harmony. It challenges believers to cultivate a robust understanding of Christian freedom, recognizing that many matters are morally neutral and do not inherently defile. The core instruction to "ask no question" encourages a posture of trust and simplicity, rather than a meticulous, anxious investigation into every detail of a product's origin or association, especially when such inquiry would lead to unnecessary scrupulosity for oneself or others. This does not preclude responsible ethical consumerism where clear moral principles are at stake (e.g., supporting injustice), but it cautions against creating legalistic burdens where God has granted freedom. Ultimately, the verse calls us to prioritize love, unity, and the clear conscience of both ourselves and our fellow believers, ensuring that our exercise of liberty edifies the body of Christ and glorifies God, rather than becoming a source of division or unnecessary guilt.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to "ask questions" that create unnecessary burdens for my conscience or the consciences of others?**
* **How can I better exercise my Christian liberty in a way that is both free and loving, avoiding both legalism and causing others to stumble?**
* **What is the balance between being a discerning consumer and avoiding scrupulous anxiety over morally neutral matters?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean I shouldn't care about ethical sourcing or production practices today?**

Answer: No, this verse primarily addresses the issue of meat potentially offered to idols, which Paul declares to be "nothing" in itself ([1 Corinthians 8:4](/1_corinthians/8-4 "1 Corinthians 8:4 - An Idol is Nothing")). It teaches that the *spiritual defilement* associated with pagan rituals does not transfer to the food itself. Modern ethical sourcing concerns (e.g., fair labor practices, environmental impact, animal cruelty) fall under a different category of moral consideration, often related to justice, stewardship, and compassion. While 1 Corinthians 10:25 encourages freedom from unnecessary scrupulosity, it does not negate the broader biblical call to act justly and lovingly in all areas of life, including our economic choices. The principle remains that while "all things are lawful," not all things are "profitable" or "edifying" ([1 Corinthians 10:23](/1_corinthians/10-23 "1 Corinthians 10:23 - All Things Are Lawful")).

**What if I know for certain that the meat was sacrificed to an idol, or if someone tells me it was?**

Answer: Paul addresses this specific scenario in the very next verse, [1 Corinthians 10:28](/1_corinthians/10-28 "1 Corinthians 10:28 - If Someone Says It Was Sacrificed"). If someone explicitly informs you that the meat was offered to idols, you should refrain from eating it, not for your own conscience (since you know an idol is nothing), but "for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience' sake." This demonstrates the paramount importance of love and not causing a weaker brother or sister to stumble, even if it means foregoing a personal liberty. The principle shifts from your personal freedom to the spiritual well-being of your neighbor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Corinthians 10:25, while a practical instruction on food, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Christ. Jesus, through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, abolished the Old Covenant's ceremonial food laws, declaring all foods clean ([Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")). His sacrifice on the cross rendered pagan deities truly "nothing," stripping them of any power to defile creation, thus liberating believers from the fear of ritual impurity associated with such practices. Christ's example of self-emptying love and willingness to forgo His own rights for the sake of others ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")) provides the foundational principle for Paul's teaching on Christian liberty: our freedom is always to be exercised in love, considering the conscience and spiritual well-being of our brothers and sisters. Ultimately, the freedom to eat "whatsoever is sold in the shambles" without question is a manifestation of the liberty secured by Christ, reminding us that true worship and purity come from a heart transformed by Him, rather than from adherence to external regulations or anxious scrupulosity, as He taught in [Matthew 15:11](/matthew/15-11 "Matthew 15:11 - What Defiles a Person").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 8:7

¶ 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.

1 Timothy 4:4

For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

Titus 1:15

Unto the pure all things [are] pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving [is] nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

Romans 14:14

I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean.

Acts 10:15

And the voice [spake] unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, [that] call not thou common.

Romans 13:5

Wherefore [ye] must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

1 Corinthians 10:27

If any of them that believe not bid you [to a feast], and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.