1 Corinthians 10:26

For the earth [is] the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.

For {G1063} the earth {G1093} is the Lord's {G2962}, and {G2532} the fulness {G4138} thereof {G846}.

for the earth and everything in it belong to the Lord.

for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.”

for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.

Context

First Corinthians chapter 10 continues Paul's discussion on Christian liberty and responsibility, particularly concerning the eating of meat sacrificed to idols. In the bustling city of Corinth, it was common for meat to be offered in pagan temples before being sold in the public market. Believers faced a dilemma: could they eat this meat without compromising their faith or offending others? Paul, having previously warned against idolatry and drawing lessons from Israel's history (1 Corinthians 10:6-10), now provides a foundational principle for discernment. This verse, 1 Corinthians 10:26, serves as a theological bedrock for his practical advice on eating meat and relating to those of weaker conscience.

Key Themes

  • God's Universal Ownership: The core message is that God is the supreme Creator and Owner of all things. The earth, with all its resources and inhabitants, belongs to Him. This foundational truth means that no human ritual or pagan dedication can ultimately defile what God has made and owns.
  • Christian Liberty: Because the earth and its "fulness" (everything in it) belong to the Lord, believers are free to partake of His good creation with a clear conscience. The meat itself is not inherently evil or defiled by its pagan association, as idols are nothing (1 Corinthians 8:4).
  • Stewardship and Responsibility: While believers have this liberty, it must be exercised with wisdom and love. The broader context of 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 emphasizes that not everything that is permissible is beneficial or edifying to others. Our freedom should not cause a brother to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:9).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof" is a direct quotation from the Old Testament, specifically Psalm 24:1. In the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament that Paul likely used), this verse reads "Τοῦ Κυρίου ἡ γῆ καὶ τὸ πλήρωμα αὐτῆς" (Tou Kyriou hē gē kai to plērōma autēs). The word "fulness" (Greek: plērōma) here refers to everything that fills the earth: its inhabitants, its resources, its abundance. By quoting this ancient and authoritative scripture, Paul firmly establishes God's absolute sovereignty and ownership over all creation, negating any claim pagan gods might have over material things.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound implications for believers today:

  • Freedom in Christ: We are reminded that God is the ultimate provider and owner of all things. This understanding frees us from superstitious fears and allows us to enjoy God's creation with gratitude, knowing that "every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving" (1 Timothy 4:4).
  • Conscience and Consideration: While we have freedom, Paul's larger argument in 1 Corinthians 10 is that our actions should also be guided by love for others. If our liberty causes a weaker brother or sister to stumble or be offended, we should consider their conscience over our own freedom.
  • Stewardship: Recognizing that "the earth is the Lord's" shifts our perspective from ownership to stewardship. All we possess – our resources, talents, and even our lives – are ultimately His. This encourages responsible use and a generous spirit, aligning our lives with God's purposes for His creation.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 24:1

    ¶ A Psalm of David. The earth [is] the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

  • Exodus 19:5

    Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine:

  • Deuteronomy 10:14

    Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens [is] the LORD'S thy God, the earth [also], with all that therein [is].

  • Psalms 50:12

    If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world [is] mine, and the fulness thereof.

  • Job 41:11

    ¶ Who hath prevented me, that I should repay [him? whatsoever is] under the whole heaven is mine.

  • 1 Timothy 6:17

    Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

  • 1 Corinthians 10:28

    But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth [is] the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:

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