1 Corinthians 10:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} If any {G1536} of them that believe not {G571} bid {G2564} you {G5209} to a feast, and {G2532} ye be disposed {G2309} to go {G4198}; whatsoever {G3956} is set before {G3908} you {G5213}, eat {G2068}, asking {G350} no {G3367} question {G350} for {G1223} conscience {G4893} sake {G1223}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If some unbeliever invites you to a meal, and you want to go, eat whatever is put in front of you without raising questions of conscience.

Berean Standard Bible

If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat anything set before you without raising questions of conscience.

American Standard Version

If one of them that believe not biddeth you to a feast, and ye are disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience’ sake.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 10:27 offers practical guidance for believers navigating social interactions with unbelievers, specifically concerning meals where food might have been offered to idols. Paul instructs that if invited to a feast by a non-believer and one chooses to attend, they should freely eat whatever is served without inquiring about its origin, provided their own conscience is not troubled. This directive underscores the principles of Christian liberty, the importance of maintaining a clear conscience, and the strategic value of open fellowship for the sake of the Gospel, all while avoiding unnecessary legalism or scrupulosity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's extensive discourse on Christian liberty and responsibility regarding food sacrificed to idols, spanning [1 Corinthians 8-10](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8-10 - Food Sacrificed to Idols"). Prior to this, Paul established that idols are nothing ([1 Corinthians 8:4](/1_corinthians/8-4 "1 Corinthians 8:4 - Idols are Nothing")), granting believers freedom to eat such meat if their conscience allowed. However, he immediately qualified this liberty with the paramount principle of love, warning against causing a "weaker 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")). Chapter [1 Corinthians 9](/1_corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Example of Self-Denial") then illustrates Paul's own willingness to forgo rights for the sake of the Gospel. Chapter [1 Corinthians 10](/1_corinthians/10 "1 Corinthians 10 - Warnings from Israel's History and Christian Liberty") further warns against idolatry by drawing lessons from Israel's history, before returning to the practical application of liberty. Verse [1 Corinthians 10:23](/1_corinthians/10-23 "1 Corinthians 10:23 - All Things Are Lawful, But Not All Things Are Profitable") reiterates the "all things are lawful" principle, but adds "not all things are profitable" and "not all things edify." Thus, [1 Corinthians 10:27](/1_corinthians/10-27 "1 Corinthians 10:27 - Eating at an Unbeliever's House") provides a specific scenario and instruction within this broader framework, focusing on private social engagements with unbelievers, distinct from public market purchases or temple feasts.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Greco-Roman society, meat consumption was often intertwined with pagan religious practices. Animals were frequently sacrificed in pagan temples, with portions then sold in public markets (the *macellum*) or served at private and public feasts. For a Christian, eating such meat could be problematic, not because the idol itself had power, but due to the potential for complicity in idolatry, or, more commonly, causing a fellow believer with a sensitive conscience to stumble. Social invitations were crucial for maintaining relationships and conducting business. Christians in Corinth, a bustling port city with diverse religious practices, would frequently encounter situations where they were invited to meals by pagan neighbors, friends, or business associates. Paul's instruction here addresses the specific etiquette for these private, non-sacrificial meals, distinguishing them from direct participation in idolatrous rituals or situations where a "weaker" Christian might be present and observe their actions. The cultural expectation was to accept hospitality, and refusing food or asking intrusive questions could be seen as deeply offensive.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Paul's letter. First, it powerfully illustrates **Christian Liberty and its Limits**. Believers are free from the law concerning food, as "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")). This liberty, however, is not absolute but is always to be exercised within the bounds of love and for the glory of God ([1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Do All to the Glory of God")). Second, the passage emphasizes the role of **Conscience**. Paul distinguishes between one's own conscience and that of others. Here, the focus is on the believer's personal conviction: if one's own conscience is clear, there is no need to create a problem where none exists. This avoids **Scrupulosity** – an excessive preoccupation with minor sins or religious duties – and encourages a robust faith that trusts God's provision. Finally, the instruction to accept invitations and eat without fuss highlights the theme of **Witness and Fellowship**. By participating in normal social life, Christians maintain open doors for evangelism and demonstrate the practical, non-legalistic nature of their faith, embodying Paul's strategy of becoming "all things to all people" to save some ([1 Corinthians 9:22](/1_corinthians/9-22 "1 Corinthians 9:22 - Becoming All Things to All People")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bid (Greek, _kaléō'_):** From G2564, meaning "to call (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise):--bid, call (forth), (whose, whose sur-)name (was (called))." In this context, it signifies an invitation, specifically to a feast or meal. The act of "bidding" implies a social overture, an opening for fellowship and interaction, which Paul encourages believers to accept if they are "disposed to go."
* **asking no question (Greek, _mēdeís anakrínō'_):** This phrase combines G3367 ("not even one") and G350 ("to scrutinize, i.e. (by implication) investigate, interrogate, determine"). The instruction is to refrain from any inquiry or investigation into the origin or history of the food. This is not about willful ignorance but about avoiding the creation of unnecessary moral dilemmas or legalistic burdens for oneself. It implies a trust that God has sanctified all food for consumption when received with thanksgiving ([1 Timothy 4:4-5](/1_timothy/4-4-5 "1 Timothy 4:4-5 - All Food is Good")).
* **conscience (Greek, _syneídēsis'_):** From G4893, meaning "co-perception, i.e. moral consciousness:--conscience." This refers to the inner moral faculty that judges one's actions and thoughts. Paul's directive, "for conscience sake," specifically refers to the *believer's own* conscience. If a believer has no internal conviction that eating the food is wrong, then they should not invent one by asking questions that could lead to doubt or self-condemnation. This is distinct from the "weak" conscience of another believer, which is addressed in the following verse ([1 Corinthians 10:28](/1_corinthians/10-28 "1 Corinthians 10:28 - When Someone Informs You")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If any of them that believe not bid you [to a feast], and ye be disposed to go;":** This clause sets the specific scenario: a Christian receives an invitation from a non-believer to a meal. The phrase "disposed to go" (from the Greek *thélō* and *poreúomai*) implies a willing choice, not a compulsion. Paul acknowledges that believers have the freedom to accept such invitations, recognizing the value of maintaining social connections with those outside the faith. This willingness to engage is foundational to gospel witness.
* **"whatsoever is set before you, eat, ":** This is a direct, practical command. Once the invitation is accepted and one is seated at the table, the instruction is to consume the food presented. The word "whatsoever" (from the Greek *pâs*) emphasizes the breadth of this permission – no food is inherently defiling. This reinforces the New Testament understanding that ritual food laws are fulfilled in Christ and that "nothing is unclean in itself" ([Romans 14:14](/romans/14-14 "Romans 14:14 - Nothing is Unclean in Itself")).
* **"asking no question for conscience sake.":** This final phrase provides the crucial rationale. The believer is not to inquire about the food's origin (e.g., "Was this meat offered to an idol?"). Such questioning is forbidden specifically "for conscience sake," meaning for the sake of one's own moral consciousness. If the believer's conscience is not troubled by the food *as presented*, then raising questions would only serve to create an unnecessary scruple, potentially leading to self-condemnation or an ungracious refusal of hospitality. It promotes a confident, unburdened exercise of Christian liberty in private settings.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in [1 Corinthians 10:27](/1_corinthians/10-27 "1 Corinthians 10:27 - Eating at an Unbeliever's House") to convey his practical instruction. The verse functions as a **Conditional Clause**, setting up a specific "if...then" scenario: "If any of them that believe not bid you... and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat..." This structure provides clear, actionable guidance based on a specific set of circumstances. Furthermore, the instruction "eat, asking no question for conscience sake" is a form of **Apophatic Instruction**, where Paul defines what *not* to do (ask questions) to achieve a desired outcome (a clear conscience and unhindered fellowship). This highlights the importance of avoiding unnecessary legalistic burdens. There is also an **Implied Analogy** at play, contrasting the believer's inner freedom with potential external pressures or self-imposed anxieties. The verse also demonstrates **Pragmatic Instruction**, offering concrete, real-world advice for navigating complex social situations, characteristic of Paul's pastoral counsel throughout his epistles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 10:27 profoundly connects to the broader theological understanding of Christian liberty, the nature of conscience, and the imperative of Christian witness. The core theological principle is that in Christ, believers are freed from external ritualistic regulations concerning food, as God has sanctified all food for consumption with thanksgiving. This liberty, however, is not an end in itself but is to be exercised responsibly, guided by love for God and neighbor. The verse emphasizes the believer's personal conscience as the internal arbiter of moral permissibility in morally neutral matters, urging against self-imposed legalism or the creation of artificial stumbling blocks. It implicitly affirms the goodness of creation and God's sovereignty over all things, even food that may have been associated with pagan practices, so long as one's heart remains devoted to Christ. This freedom also serves the greater mission of the church, enabling believers to engage with unbelievers in normal social settings, thereby creating opportunities for gospel proclamation and demonstrating the attractiveness of a faith that is both principled and gracious.

* [Romans 14:14](/romans/14-14 "Romans 14:14 - Nothing is Unclean in Itself")
* [Colossians 2:16](/colossians/2-16 "Colossians 2:16 - Let No One Judge You for Food or Drink")
* [1 Timothy 4:4-5](/1_timothy/4-4-5 "1 Timothy 4:4-5 - All Food is Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 10:27 offers timeless wisdom for navigating the complexities of Christian life in a pluralistic world. It calls believers to embrace a robust and confident faith that understands the freedom granted in Christ, rather than being shackled by unnecessary anxieties or legalistic interpretations of external practices. When invited into social spaces by those who do not share our faith, this verse encourages us to be gracious guests, accepting hospitality without suspicion or creating awkward situations through intrusive questioning. This approach not only demonstrates respect for our hosts but also showcases the liberating nature of the Gospel, allowing for genuine connection and potential opportunities for witness. It challenges us to discern when an issue is truly a matter of sin versus a matter of personal preference or cultural norm. Ultimately, our actions should be driven by love, a clear conscience before God, and the overarching desire to glorify Him in all things, fostering relationships that might lead others to Christ rather than erecting barriers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be creating unnecessary "questions for conscience sake" that hinder your freedom in Christ or your ability to engage with others?**
* **How can accepting hospitality from unbelievers, as encouraged in this verse, serve as a practical avenue for demonstrating the love of Christ and sharing the Gospel?**
* **When does Christian liberty become a stumbling block for others, and how can we discern the difference between the principles in [1 Corinthians 10:27](/1_corinthians/10-27 "1 Corinthians 10:27 - Eating at an Unbeliever's House") and those in [1 Corinthians 10:28-30](/1_corinthians/10-28-30 "1 Corinthians 10:28-30 - When Someone Informs You")?**

### FAQ
**Does "asking no question for conscience sake" mean I should never consider the ethical implications of what I eat?**

Answer: No, this verse does not advocate for willful ignorance regarding the ethical implications of food sourcing (e.g., fair trade, animal welfare, environmental impact). Paul's instruction in [1 Corinthians 10:27](/1_corinthians/10-27 "1 Corinthians 10:27 - Eating at an Unbeliever's House") is specifically about food that *might* have been offered to idols in a pagan context, and the concern is about one's *own* conscience being troubled by such a past association. He is addressing the problem of scrupulosity regarding ritual purity, not broader ethical consumption. The context is a private meal with an unbeliever where the origin of the food is not explicitly stated to be problematic. If a believer has a personal conviction about certain ethical issues related to food, or if they are in a situation where their actions might cause a "weaker brother" to stumble ([1 Corinthians 10:28](/1_corinthians/10-28 "1 Corinthians 10:28 - When Someone Informs You")), then different principles apply. The overarching principle is to "do all to the glory of God" ([1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Do All to the Glory of God")), which certainly includes ethical considerations when they are genuinely relevant to honoring God and loving neighbor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Corinthians 10:27, while offering practical guidance on social etiquette, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ himself is the embodiment of perfect liberty and perfect love, setting the standard for how believers are to live in the world. He taught that "not what goes into the mouth defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person" ([Matthew 15:11](/matthew/15-11 "Matthew 15:11 - What Defiles a Person")). By His life, death, and resurrection, Christ abolished the ceremonial laws that once distinguished clean from unclean, declaring all foods clean ([Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Declaring All Foods Clean")). This verse, therefore, reflects the freedom from legalistic burdens that Christ secured for His followers, allowing them to participate in the common life of humanity without fear or ritualistic anxiety. Moreover, Christ's mission was characterized by His willingness to "eat with tax collectors and sinners" ([Matthew 9:11](/matthew/9-11 "Matthew 9:11 - Jesus Eats with Sinners")), demonstrating a radical inclusivity and a desire to engage with those outside the religious establishment. Just as Jesus entered into the world of sinners to bring salvation, so believers are called to engage with unbelievers, not isolating themselves, but seeking opportunities for fellowship and witness. The principle of considering one's own conscience and avoiding unnecessary scruples allows believers to live out this Christ-like posture of gracious engagement, reflecting the liberating truth of the Gospel to a watching world, all for the glory of the One who freed us from all bondage ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Stand Firm in Freedom")).

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 10:25

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

Luke 10:7

And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

Luke 10:8

And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

1 Corinthians 5:9

¶ I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:

1 Corinthians 5:11

But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

2 Corinthians 1:13

For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;

2 Corinthians 4:2

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.