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:

But {G1161} if {G1437} any man {G5100} say {G2036} unto you {G5213}, This {G5124} is {G2076} offered in sacrifice unto idols {G1494}, eat {G2068} not {G3361} for {G1223} his sake {G1565} that shewed it {G3377}, and {G2532} for conscience sake {G4893}: for {G1063} the earth {G1093} is the Lord's {G2962}, and {G2532} the fulness {G4138} thereof {G846}:

But if someone says to you, “This meat was offered as a sacrifice,” then don’t eat it, out of consideration for the person who pointed it out and also for conscience’s sake —

But if someone tells you, “This food was offered to idols,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience—

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:

In 1 Corinthians 10:28, the Apostle Paul provides a crucial specific instruction within his broader teaching on Christian liberty and responsibility regarding food offered to idols. This verse directs believers to abstain from eating meat if someone explicitly states that it has been consecrated to pagan deities, not due to the meat itself, but out of consideration for the other person's conscience.

Context

This verse is found in a significant section of Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians (chapters 8-10), where he addresses the practical challenges faced by the early church in a pagan society. While Paul asserts that idols are "nothing" (1 Corinthians 8:4) and that believers are free to eat any food, he consistently prioritizes love and the avoidance of causing a "stumblingblock" for others. The preceding verses (1 Corinthians 10:25-27) permit believers to eat meat sold in the market or served in a non-believer's home without inquiry, based on the principle that "the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof." However, verse 28 introduces a vital exception: if the idolatrous connection is made explicit, the situation changes, and abstinence becomes the loving choice.

Key Themes

  • Consideration for Others' Conscience: The primary directive is to "eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake." This emphasizes that the believer's action should not lead another person (whether a weaker brother in faith who might be tempted to violate his own conscience, or an unbeliever who might misinterpret the action as participation in idolatry) into sin or confusion. This principle underscores the importance of selfless love in Christian conduct, echoing Paul's broader teaching in Romans 14:13-23.
  • Christian Liberty Subordinated to Love: While believers have freedom in Christ concerning indifferent matters, this liberty is not absolute. Paul teaches that while "all things are lawful" for believers, not "all things are expedient" or helpful (1 Corinthians 10:23). Here, exercising one's freedom to eat might be lawful, but it is not expedient if it harms another's conscience or hinders the gospel message. Love for others should always guide the exercise of Christian liberty.
  • God's Universal Ownership: The concluding phrase, "for the earth [is] the Lord's, and the fulness thereof," quoted from Psalm 24:1, reinforces God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation. This truth is the foundation for the believer's freedom to eat any food. However, in this context, it serves as a reminder that even though all things belong to God and are inherently clean, our use of them must be tempered by wisdom, love, and a desire to edify others.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "conscience" is syneidesis (συνείδησις). It refers to the inner moral faculty that judges one's actions, either approving or condemning them. Paul's command here is not primarily about the believer's own conscience being defiled by the meat, but about the impact on the syneidesis of the person who pointed out the meat's origin, or a weaker brother who might be observing.

Practical Application

1 Corinthians 10:28 offers enduring wisdom for modern believers. It teaches us to be sensitive to the impact of our choices on others, even in areas where we possess personal freedom. This principle extends beyond food to various aspects of life, such as entertainment, social interactions, or lifestyle choices. It encourages believers to prioritize the spiritual well-being and understanding of others over asserting their own rights or preferences. Ultimately, it calls for a selfless love that seeks to build up the body of Christ and avoid anything that might hinder someone's faith journey or misrepresent the gospel to the world.

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.

  • 1 Corinthians 8:10

    For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

  • 1 Corinthians 8:13

    Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

  • 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 Corinthians 10:26

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

  • Romans 14:15

    But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

  • Matthew 6:31

    Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

  • Matthew 6:32

    (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

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