1 Corinthians 10:29

KJV

Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another [man's] conscience?

KJV (with Strong's)

Conscience {G4893},{G1161} I say {G3004}, not {G3780} thine own {G1438}, but {G235} of the other {G2087}: for {G1063} why {G2444} is {G2919} my {G3450} liberty {G1657} judged {G2919} of {G5259} another {G243} man's conscience {G4893}?

Complete Jewish Bible

however, I don’t mean your conscience but that of the other person. You say, “Why should my freedom be determined by someone else’s conscience?

Berean Standard Bible

the other one’s conscience, I mean, not your own. For why should my freedom be determined by someone else’s conscience?

American Standard Version

conscience, I say, not thine own, but the other’s; for why is my liberty judged by another conscience?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 10:29, the Apostle Paul continues his nuanced discussion on Christian liberty, particularly regarding the consumption of food previously offered to idols. This verse serves as a pivotal point, asserting that while a believer's personal freedom is valid, its exercise must always be tempered by a profound consideration for the conscience of others, especially those who may be weaker in faith or hold different convictions. Paul emphasizes that the ultimate aim of Christian liberty is not self-assertion but the spiritual edification and protection of the community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's extensive discourse in 1 Corinthians 8-10, addressing the complex issue of eating meat sacrificed to idols. Paul begins in [1 Corinthians 8](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Offered to Idols") by establishing that idols are nothing and that knowledge without love is destructive. He then transitions in [1 Corinthians 9](/1_corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Rights as an Apostle") to discuss his own willingness to forgo his apostolic rights for the sake of the gospel, setting a personal example of self-denial for the benefit of others. Chapter 10 further develops this by warning against idolatry and drawing lessons from Israel's wilderness experiences, highlighting the dangers of presumption and self-indulgence. Paul then returns to the specific issue of food, advising against participation in pagan feasts ([1 Corinthians 10:14-22](/1_corinthians/10-14-22 "1 Corinthians 10:14-22 - Flee Idolatry")). He then introduces the principle of "all things are lawful, but not all things are profitable" ([1 Corinthians 10:23](/1_corinthians/10-23 "1 Corinthians 10:23 - All Things Lawful")), which directly precedes our verse, laying the groundwork for the emphasis on the other's conscience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Corinth was a major Roman port city, a melting pot of cultures, religions, and philosophical ideas. Pagan temples were ubiquitous, and meat sacrificed to idols was commonly sold in public markets or served at social gatherings. For many gentile converts, the transition from polytheism to monotheism was profound, and the lingering associations with idolatry, even for seemingly innocuous acts like eating meat, could be deeply troubling. Some believers, possessing "knowledge" that idols were not real, felt free to eat such meat without reservation. Others, particularly those with a weaker or more sensitive conscience, might view this as participating in idolatry or compromising their new faith. This created tension and potential stumbling blocks within the nascent Christian community, necessitating Paul's careful pastoral guidance.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in this section of 1 Corinthians is the responsible exercise of [Christian liberty](/galatians/5-13 "Galatians 5:13 - Freedom to Serve"). Paul consistently teaches that while believers are indeed free in Christ, this freedom is not an end in itself, nor is it a license for selfish indulgence. Instead, it is to be wielded with love and consideration for the spiritual well-being of others. This ties into the theme of [edification](/1_corinthians/14-26 "1 Corinthians 14:26 - Edification in the Church"), where all actions within the church should aim to build up, not tear down. Furthermore, the concept of [avoiding stumbling blocks](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Be a Stumbling Block") is paramount, as Paul repeatedly warns against actions that might cause a weaker brother or sister to sin against their conscience or fall away from faith. This highlights the vital importance of unity and mutual care within the body of Christ, even over personal rights.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Conscience (Greek, _syneídēsis'_):** From G4893. This term refers to an inner moral awareness or self-judgment, the faculty by which one determines right from wrong for oneself. Paul's use here emphasizes that this internal standard can vary among individuals, and a believer's actions, though permissible by their own conscience, might violate another's.
* **Liberty (Greek, _eleuthería'_):** From G1657. This word signifies freedom, particularly legitimate moral or ceremonial freedom. In this context, it refers to the Christian's freedom from the Law and from the power of idols, allowing them to eat meat without defilement. Paul is not denying this liberty but rather regulating its application in community.
* **Judged (Greek, _krínō'_):** From G2919. Properly, to distinguish or decide, mentally or judicially; by implication, to try, condemn, or punish. Here, it refers to the negative judgment or condemnation that might arise in the mind of another believer who observes an action they deem sinful, even if the action is permissible for the one performing it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other":** Paul explicitly directs the believer's focus away from their personal, internal moral compass and towards that of their fellow believer. He assumes the "strong" believer's conscience is clear regarding the meat, but insists that the *other's* conscience is the one that now matters in the context of their interaction. This is a call to self-denial and empathy, prioritizing the spiritual state of the weaker brother over one's own perceived right.
* **"for why is my liberty judged of another [man's] conscience?":** This rhetorical question underscores the problem Paul is addressing. It's not a complaint, but a logical consequence of misusing liberty. If one's freedom (e.g., eating idol-meat) causes another to stumble or to pass a negative judgment (either on the strong believer or on their own faith), then that freedom, though valid in itself, has become counterproductive. The "why" implies that such an outcome is undesirable and avoidable, as it undermines the unity and witness of the church. The liberty, while legitimate, loses its positive impact if it becomes a source of division or condemnation from others.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a powerful **Rhetorical Question** ("for why is my liberty judged of another [man's] conscience?") to highlight the absurdity and spiritual detriment of exercising personal freedom in a way that causes another to stumble. This question is not seeking an answer but is designed to provoke thought and emphasize the negative consequences of such actions. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Antithesis** by contrasting "thine own" conscience with "the other's" conscience, creating a clear dichotomy that underscores the shift in focus Paul demands. This juxtaposition effectively emphasizes the need for outward-looking, community-minded consideration over individualistic self-assertion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse encapsulates a profound theological truth: Christian liberty, while a precious gift, is never meant to be absolute or exercised in isolation. It is always framed by the law of love, which prioritizes the spiritual well-being of others over personal rights. The freedom we have in Christ is not merely freedom *from* sin or the law, but freedom *for* service and love. When our actions, though permissible for us, cause a brother or sister to stumble or violate their conscience, we are not truly living out the spirit of Christ, who sacrificially laid down His rights for us. This principle extends beyond dietary laws to all areas where believers may hold differing convictions, urging a posture of humility and self-sacrifice for the sake of unity and gospel witness.

* [Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Be a Stumbling Block")
* [Romans 15:1-3](/romans/15-1-3 "Romans 15:1-3 - Please One Another")
* [Galatians 5:13](/galatians/5-13 "Galatians 5:13 - Freedom to Serve")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 10:29 challenges believers to move beyond a purely individualistic understanding of faith and to embrace a communal ethic rooted in love. It calls us to cultivate a deep empathy for others, recognizing that not everyone shares our level of understanding, spiritual maturity, or personal convictions. True Christian maturity is not merely knowing what is permissible, but discerning what is beneficial and edifying for the body of Christ. This means being willing to voluntarily restrict our own freedoms, not out of legalism, but out of genuine love and a desire to see others grow in their faith without hindrance. It prompts us to consider how our choices—in entertainment, social media, lifestyle, or even political engagement—might impact those around us, especially those with tender consciences or those new to the faith. Our liberty is a powerful tool, and its proper use is to build up, not to tear down, to unite, not to divide.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might my personal "liberty" inadvertently cause a "weaker" brother or sister to stumble or judge?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sensitivity to the consciences of others within my Christian community?**
* **What personal rights or preferences am I willing to lay down for the sake of another's spiritual well-being and the unity of the church?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean I should always let others' consciences dictate my actions?**

Answer: Not entirely. Paul is not advocating for a life dictated by the weakest conscience, which could lead to legalism or an inability to exercise legitimate Christian freedom. Rather, he is teaching a principle of love and self-sacrifice in specific contexts where one's actions could genuinely cause a brother or sister to sin against their own conscience or to be led astray. The emphasis is on avoiding being a "stumbling block" ([1 Corinthians 10:32](/1_corinthians/10-32 "1 Corinthians 10:32 - Give No Offense")) and seeking the edification of others ([1 Corinthians 10:23-24](/1_corinthians/10-23-24 "1 Corinthians 10:23-24 - Seek the Good of Others")). The goal is not to abandon one's own convictions but to exercise them responsibly, prioritizing the spiritual health of the community over the assertion of personal rights, especially in matters that are morally neutral.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 10:29 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect example in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's call for believers to consider the conscience of others and to willingly limit their own liberty for the sake of love is a direct reflection of Christ's unparalleled self-emptying. Though He possessed all divine rights and privileges, Christ "did not please himself" ([Romans 15:3](/romans/15-3 "Romans 15:3 - Christ Did Not Please Himself")). Instead, He laid aside His heavenly glory and prerogatives, taking on the form of a servant and humbling Himself even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). His entire earthly ministry was characterized by a profound sensitivity to human weakness and a willingness to bear the burdens of others, ultimately offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice to free humanity from the bondage of sin and a guilty conscience ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")). Thus, the exercise of Christian liberty, as taught by Paul, is not merely a pragmatic rule for church harmony but a profound imitation of Christ, who perfectly embodied sacrificial love, using His freedom not for personal gain but for the redemption and edification of His people.

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 9:19

¶ For though I be free from all [men], yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

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.

Romans 14:21

[It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

2 Corinthians 8:21

Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

1 Corinthians 8:9

But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

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 10:32

Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: