1 Corinthians 10:30

KJV

For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1161} if {G1487} I {G1473} by grace {G5485} be a partaker {G3348}, why {G5101} am I evil spoken of {G987} for that {G5228} for which {G3739} I {G1473} give thanks {G2168}?

Complete Jewish Bible

If I participate with thankfulness, why am I criticized over something for which I myself bless God?”

Berean Standard Bible

If I partake in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?

American Standard Version

If I partake with thankfulness, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 10:30 encapsulates a believer's rhetorical question regarding the tension between personal Christian liberty, exercised with gratitude to God, and the criticism or misunderstanding that may arise from others. It addresses the dilemma of a conscience made clear by grace, yet still facing reproach for actions that are, from the believer's perspective, sanctified by thanksgiving, thereby highlighting the delicate balance between individual freedom and communal responsibility within the early church in Corinth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's extensive discussion in [1 Corinthians 8-10](/1_corinthians/8-10 "1 Corinthians 8-10 - Christian Liberty and Idolatry") concerning food sacrificed to idols. Chapters 8 and 9 establish the principles of Christian liberty, the importance of love for weaker brothers, and Paul's own example of self-denial for the sake of the Gospel. Chapter 10 serves as a strong warning against idolatry and self-indulgence, drawing lessons from Israel's wilderness experiences. Paul transitions from the dangers of participating in pagan feasts to the practical implications of eating food that might have been offered to idols but is now sold in the marketplace. He emphasizes that while the food itself is neutral, the act of eating it must not cause a brother to stumble or bring disrepute to the Christian faith. Verse 30 presents a hypothetical scenario from the perspective of a "stronger" believer who feels justified in their actions due to their clear conscience and act of thanksgiving, setting the stage for Paul's concluding directives on glorifying God and avoiding offense in [1 Corinthians 10:31-33](/1_corinthians/10-31-33 "1 Corinthians 10:31-33 - Do All to the Glory of God").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Corinth was a bustling port city, a melting pot of various cultures and religions, with numerous temples and public feasts where meat sacrificed to idols was commonly consumed. Much of the meat sold in the markets would have originated from these temple sacrifices. For early Christians, especially those from a Jewish background or new converts from paganism, the association of this food with idolatry was a significant spiritual and ethical concern. Eating such food, even if purchased from a market, could be perceived as participating in idolatry or validating pagan practices. The "stronger" believers, often those with a more developed understanding of Christian liberty (that "an idol is nothing" as stated in [1 Corinthians 8:4](/1_corinthians/8-4 "1 Corinthians 8:4 - An Idol is Nothing")), felt free to eat this food, particularly if they gave thanks to God for it. However, this freedom often clashed with the sensitivities of "weaker" believers whose consciences were still troubled by the food's origin, or with outsiders who might misinterpret Christian actions as syncretism.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 10:30](/1_corinthians/10-30 "1 Corinthians 10:30 - Christian Liberty and Offence") contributes to several overarching themes in the Corinthian correspondence. Foremost is the theme of **Christian Liberty vs. Love**. While believers are indeed free in Christ, Paul consistently argues that this freedom is not an end in itself but must be exercised within the bounds of love for one's neighbor, especially the weaker brother ([1 Corinthians 8:9-13](/1_corinthians/8-9-13 "1 Corinthians 8:9-13 - Do Not Cause a Brother to Stumble")). Another critical theme is **Avoiding Stumbling Blocks and Offense**. Paul urges believers to avoid any action that might cause another to fall or bring disrepute to the Gospel ([1 Corinthians 10:32](/1_corinthians/10-32 "1 Corinthians 10:32 - Give No Offence")). The verse also touches on the **Sanctifying Power of Thanksgiving**, implying that a grateful heart posture transforms the food for the individual believer ([1 Timothy 4:4-5](/1_timothy/4-4-5 "1 Timothy 4:4-5 - Food Sanctified by Prayer")). Ultimately, all actions, including the exercise of liberty, must be directed towards the **Glory of God** ([1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Do All to the Glory of God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** From the Greek word χάρις (G5485), meaning "graciousness," "favor," or "divine influence upon the heart." Here, it signifies that the believer's freedom to partake in food, even that which might have been associated with idols, is not earned but is a gift of God's unmerited favor. It is by this spiritual empowerment and understanding, rather than human merit or superior knowledge, that one is enabled to act with a clear conscience.
* **evil spoken of (Greek, _blasphēméō'_):** Derived from βλασφημέω (G987), meaning "to vilify," "speak impiously," "defame," or "revile." In this context, it refers to being slandered, subjected to negative judgment, or criticized by others. Paul is addressing the concern that a believer's exercise of liberty, even when done with gratitude to God, could lead to others speaking ill of them or, more importantly, speaking ill of the Gospel itself due to perceived impropriety or insensitivity.
* **give thanks (Greek, _eucharistéō'_):** From εὐχαριστέω (G2168), meaning "to be grateful" or "to express gratitude." This act of thanksgiving is crucial, as it transforms the food, consecrating it to God and removing any lingering spiritual association with idols for the individual believer. It signifies a heart posture of dependence on and appreciation for God's provision, making the consumption an act of worship rather than participation in idolatry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For if I by grace be a partaker":** This clause introduces a hypothetical scenario from the perspective of a believer who understands their freedom in Christ. The phrase "by grace" (χάριτι, _chariti_) emphasizes that their ability to partake (μετέχω, _metéchō_, G3348) of food, even that which might be controversial, stems from God's unmerited favor and the spiritual liberty granted through the Gospel. It implies a conscience made clear and empowered by divine enablement, allowing them to eat without feeling defiled.
* **"why am I evil spoken of":** This is the core rhetorical question posed by the "stronger" believer. Having acted according to their Spirit-empowered conscience and understanding of grace, they question why they should be subjected to slander (βλασφημέω, _blasphēméō_) or negative judgment from others. It highlights the tension between individual liberty and communal perception, particularly from those with weaker consciences or those outside the faith who might misunderstand their actions.
* **"for that for which I give thanks?":** This final clause specifies the reason for the "evil speaking." The believer is being criticized for an action (eating the food) that they have sanctified through an act of genuine gratitude (εὐχαριστέω, _eucharistéō_) to God. This act of thanksgiving transforms the food from a potential source of defilement or offense into a matter of worship and divine provision, further underscoring the believer's perplexity at the criticism and emphasizing the purity of their own intentions.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [1 Corinthians 10:30](/1_corinthians/10-30 "1 Corinthians 10:30 - Christian Liberty and Offence") is a **Rhetorical Question**. Paul puts forth a question that he expects his readers to consider deeply, not necessarily to answer directly. This technique allows him to articulate the perspective of the "stronger" believer—one who feels justified in their actions—before providing his definitive theological and practical guidance in the subsequent verses. The question also carries a subtle **Irony**, as the very act of giving thanks, which is meant to honor God and purify the food for the believer, becomes the point of contention and criticism from others. This highlights the complex social dynamics and the need for wisdom beyond mere personal rights.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 10:30 serves as a pivot point in Paul's discourse on Christian liberty, moving from the individual's right to the community's well-being. Theologically, it underscores the profound truth that while grace grants freedom, this freedom is not absolute but is always to be exercised within the framework of love and consideration for others. The act of thanksgiving is presented as a means by which the believer's conscience is cleared and food is sanctified, reflecting a deep trust in God's provision and sovereignty over creation, regardless of its previous associations. However, this personal spiritual freedom must yield to the higher call of unity and witness within the body of Christ and to the world, preventing actions that might cause a brother to stumble or bring reproach upon the Gospel.

* [Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Cause a Stumbling Block")
* [1 Timothy 4:4-5](/1_timothy/4-4-5 "1 Timothy 4:4-5 - Food Sanctified by Prayer")
* [1 Corinthians 8:9](/1_corinthians/8-9 "1 Corinthians 8:9 - Beware Lest Your Liberty Become a Stumbling Block")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 10:30 challenges believers today to thoughtfully examine the intersection of their personal liberties and their communal responsibilities. In an increasingly polarized world, Christians often find themselves in "gray areas" where biblical principles are clear, but their application to specific cultural or social contexts is less so. This verse reminds us that while our conscience may be clear before God regarding a particular action, we must also consider how that action is perceived by others, especially those who are weaker in faith or those outside the church. True spiritual maturity is not merely about asserting one's rights but about willingly foregoing those rights for the sake of love, unity, and the advancement of the Gospel. It calls us to a posture of humility and self-sacrifice, prioritizing the edification of the body of Christ and the integrity of our witness over personal preference or convenience. Our ultimate aim, as Paul concludes, should be to do all things to the glory of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gray areas" in my life or culture might be causing others to "evil spoken of" my faith, even if my conscience is clear?**
* **How do I balance my personal Christian liberty with my responsibility to love and not cause a brother or sister to stumble?**
* **In what ways can my actions, even those done with a grateful heart, inadvertently misrepresent the Gospel to unbelievers?**

### FAQ

**Does 1 Corinthians 10:30 mean I can do anything as long as I give thanks?**

Answer: Not exactly. While giving thanks to God for food, as Paul mentions, does sanctify it for the individual believer (as seen in [1 Timothy 4:4-5](/1_timothy/4-4-5 "1 Timothy 4:4-5 - Food Sanctified by Prayer")), the broader context of [1 Corinthians 10](/1_corinthians/10 "1 Corinthians 10 - Warnings Against Idolatry and Self-Indulgence") and chapters 8-9 clearly shows that Christian liberty is not absolute. Paul consistently balances freedom with love and consideration for others. The rhetorical question in [1 Corinthians 10:30](/1_corinthians/10-30 "1 Corinthians 10:30 - Christian Liberty and Offence") highlights the believer's perspective but is immediately followed by Paul's directive in [1 Corinthians 10:31-33](/1_corinthians/10-31-33 "1 Corinthians 10:31-33 - Do All to the Glory of God") to do all things for God's glory and to avoid causing offense to Jews, Gentiles, or the church of God. Therefore, while personal thanksgiving is vital, it must be exercised within the bounds of love, unity, and effective witness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Corinthians 10:30](/1_corinthians/10-30 "1 Corinthians 10:30 - Christian Liberty and Offence") directly addresses the believer's liberty and thanksgiving, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the ultimate example of Christ Himself. Jesus, though possessing all divine prerogatives and freedoms, willingly laid them aside for the sake of others. His life was not about asserting His rights, but about self-emptying love (Philippians 2:5-8). He became "evil spoken of" and reviled (as prophesied in [Psalm 69:9](/psalms/69-9 "Psalm 69:9 - Zeal for Your House Consumes Me") and quoted in [Romans 15:3](/romans/15-3 "Romans 15:3 - Christ Did Not Please Himself")), not for exercising a personal liberty, but for bearing the sins of humanity. His ultimate act of "giving thanks" was not over food, but in the institution of the Lord's Supper, where He gave thanks over the bread and wine, transforming symbols of His impending sacrifice into a means of grace and communion ([Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). Thus, the believer's liberty "by grace" is a reflection of the grace extended by Christ, and the call to consider others' consciences mirrors Christ's own sacrificial love, which always sought the edification and salvation of others, even at the cost of His own reputation and life ([John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - A New Commandment")).

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

Romans 14:6

He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

1 Timothy 4:3

Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

1 Timothy 4:4

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