1 Corinthians 10:32

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Give {G1096} none offence {G677}, neither {G2532} to the Jews {G2453}, nor {G2532} to the Gentiles {G1672}, nor {G2532} to the church {G1577} of God {G2316}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Do not be an obstacle to anyone — not to Jews, not to Gentiles, and not to God’s Messianic Community.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God—

American Standard Version

Give no occasion of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 10:32, the Apostle Paul issues a concise yet profound ethical directive, urging believers to conduct themselves in a manner that causes no spiritual harm or hindrance to anyone. This command extends universally, encompassing those outside the Christian faith—specifically "the Jews" and "the Gentiles"—as well as fellow members within "the church of God," thereby emphasizing the paramount importance of a blameless witness and the preservation of unity and spiritual well-being across all relational spheres for the sake of the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a climactic summary and practical application of Paul's extended discourse in 1 Corinthians chapters 8-10, which addresses the complex issue of Christian liberty, particularly concerning the consumption of meat sacrificed to idols. Paul begins by acknowledging the "knowledge" that idols are nothing (1 Corinthians 8:1-6), but immediately pivots to the danger of this knowledge causing a "stumbling block" for those with weaker consciences (1 Corinthians 8:7-13). He then grounds his argument in his own example of self-denial for the sake of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:1-27), demonstrating that personal rights should be subordinated to evangelistic effectiveness and the spiritual good of others. Chapter 10 further reinforces this by drawing solemn warnings from Israel's history of idolatry and disobedience (1 Corinthians 10:1-13), culminating in a call to flee idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14) and to do "all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). Thus, 1 Corinthians 10:32 acts as the practical outworking of this principle, providing a clear, actionable command that bridges the theological principles of liberty and love with their real-world implications for witness and community.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First Corinthians was written to the church in Corinth, a prominent Roman city known for its bustling trade, diverse population, and pervasive paganism, including numerous temples and idol worship. The daily life of a Corinthian Christian inevitably involved encounters with idol-related practices, such as public feasts held in pagan temples or meat sold in the market that had been dedicated to idols. For believers, navigating these social and culinary landscapes presented significant ethical dilemmas. The tension between Christian freedom (the understanding that idols are not real gods and therefore meat offered to them is not inherently defiled) and the potential to offend or mislead others (especially new converts or those from a Jewish background who were deeply ingrained with prohibitions against idolatry) was acute. Paul's instruction here is not merely theoretical but directly addresses the practical challenges faced by Christians living in a pluralistic, pagan-dominated society, where their conduct could either commend or condemn the Gospel message.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in 1 Corinthians 8-10, to which this verse contributes significantly, include Christian **liberty and responsibility**, the **priority of love over knowledge**, the **danger of idolatry**, and the **importance of unity within the body of Christ**. Paul consistently emphasizes that while believers possess freedom in Christ, this freedom is not absolute but must always be exercised with **consideration for the conscience of others** and for the **glory of God**. The concept of avoiding a "stumbling block" (Greek: _skandalon_) is central, as seen in Paul's earlier warnings in [1 Corinthians 8:9](/1_corinthians/8-9 "1 Corinthians 8:9 - Avoiding Stumbling Blocks"). Furthermore, the passage highlights the **evangelistic imperative** behind Christian conduct; Paul himself became "[all things to all people](/1_corinthians/9-22 "1 Corinthians 9:22 - Paul's Example of Adaptation") so that he might save some, a principle echoed in the call to avoid offending Jews or Gentiles. Ultimately, the chapter underscores that all actions should be directed toward the ultimate purpose of glorifying God and advancing His kingdom, as stated in [1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Doing All to the Glory of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **offence (Greek, _apróskopos'_):** This word (G677) is derived from a negative particle and a verb meaning "to strike against" or "to stumble." Actively, it means "inoffensive," not causing others to stumble into sin or doubt. Passively, it means "faultless" or "blameless," not being led into sin oneself. In this context, Paul uses it actively, commanding believers not to be a "stumbling block" or a cause for spiritual harm to others. It goes beyond merely hurting feelings; it implies leading someone astray, causing them to falter in their faith, or hindering their reception of the Gospel.
* **church (Greek, _ekklēsía'_):** This term (G1577) literally means "a calling out" and refers to an assembly or congregation. In the New Testament, it most commonly denotes the community of Christian believers, whether a local assembly or the universal body of Christ. Here, "the church of God" refers to the collective body of believers, emphasizing the internal unity and spiritual well-being that must be preserved. Offending the church means causing division, weakening faith, or hindering the spiritual growth of fellow believers.
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** This fundamental term (G2316) refers to the supreme Divinity. In this verse, "the church of God" signifies that the church belongs to God, is His possession, and is under His authority. Therefore, causing offense to the church is, in essence, causing offense to God Himself, as it undermines His work and His people. This highlights the profound theological weight behind Paul's ethical directive, rooting the call for blameless conduct in the divine ownership and purpose of the Christian community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Give none offence":** This is the central imperative. The Greek word _apróskopos_ (G677) signifies "without causing a stumbling block" or "without causing anyone to trip." It's a strong prohibition against any action or behavior that would lead another person into sin, doubt, or away from the truth of the Gospel. This goes beyond merely not hurting someone's feelings; it means actively ensuring one's conduct does not become an obstacle to faith or spiritual growth for others.
* **"neither to the Jews":** This clause specifies the first group to whom offense must not be given. "The Jews" (G2453, _Ioudaîos_) refers to those of Jewish heritage, whether they are believers or non-believers. For non-believing Jews, Christian conduct must not create a barrier to their considering Christ, especially given their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and their potential aversion to practices perceived as idolatrous. For Jewish believers, it means not causing them to stumble by violating their deeply held convictions or traditions unnecessarily.
* **"nor to the Gentiles":** This second group, "the Gentiles" (G1672, _Héllēn_), refers to non-Jews, essentially all other peoples. Like the Jews, this includes both non-believers (potential converts) and Gentile believers. For non-believing Gentiles, the aim is to remove any unnecessary social or cultural barriers that might prevent them from hearing and accepting the Gospel. For Gentile believers, it means not causing them to stumble, particularly those who might be new to the faith and still struggling with pagan influences or cultural norms.
* **"nor to the church of God":** This final category encompasses the entire community of Christian believers, "the church" (G1577, _ekklēsía_) which belongs to "God" (G2316, _theós_). This emphasizes the internal responsibility of believers to one another. Within the church, conduct should promote unity, edification, and spiritual growth, not division, doubt, or spiritual harm. It underscores that Christian liberty must always be exercised with love and consideration for the weaker brother or sister, ensuring that personal preferences do not undermine the collective well-being and witness of the body of Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Triadic Structure** in this verse, listing three distinct groups: "the Jews," "the Gentiles," and "the church of God." This comprehensive categorization serves to emphasize the universal scope of the command, ensuring that no one is excluded from the sphere of a believer's ethical consideration. This **Inclusivity** highlights that the principle of avoiding offense applies to all people, whether inside or outside the faith, and whether they are potential converts or established believers. The use of **Repetition** with "neither... nor... nor..." further reinforces the absolute nature of the prohibition against causing offense. The verse also functions as a powerful **Summary Statement**, encapsulating the practical implications of Paul's preceding arguments regarding Christian liberty, love, and the pursuit of God's glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 10:32 encapsulates a profound theological truth: Christian liberty is not an end in itself but a means to an end—the glory of God and the salvation of souls. It underscores the ethical responsibility that accompanies freedom in Christ, demonstrating that love for God is inextricably linked with love for neighbor. The verse highlights the missional imperative of the church, reminding believers that their conduct serves as a vital witness to a watching world, and that any action causing spiritual harm or hindering the Gospel's reception is antithetical to God's purposes. It further emphasizes the unity and sanctity of the church as "the church of God," implying that causing internal division or stumbling within the body is a serious matter, impacting God's own people.

* [Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Judge, Do Not Stumble")
* [Philippians 1:10](/philippians/1-10 "Philippians 1:10 - Discerning What Is Excellent")
* [1 Peter 2:12](/1_peter/2-12 "1 Peter 2:12 - Living Honorably Among Gentiles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 10:32 calls believers to a profound level of self-awareness and self-sacrifice in their daily lives. In a world increasingly polarized and quick to take offense, this verse challenges us to move beyond merely avoiding personal blame and instead proactively consider the spiritual impact of our words and actions on others. It compels us to ask: Does my exercise of Christian liberty, my social media presence, my political engagement, or my personal choices build up or tear down? Do they open doors for the Gospel or create unnecessary barriers? This principle is particularly vital in diverse communities and within the church, where differing convictions on non-essential matters can easily lead to division. True Christian maturity, as taught by Paul, involves prioritizing the spiritual well-being of others—whether they are seekers, new converts, or seasoned saints—over personal rights or preferences, always striving to reflect the self-giving love of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might my actions, even if permissible for me, inadvertently cause a "stumbling block" for others, particularly those new to faith or outside the church?**
* **How can I better discern the consciences and perspectives of "Jews, Gentiles, and the church of God" in my specific context, so as to avoid causing offense?**
* **What personal rights or preferences might I need to willingly lay aside for the sake of the Gospel's advance and the unity of the church?**
* **How does my conduct reflect the truth that I am part of "the church of God," and how can I contribute more effectively to its health and witness?**

### FAQ
**What does "Give none offence" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In 1 Corinthians 10:32, "Give none offence" (from the Greek _apróskopos_) means much more than simply not hurting someone's feelings. It's a strong ethical command to avoid causing a "stumbling block" or "trap" for anyone. This implies refraining from any action or behavior that would cause another person to fall into sin, doubt their faith, or be hindered from coming to Christ. It's about protecting the spiritual well-being of others and ensuring that one's conduct does not become an obstacle to the Gospel. Paul's concern is for the spiritual integrity and salvation of individuals, not just social etiquette.

**Why does Paul specifically mention "Jews," "Gentiles," and "the church of God"?**

Answer: Paul's explicit mention of these three groups underscores the universal and comprehensive scope of his command. "The Jews" refers to those of Jewish heritage, whether believers or not, who had specific religious and cultural sensitivities. "The Gentiles" refers to non-Jews, representing the broader pagan world that Christians were seeking to reach. "The church of God" refers to the community of believers themselves. By listing all three, Paul emphasizes that the principle of avoiding offense applies to everyone: those outside the faith (both Jewish and Gentile, who are potential converts or observers of Christian life) and those within the Christian community. This highlights the importance of maintaining a blameless witness to all, both for evangelistic effectiveness and for internal unity and spiritual health. It ensures that Christian liberty is exercised responsibly in every relational sphere, as seen throughout [1 Corinthians 8-10](/1_corinthians/8-10 "1 Corinthians 8-10 - Christian Liberty and Responsibility").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 10:32 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect example in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse commands believers to avoid causing offense, Christ Himself, though perfectly blameless, willingly became a "stumbling block" to some while being the "power of God and the wisdom of God" to others ([1 Corinthians 1:23-24](/1_corinthians/1-23-24 "1 Corinthians 1:23-24 - Christ as Stumbling Block and Power")). However, in His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently prioritized the spiritual good of others above His own rights or comfort. He did not come to be served, but to serve ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")), and His entire life was a demonstration of self-giving love that sought to draw all people to God, rather than push them away. He ate with tax collectors and sinners ([Matthew 9:10-13](/matthew/9-10-13 "Matthew 9:10-13 - Jesus Eats with Sinners")), not to condone their sin, but to invite them to repentance and new life, demonstrating a radical inclusivity that broke down social barriers. His ultimate act of love, the sacrifice on the cross, was the supreme act of self-denial, bearing the "offence" of the cross ([Galatians 5:11](/galatians/5-11 "Galatians 5:11 - The Offense of the Cross")) so that humanity might be reconciled to God. Thus, the call to "give none offence" is a call to imitate Christ's self-sacrificing love and strategic humility, always seeking to remove barriers to the Gospel and build up the body of Christ, just as He did.

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 10:33

Even as I please all [men] in all [things], not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they may be saved.

Acts 20:28

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Romans 14:13

Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.

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.

2 Corinthians 6:3

Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

Acts 24:16

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and [toward] men.

1 Timothy 3:15

But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.