1 Corinthians 8:1

KJV

¶ Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} as touching {G4012} things offered unto idols {G1494}, we know {G1492} that {G3754} we all {G3956} have {G2192} knowledge {G1108}. Knowledge {G1108} puffeth up {G5448}, but {G1161} charity {G26} edifieth {G3618}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now about food sacrificed to idols: we know that, as you say, “We all have knowledge.” Yes, that is so, but “knowledge” puffs a person up with pride; whereas love builds up.

Berean Standard Bible

Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

American Standard Version

Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul opens a critical discussion in 1 Corinthians 8:1 by addressing the Corinthian believers' differing views on eating food offered to idols. This verse establishes the foundational principle that while intellectual knowledge is valuable, it can lead to pride and division if not tempered by self-sacrificial love. Paul asserts that true spiritual maturity and the edification of the community are achieved not through the assertion of one's knowledge or rights, but through the humble and constructive power of Christian love.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a major section of Paul's letter (chapters 8-10) dealing with the complex ethical issue of Christian liberty, specifically concerning food sacrificed to idols. It immediately follows Paul's discussion on marriage and singleness (chapter 7) and precedes his personal example of foregoing rights for the sake of the gospel (chapter 9) and his warnings against idolatry (chapter 10). Chapter 8 sets the theological framework for the subsequent practical applications and warnings, establishing love as the guiding principle that should govern the exercise of knowledge and freedom within the Christian community. The phrase "Now as touching things offered unto idols" signals a direct response to a specific question or issue raised by the Corinthian church, indicating a shift in topic.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Corinth was a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, a major port and a hub of commerce and pagan worship. Temples dedicated to various deities, such as Aphrodite, Apollo, and Poseidon, dotted the landscape. Animal sacrifices were integral to pagan religious practices, with portions of the sacrificed meat often sold in the public markets (the *macellum*) or consumed at temple feasts, which were often social events. For many Corinthian Christians, particularly those from a pagan background, encountering this meat posed a significant challenge. While some, understanding that "an idol is nothing in the world" [1 Corinthians 8:4](/1_corinthians/8-4 "1 Corinthians 8:4 - An Idol is Nothing"), felt free to eat, others with a weaker conscience might have felt defiled or compromised their faith by participating, even indirectly, in what they perceived as idolatry. Paul's instruction provides guidance on navigating these deeply ingrained cultural practices within the context of nascent Christian community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial themes that Paul develops throughout 1 Corinthians and his other epistles. The primary tension presented is between **Knowledge vs. Love**. Paul argues that mere intellectual understanding ("knowledge") can lead to spiritual arrogance and self-exaltation ("puffeth up"), whereas "charity" (love) actively "edifieth," building up the community and individual believers. This theme is central to Paul's ethical framework, emphasizing that Christian liberty, while real, is always to be exercised within the bounds of love for others, especially those with a weaker conscience, as further elaborated in [Romans 14:1-23](/romans/14-1-23 "Romans 14:1-23 - Do Not Pass Judgment on One Another"). Another key theme is the **Edification of the Body of Christ**. Paul consistently prioritizes actions that build up, strengthen, and unify the church over those that might cause division or stumble a fellow believer. This principle undergirds much of his practical instruction, including discussions on spiritual gifts in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts") and the preeminence of love in [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Way of Love").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Knowledge (Greek, _gnōsis'_):** From *ginōskō*, meaning "knowing (the act), i.e. (by implication) knowledge." In this context, it refers to the intellectual understanding or insight that idols are not real gods and therefore food offered to them is not inherently defiled. Paul acknowledges that the Corinthians *do* possess this knowledge, but immediately qualifies its value when divorced from love.
* **Puffeth up (Greek, _physióō'_):** From *physis* in the primary sense of blowing; "to inflate, i.e. (figuratively) make proud (haughty)." This vivid metaphor describes the negative effect of knowledge when it becomes an end in itself. It inflates one's ego, leading to arrogance, self-importance, and a disregard for others, rather than fostering humility and service.
* **Charity (Greek, _agápē'_):** From *agapaō*; "love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast." This is not merely sentimental affection but the divine, self-sacrificial love that seeks the highest good of the other, irrespective of their merit or perceived weakness. It is the active, benevolent love exemplified by Christ, which Paul exalts as the supreme virtue in [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Way of Love").
* **Edifieth (Greek, _oikodoméō'_):** From the same as *oikodomē*; "to be a house-builder, i.e. construct or (figuratively) confirm." In a spiritual sense, it means to build up, strengthen, encourage, and promote the spiritual growth of individuals and the community. Unlike knowledge that inflates, love builds up the spiritual house of God, the church.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge."**: Paul directly addresses the specific issue of *eidōlóthyton* (things sacrificed to idols). He concedes the point of the "stronger" believers, acknowledging that they (and indeed, all believers in a theological sense) possess the intellectual understanding or "knowledge" that idols are nothing and therefore the food is not inherently contaminated. This sets up the tension with the subsequent clause.
* **"Knowledge puffeth up,"**: This is the critical warning. While knowledge is not inherently bad, Paul identifies its dangerous tendency: when it is pursued or wielded for its own sake, or to assert one's superiority or freedom, it leads to pride, arrogance, and an inflated sense of self. This self-centeredness is detrimental to community.
* **"but charity edifieth."**: In stark contrast to knowledge, Paul presents "charity" (agape love) as the true builder. Love, by its very nature, is outward-focused, self-sacrificial, and seeks the well-being of others. It constructs, strengthens, and unifies the church, fostering spiritual growth and mutual support rather than division or spiritual harm. This clause serves as the thesis statement for the entire discussion on Christian liberty.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several effective literary devices in this concise verse. Most prominent is **Antithesis**, where he sets "knowledge" directly against "charity" (love), highlighting their opposing effects: knowledge "puffeth up" while charity "edifieth." This sharp contrast immediately draws the reader's attention to the core tension and the superior virtue. The use of **Metaphor** is also significant with "puffeth up" (Greek *physioō*), which literally means to inflate or blow up, creating a vivid image of intellectual arrogance as an unhealthy swelling. Conversely, "edifieth" (Greek *oikodoméō*) employs another powerful **Metaphor** of building or constructing, depicting love as a positive, constructive force that builds up the spiritual house of God. These metaphors are not merely descriptive but prescriptive, illustrating the spiritual consequences of each principle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 8:1 lays the groundwork for a profound theological principle: the exercise of Christian liberty must always be governed by love. While believers are indeed free in Christ from the bondage of the law and pagan superstitions, this freedom is not absolute license. It is bounded by the higher law of love, which prioritizes the spiritual well-being of others, particularly those with a weaker conscience, over the assertion of one's own rights or superior knowledge. This passage elevates *agape* love to its rightful place as the supreme ethical guide for Christian conduct, demonstrating that true spiritual maturity is not measured by what one knows, but by how one loves.

* [Romans 14:15](/romans/14-15 "Romans 14:15 - Do Not Destroy Your Brother with Food")
* [Galatians 5:13](/galatians/5-13 "Galatians 5:13 - Serve One Another Through Love")
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Look Not Only to Your Own Interests")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 8:1 serves as a timeless warning and a profound guide for Christian living. In an age where information is abundant and opinions are strongly held, Paul's words remind us that intellectual prowess or theological correctness, if unaccompanied by genuine love, can lead to spiritual arrogance, division, and harm within the body of Christ. True spiritual maturity is not merely about possessing correct doctrine or superior understanding, but about how that knowledge is applied with humility and a heart of selfless love that seeks to build up, protect, and serve others. This verse challenges us to examine our motivations: are our actions driven by a desire to assert our freedom and knowledge, or by a sincere commitment to the spiritual growth and unity of our brothers and sisters in Christ? It calls us to consider the impact of our choices on those around us, especially those who may be more vulnerable or less informed, prioritizing their edification over our personal preferences or perceived rights.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or faith do I tend to prioritize my knowledge or rights over the well-being and conscience of others?**
* **How might my "knowledge" be "puffing me up" in ways I haven't recognized, leading to pride or division?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to ensure that my actions are driven by "charity" (love) and truly "edify" those around me, both inside and outside the church?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sensitivity to the "weaker conscience" of others, even when I believe my own understanding is superior?**

### FAQ
**What specific problem was Paul addressing in 1 Corinthians 8:1?**

Answer: Paul was addressing the ethical dilemma faced by the Corinthian church concerning the consumption of meat that had been offered to pagan idols. In Corinth, a bustling center of pagan worship, meat from temple sacrifices was often sold in public markets or served at social gatherings. Some believers, understanding that idols were not real gods, felt free to eat this meat. However, others, particularly new converts from pagan backgrounds, had a "weak conscience" and feared that eating such meat would defile them or imply participation in idolatry. Paul's instruction here aims to guide the church on how to navigate this issue, prioritizing unity and love over the assertion of personal knowledge or liberty.

**How does "knowledge puffeth up" contrast with "charity edifieth"?**

Answer: This verse presents a powerful antithesis. "Knowledge puffeth up" (from the Greek *physióō*) vividly describes how intellectual understanding, when divorced from love, can inflate one's ego, leading to arrogance, pride, and a self-centered approach to faith. It focuses on what *I* know and *my* rights. Conversely, "charity edifieth" (from the Greek *oikodoméō*) means that self-sacrificial love builds up, strengthens, and encourages others and the community as a whole. Love is outward-focused, seeking the good of the other, and thus fosters unity and spiritual growth. Paul is not against knowledge itself, but against knowledge that becomes a source of pride and division rather than a tool for humble service and building up the body of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 8:1, with its stark contrast between knowledge that "puffeth up" and love that "edifieth," finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect example in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ possessed all knowledge and wisdom, being the very "wisdom of God" [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God"). Yet, His knowledge never led to pride or self-exaltation. Instead, He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, and humbled Himself even to the point of death on a cross [Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humility"). His entire life and ministry were an embodiment of *agape* love, a love that always sought to build up, heal, and restore, even those considered "weaker" or outcast. He did not assert His divine rights or knowledge to condemn, but to save, demonstrating that true power is found in self-giving love. The cross itself is the supreme act of edifying love, where Christ, the ultimate "stronger brother," laid down His life for the "weaker" and the lost, thereby building up the church and reconciling humanity to God [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ Loved Us and Gave Himself Up for Us"). Thus, the principle of love edifying, rather than knowledge puffing up, is not merely an ethical guideline but a reflection of the very character and mission of Christ Himself.

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 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.

Romans 14:3

Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

Isaiah 5:21

Woe unto [them that are] wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

Revelation 2:14

But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

1 Corinthians 8:4

¶ As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one.

1 Corinthians 8:2

And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

Romans 15:14

¶ And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.