1 Corinthians 8:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G1355}, if {G1487} meat {G1033} make {G4624} my {G3450} brother {G80} to offend {G4624}, I will eat {G5315} no {G3364} flesh {G2907} while the world standeth {G1519}{G165}, lest {G3363} I make {G4624} my {G3450} brother {G80} to offend {G4624}.

Complete Jewish Bible

To sum up, if food will be a snare for my brother, I will never eat meat again, lest I cause my brother to sin.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to stumble.

American Standard Version

Wherefore, if meat causeth my brother to stumble, I will eat no flesh for evermore, that I cause not my brother to stumble.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 8:13, the Apostle Paul delivers a definitive statement on Christian liberty, concluding his discourse on eating meat offered to idols. He declares his unwavering commitment to prioritize the spiritual well-being of a fellow believer over his personal freedom, asserting that if his exercise of liberty causes a brother to stumble spiritually, he will abstain from that action indefinitely. This verse powerfully encapsulates the principle that love, rather than knowledge or personal rights, must be the guiding principle for believers, especially when dealing with matters of conscience that could lead a "weaker" brother into sin or compromise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic conclusion to Paul's argument in [1 Corinthians 8](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Offered to Idols"). The chapter begins by acknowledging that "knowledge puffs up, but love builds up" ([1 Corinthians 8:1](/1_corinthians/8-1 "1 Corinthians 8:1 - Knowledge Puffs Up, Love Builds Up")). Paul addresses the issue of believers eating meat sacrificed to idols, a common practice in Corinthian society. While some believers, possessing "knowledge" that "an idol is nothing" ([1 Corinthians 8:4](/1_corinthians/8-4 "1 Corinthians 8:4 - An Idol Is Nothing")), felt free to partake, Paul highlights the danger this posed to those with a "weak conscience" ([1 Corinthians 8:7](/1_corinthians/8-7 "1 Corinthians 8:7 - Weak Conscience")). He warns that such liberty could become a "stumbling block" ([1 Corinthians 8:9](/1_corinthians/8-9 "1 Corinthians 8:9 - Do Not Cause a Brother to Stumble")), leading a weaker brother to violate their conscience and potentially sin. Verse 13, therefore, is Paul's ultimate practical application and personal commitment to the principle of love overriding liberty for the sake of another's spiritual integrity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Corinth was a bustling Roman port city, a melting pot of cultures and religions. Pagan temples were central to civic life, and meat from sacrifices was often sold in public markets or consumed at communal feasts, sometimes even in the temple precincts. For new converts, especially those from pagan backgrounds, the distinction between participating in idolatry and merely eating food was blurred. Many would have associated such meat with their former pagan practices, and consuming it, or seeing fellow Christians consume it, could trigger deep-seated fears or lead them back into idolatrous behaviors. The "weaker brother" often referred to those whose consciences were still sensitive to the lingering influence of paganism, or who lacked the theological understanding that idols were powerless. Paul's teaching here is highly practical, addressing a real dilemma faced by the early church in navigating their Christian freedom within a pagan society.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in [1 Corinthians 8](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Offered to Idols") and specifically in verse 13 is the **supremacy of love** in Christian conduct. Paul emphasizes that while believers possess knowledge and liberty in Christ, these must always be exercised within the framework of **agape love**, which seeks the good of others above oneself. This leads directly to the theme of **protecting the weaker brother**, highlighting the responsibility of "stronger" believers to safeguard the spiritual integrity of those with less mature faith or a more sensitive conscience. The chapter also introduces the theme of **Christian liberty and its limitations**, asserting that freedom in Christ is not an end in itself but is to be used for the edification of the body. Ultimately, Paul models **self-sacrifice and humility**, demonstrating a willingness to forgo personal rights for the sake of unity and spiritual growth within the community, echoing the broader call to imitate Christ's self-emptying love found throughout the New Testament, as seen in [Philippians 2:3-8](/philippians/2-3-8 "Philippians 2:3-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meat (Greek, _brōma'_):** From the base of βιβρώσκω, this term refers to food in general, especially (ceremonially) articles allowed or forbidden by Jewish law. In this context, it specifically denotes the food, particularly meat, that had been offered to idols. Paul's willingness to abstain from this "meat" (food) underscores the principle that the physical act of eating is secondary to the spiritual impact it might have on another believer.
* **Offend (Greek, _skandalízō'_):** From σκάνδαλον, meaning to entrap, trip up, or entice to sin, apostasy, or displeasure. This is not merely causing annoyance or irritation, but leading someone into moral or spiritual failure, or causing them to violate their conscience. Paul's profound concern is to avoid being a "stumbling block" (a σκάνδαλον) that would cause a fellow believer to fall away from their faith or commit a sin against their own conscience.
* **Brother (Greek, _adelphós'_):** From Α (as a connective particle) and δέλφυς (the womb), signifying a brother literally or figuratively, near or remote. Here, it refers to a fellow Christian, emphasizing the familial bond and mutual responsibility within the body of Christ. Paul's argument is rooted in the deep care and love he has for his spiritual siblings, highlighting the importance of communal solidarity over individual rights.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend,"**: Paul begins with a logical conclusion ("Wherefore," G1355, _dióper_ - on which very account), linking this statement directly to his preceding arguments about knowledge, love, and the weaker brother. The condition "if meat make my brother to offend" identifies the specific action (eating meat offered to idols) and its potential negative spiritual consequence: causing a fellow believer to stumble or sin against their conscience.
* **"I will eat no flesh while the world standeth,"**: This is Paul's resolute personal declaration and commitment. The phrase "while the world standeth" (G1519 G165, _eis aiṓn_ - into an age, perpetually) is a strong hyperbole, signifying an indefinite or permanent abstinence. It emphasizes the depth of his resolve to forgo a permissible action for the sake of another's spiritual well-being, demonstrating the profound weight he places on the principle of love over liberty.
* **"lest I make my brother to offend."**: This final clause states the clear motivation and purpose behind Paul's radical commitment. The negative purpose clause ("lest," G3363, _hína mḗ_ - in order that not) reiterates his primary concern: to prevent himself from being the cause of spiritual harm or moral compromise for a fellow member of the Christian community. It underscores the preventative and protective nature of Christian love.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in this concluding statement. The most prominent is **Hyperbole** in the phrase "while the world standeth," which literally means "for the age" or "forever." This exaggerated expression emphasizes the absolute and unwavering nature of Paul's commitment, demonstrating the profound importance he places on preventing a brother from stumbling. His use of **Ethos** is also significant, as he presents himself as a living example of the principle he is advocating. By declaring "I will eat no flesh," Paul doesn't just preach a doctrine; he embodies it, lending immense credibility and weight to his words. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Conditional Statement** ("if...then"), setting up a clear cause-and-effect relationship between an action (eating meat) and its potential spiritual consequence (causing a brother to offend), thereby highlighting the direct responsibility believers have for one another's spiritual journey.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration in 1 Corinthians 8:13 is a profound theological statement on the nature of Christian liberty and communal responsibility. It teaches that freedom in Christ is not an absolute right to be exercised without regard for others, but a privilege to be stewarded with love and wisdom. The ultimate goal of Christian conduct is not self-gratification or the assertion of personal rights, but the building up of the body of Christ and the spiritual flourishing of every member. This principle elevates the well-being of the community above individual preferences, reflecting the very heart of God's redemptive plan, which prioritizes the restoration of relationships and the unity of His people. It challenges believers to consider the broader impact of their choices, especially on those who are vulnerable or less mature in faith, emphasizing that true spiritual strength is demonstrated not by asserting one's rights, but by willingly laying them down for the sake of others.

* [Romans 14:21](/romans/14-21 "Romans 14:21 - It is good not to eat meat or drink wine")
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Do Nothing from Selfish Ambition")
* [Galatians 5:13](/galatians/5-13 "Galatians 5:13 - Freedom for Service")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 8:13 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, even though the specific issue of meat offered to idols may seem distant. The core principle—that love compels us to forgo personal liberties if they cause a fellow believer to stumble—is timeless. This verse calls us to a radical self-awareness and empathy, prompting us to examine our actions, choices, and even our expressions of freedom through the lens of their potential impact on others, particularly those who may be new in faith, struggling, or have a more sensitive conscience. It challenges the common tendency to prioritize individual rights over communal well-being, urging us instead to cultivate a Christ-like humility that seeks to build up, protect, and unify the body of Christ. True spiritual maturity is not merely about what one "knows" or what one "can" do, but about how one loves and serves others, even at personal cost.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are some "meat" issues in my life today (permissible actions or freedoms) that, if exercised without consideration, might cause a "weaker brother" or sister to stumble?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater awareness of the consciences and spiritual journeys of those around me in the church community?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to assert my personal liberty or knowledge, rather than prioritizing the spiritual well-being of others?**

### FAQ
**What does "make my brother to offend" mean in modern terms?**

Answer: In modern terms, "make my brother to offend" (from the Greek _skandalízō_) means to cause a fellow believer to stumble, fall into sin, or violate their own conscience. It's not about causing annoyance or irritation, but about leading them into spiritual harm or compromise. For example, if a new convert from alcoholism sees a mature Christian freely drinking alcohol, and that sight causes the new convert to relapse, the mature Christian's liberty, though permissible for them, has become a "stumbling block." Paul's point is that we should willingly restrict our own freedoms if doing so prevents a brother or sister from being led astray or acting against their convictions, as further explained in [Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Cause a Brother to Stumble").

**Is Paul saying Christians should never eat meat?**

Answer: No, Paul is not advocating for vegetarianism or a universal prohibition against eating meat. The issue in [1 Corinthians 8](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Offered to Idols") was specifically about meat that had been sacrificed to idols. Paul himself states elsewhere that "every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving" ([1 Timothy 4:4](/1_timothy/4-4 "1 Timothy 4:4 - Every Creature of God is Good")). His point in 1 Corinthians 8:13 is about the _context_ and _impact_ of eating certain foods on others, particularly those with a sensitive conscience regarding idolatry. He is willing to abstain from a permissible act (eating meat) if that act causes spiritual harm to another, demonstrating that love for one's brother outweighs personal liberty in matters of conscience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's radical commitment in [1 Corinthians 8:13](/1_corinthians/8-13 "1 Corinthians 8:13 - I Will Eat No Flesh") to forgo his personal rights for the sake of a weaker brother finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's willingness to "eat no flesh while the world standeth" is a profound echo of Christ's unparalleled self-emptying (kenosis), as described in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility"). Though Christ possessed all the rights and prerogatives of deity, He "did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage" ([Philippians 2:6](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6 - Christ's Humility")). Instead, He voluntarily laid aside His divine privileges, taking on the form of a servant, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross, for the redemption of humanity. Jesus, the Stronger Brother par excellence, did not merely abstain from a certain food; He gave His very life to ensure that His "weaker brothers" (humanity, entangled in sin) would not stumble into eternal condemnation but would find salvation and eternal life. His sacrifice is the supreme example of love prioritizing the spiritual well-being of others above all personal rights, comfort, or even life itself, making Him the perfect model for all Christian conduct and the source of our ability to love and sacrifice in similar ways.

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 14:21

[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 11:29

Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?

2 Corinthians 6:3

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

1 Corinthians 6:12

¶ All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

1 Corinthians 13:5

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

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.

1 Corinthians 9:23

And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with [you].