1 Corinthians 8:7

ยถ 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.

Howbeit {G235} there is not {G3756} in {G1722} every man {G3956} that knowledge {G1108}: for {G1161} some {G5100} with conscience {G4893} of the idol {G1497} unto {G2193} this hour {G737} eat {G2068} it as {G5613} a thing offered unto an idol {G1494}; and {G2532} their {G846} conscience {G4893} being {G5607} weak {G772} is defiled {G3435}.

But not everyone has this knowledge. Moreover, some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat food which has been sacrificed to them, they think of it as really affected by the idol; and their consciences, being weak, are thus defiled.

But not everyone has this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that they eat such food as if it were sacrificed to an idol. And since their conscience is weak, it is defiled.

Howbeit there is not in all men that knowledge: but some, being used until now to the idol, eat as of a thing sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

Commentary

Context

First Corinthians Chapter 8 addresses the sensitive issue of eating food that had been offered to idols, a common practice in the pagan society of ancient Corinth. While some believers, particularly those with a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty, knew that "an idol is nothing in the world" (1 Corinthians 8:4), Paul introduces a critical nuance in verse 7. He highlights that not all Christians possessed this same level of spiritual knowledge or conviction. The preceding verses establish that true knowledge acknowledges only "one God, the Father" and "one Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 8:6), rendering idols powerless. However, this verse pivots to the practical implications for those who are still struggling with their pagan past or weaker in faith.

Key Themes

  • The Weak Conscience: The central theme is the "weak conscience" (Greek: syneidesis asthenฤ“s). This refers to a believer whose understanding is not yet fully mature or whose moral sense is still influenced by past pagan beliefs. For such individuals, eating food offered to idols is not merely a meal but an act that, in their mind, still carries idolatrous connotations, leading to inner conflict and defilement.
  • Knowledge vs. Love: Paul's discussion throughout chapter 8, starting with "knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth", underscores that intellectual understanding alone is insufficient. True Christian liberty must be exercised with love and consideration for others, especially those who are spiritually vulnerable.
  • Defilement of Conscience: For the one with a weak conscience, participating in an act they perceive as wrong, even if it is objectively permissible, leads to spiritual defilement. This is not about the food itself being inherently unclean, but about the internal moral compromise and guilt experienced by the individual. Their conscience, acting as their internal judge, condemns them, thus becoming "defiled."

Linguistic Insights

The term "knowledge" here is from the Greek word gnosis, which refers to intellectual or spiritual understanding. Paul contrasts this 'head knowledge' with agape (love), which is superior because it builds up the community. The word "conscience" (Greek: syneidesis) denotes the inner moral faculty that discerns right from wrong. When Paul says it is "weak" (Greek: asthenฤ“s), he implies it is not yet fully robust or informed by mature Christian truth. To be "defiled" (Greek: molyno) means to be stained, polluted, or made unclean. In this context, it speaks of a spiritual or moral staining of the conscience, rather than physical impurity, due to acting against one's inner conviction.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound insights for believers today. It calls us to:

  • Exercise Christian Liberty Responsibly: While we may have freedom in Christ to do many things, our actions should always be filtered through the lens of love for our fellow believers. Our freedom should not become a stumbling block for others (1 Corinthians 8:9).
  • Be Sensitive to Others' Convictions: We must recognize that not everyone is at the same stage of spiritual maturity or has the same understanding. What is permissible for one may be a struggle for another. This principle extends beyond food to various practices and choices in the Christian life.
  • Prioritize Love Over Personal Rights: Paul's teaching here, echoed in Romans 14, emphasizes that love compels us to forgo our rights if doing so helps to build up, rather than tear down, a weaker brother or sister. The goal is spiritual edification, not personal gratification.
  • Teach and Disciple with Patience: Rather than shaming those with a "weak conscience," believers are called to patiently teach and disciple, helping them grow in understanding so their conscience can become stronger and more fully aligned with biblical truth.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 14:14

    I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:28

    But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth [is] the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:

  • 1 Corinthians 10:29

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

  • 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 8:10

    For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

  • Romans 14:22

    Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.

  • Romans 14:23

    And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.