1 Corinthians 8:8

KJV

But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} meat {G1033} commendeth {G3936} us {G2248} not {G3756} to God {G2316}: for {G1063} neither {G3777}, if {G1437} we eat {G5315}, are we the better {G4052}; neither {G3777}, if {G3362} we eat {G5315} not {G3362}, are we the worse {G5302}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now food will not improve our relationship with God — we will be neither poorer if we abstain nor richer if we eat.

Berean Standard Bible

But food does not bring us closer to God: We are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.

American Standard Version

But food will not commend us to God: neither, if we eat not, are we the worse; nor, if we eat, are we the better.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 8:8 serves as a pivotal declaration within Paul's discourse on Christian liberty and conscience, asserting that external practices, specifically the consumption or abstinence from food, hold no intrinsic power to alter one's standing or favor with God. This verse underscores the spiritual neutrality of such matters, laying the groundwork for the broader principle that genuine spiritual maturity and acceptance before God are not determined by adherence to dietary rules or rituals, but by faith and love.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded in Paul's comprehensive response to the Corinthian church's questions regarding food sacrificed to idols, which spans [1 Corinthians 8](/1-corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Sacrificed to Idols"), [1 Corinthians 9](/1-corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Apostolic Rights"), and [1 Corinthians 10](/1-corinthians/10 "1 Corinthians 10 - Warnings Against Idolatry and Self-Indulgence"). Chapter 8 opens by establishing the dichotomy between "knowledge" and "love," asserting that while "knowledge puffs up, but charity edifieth" ([1 Corinthians 8:1](/1-corinthians/8-1 "1 Corinthians 8:1 - Knowledge vs. Love")). Paul acknowledges that some believers possessed the intellectual 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")), and therefore, eating meat offered to idols was, in itself, spiritually inconsequential. However, he immediately pivots to address the impact of such actions on those with a "weak conscience" ([1 Corinthians 8:7](/1-corinthians/8-7 "1 Corinthians 8:7 - The Weak Conscience")). Verse 8 functions as a foundational theological statement, clarifying that the food itself is irrelevant to one's relationship with God, thereby setting the stage for the subsequent exhortation to prioritize love and the edification of others over the exercise of personal freedom, as elaborated in [1 Corinthians 8:9-13](/1-corinthians/8-9-13 "1 Corinthians 8:9-13 - Do Not Cause a Brother to Stumble").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling Roman provincial capital, a major commercial hub, and a melting pot of cultures and religions, including numerous pagan temples dedicated to deities like Apollo, Aphrodite, and Poseidon. A common practice in ancient Greco-Roman society was to offer animals as sacrifices to idols in these temples. A portion of the sacrificed meat was often consumed by the worshippers, a portion given to the priests, and the remainder sold in the public meat markets (macella). For early Christians, this presented a significant dilemma: could they, with a clear conscience, purchase and consume meat from these markets, knowing its origin, or participate in social meals where such meat was served? While some believers, particularly those influenced by Hellenistic philosophical thought, understood the theological nullity of idols, others, especially those recently converted from paganism or with a Jewish background, struggled with the deeply ingrained associations of such food with idolatry and demonic worship. This cultural backdrop highlights the practical and ethical challenges faced by the Corinthian church, making Paul's teaching on conscience, freedom, and love profoundly relevant.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 8](/1-corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Sacrificed to Idols") and this verse contribute significantly to several overarching themes within Paul's letters. Foremost is the theme of **Christian Liberty and Responsibility**. While believers are indeed "free" in Christ from legalistic burdens and the power of idols, this freedom is not absolute but must be exercised with responsibility towards others. Another crucial theme is the **Primacy of Love (Agape)** over mere knowledge. Paul consistently argues that intellectual understanding, no matter how profound, is worthless if it does not manifest in self-sacrificial love for fellow believers. This is powerfully articulated in [1 Corinthians 13](/1-corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Superiority of Love"). The concept of **Conscience** is also central, distinguishing between a "strong" conscience (one that understands the spiritual neutrality of external matters) and a "weak" conscience (one that is still bound by past associations or scruples). Paul emphasizes that the strong should accommodate the weak, rather than causing them to stumble or violate their conscience, a principle echoed in [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Do Not Judge Your Brother"). Ultimately, the goal is **Unity and Edification of the Body of Christ**, ensuring that actions promote spiritual growth and harmony rather than division or spiritual harm.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **meat (Greek, _brōma'_):** This term refers to "food" in general, but in this context, it specifically denotes "food (literally or figuratively), especially (ceremonially) articles allowed or forbidden by the Jewish law." Here, it directly refers to the meat that had been offered to pagan idols, which was the subject of contention in Corinth. Paul uses this word to encompass the physical substance itself, emphasizing its inherent neutrality.
* **commendeth (Greek, _parístēmi'_):** Meaning "to stand beside," "to exhibit," "to proffer," or "to recommend," this verb signifies presenting someone or something in a favorable light or bringing them into a particular relationship. In the negative, "commendeth us not to God," it means that food does not "present us favorably" or "introduce us" to God in a way that alters our spiritual standing or acceptance. Our relationship with God is not contingent upon our dietary choices.
* **better (Greek, _perisseúō'_):** This word means "to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous," or "to excel." When Paul states, "are we the better," he is saying that eating such food does not cause us to "excel" or "abound" in spiritual standing or favor with God. It does not add to our righteousness or make us more acceptable.
* **worse (Greek, _hysteréō'_):** Meaning "to be later," "to be inferior," or "to fall short (be deficient)," this term is used to convey a lack or deficiency. When Paul says, "are we the worse," he means that abstaining from such food does not cause us to "fall short" or "be deficient" in our spiritual standing. It does not diminish our righteousness or make us less acceptable to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But meat commendeth us not to God:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the core premise: the physical act of eating (or not eating) food, particularly that which has been offered to idols, has no bearing on one's spiritual standing or acceptance before God. Our relationship with the divine is not mediated or improved by dietary practices. It directly refutes any notion that external rituals or food choices can earn favor or righteousness.
* **"for neither, if we eat, are we the better;"** Paul elaborates on the first clause by explaining that consumption of the meat does not confer any spiritual advantage. Eating does not make a believer more righteous, more holy, or more favored in God's eyes. It does not add to one's spiritual merit or elevate one's position in Christ.
* **"neither, if we eat not, are we the worse."** Conversely, abstaining from the meat does not result in any spiritual detriment. Not eating does not diminish a believer's righteousness, holiness, or favor with God. It does not subtract from one's spiritual standing or lower one's position in Christ. Both eating and abstaining are declared spiritually neutral acts in themselves.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his message with clarity and force. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, seen in the direct contrast between "if we eat, are we the better" and "if we eat not, are we the worse." This stark opposition highlights the spiritual neutrality of the action, emphasizing that neither choice inherently improves nor diminishes one's standing with God. He also uses **Didactic Tone**, characteristic of his epistles, as he instructs the Corinthian church on a matter of practical theology. The structure of the verse itself, moving from a general statement to specific, balanced examples, demonstrates a form of **Logical Argumentation**, building a clear case for the irrelevance of external practices in the realm of spiritual standing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 8:8 profoundly shapes Christian understanding of adiaphora—matters indifferent to salvation—and the ethical considerations that arise within a community of faith. It asserts that true spiritual standing is not predicated on external observances or dietary laws, but on one's relationship with God through Christ. This liberates believers from legalistic burdens while simultaneously calling them to a higher ethic of love that transcends personal freedom. The verse serves as a theological anchor, reminding believers that while they are free in Christ, their freedom must always be exercised in a manner that builds up, rather than tears down, the body of Christ, especially those with weaker consciences. It shifts the focus from what one consumes to the spiritual impact of one's actions on others, prioritizing the unity and spiritual well-being of the community.

* [Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God Is Not Food and Drink")
* [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Let No One Judge You for Food or Drink")
* [Matthew 15:11](/matthew/15-11 "Matthew 15:11 - What Defiles a Person")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 8:8 offers a timeless principle for navigating issues of Christian liberty and communal life. In an age where believers often divide over non-essential practices, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that our standing with God is not determined by our preferences in worship style, dress, entertainment, political affiliation, or even specific dietary choices. The core message is that while we are indeed free in Christ, true spiritual maturity is demonstrated not by asserting our rights, but by exercising our freedom in a way that prioritizes love, unity, and the spiritual well-being of our brothers and sisters. It calls us to cultivate a sensitive conscience, not merely for ourselves, but for the sake of others, ensuring that our actions do not become a stumbling block for those whose faith may be weaker or whose convictions differ. This requires humility, empathy, and a willingness to sometimes forgo a personal liberty for the greater good of the community and the glory of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "adiaphora" (matters indifferent) in my life or church community might I be elevating to a level of spiritual significance that Paul's teaching contradicts?**
* **How can I better discern when the exercise of my personal Christian liberty might cause a brother or sister to stumble, even if my actions are permissible for me?**
* **In what ways can I demonstrate love and build up the body of Christ, even when it means sacrificing a personal preference or right?**

### FAQ

**Does 1 Corinthians 8:8 mean that all external actions are irrelevant to faith?**

Answer: No, 1 Corinthians 8:8 specifically addresses the spiritual neutrality of food in relation to one's standing with God. It clarifies that what we eat or don't eat does not make us more or less righteous. However, Paul immediately follows this by discussing the *impact* of our actions on others. While the action itself (eating meat) might be spiritually neutral, performing it in a way that causes a fellow believer with a "weak conscience" to stumble or violate their own convictions is not neutral, but rather a sin against Christ ([1 Corinthians 8:9-12](/1-corinthians/8-9-12 "1 Corinthians 8:9-12 - Do Not Cause a Brother to Stumble")). The verse liberates us from legalism concerning external rituals, but it simultaneously calls us to a higher ethic of love and consideration for others, which *is* essential to faith.

**What is a "weak conscience" in the context of this chapter?**

Answer: In [1 Corinthians 8](/1-corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Sacrificed to Idols"), a "weak conscience" refers to a believer who, due to their background or lack of full understanding, still associates certain external practices (like eating meat sacrificed to idols) with sin or idolatry. Unlike those with "knowledge" who understand that "an idol is nothing" ([1 Corinthians 8:4](/1-corinthians/8-4 "1 Corinthians 8:4 - An Idol Is Nothing")), the weak conscience feels defiled or believes they are participating in idolatry if they eat such meat. Paul's point is that while their understanding may be incomplete, their conscience is still valid and should not be violated or disregarded by those with stronger faith, as this could lead them into sin. This concept is further explored in [Romans 14:1-23](/romans/14-1-23 "Romans 14:1-23 - Receiving the Weak in Faith").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 8:8, by declaring the spiritual irrelevance of external practices like dietary choices, powerfully points to the radical freedom and new covenant reality inaugurated by Christ. Jesus himself challenged the prevailing legalistic emphasis on external purity, declaring that "not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man" ([Matthew 15:11](/matthew/15-11 "Matthew 15:11 - What Defiles a Person")). Our standing before God is not earned through adherence to rituals or abstention from certain foods, but is a gift of grace received through faith in the finished work of Christ. He is the ultimate "meat" that truly commends us to God, for His sacrifice on the cross fully atoned for our sins, making us righteous in God's sight ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Furthermore, Christ's example of self-emptying love and willingness to lay down His rights, even His life, for the sake of others ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")) serves as the supreme model for exercising Christian liberty. Our freedom in Christ, therefore, is not a license for self-indulgence, but a call to imitate Him by loving our neighbor and building up the body, ensuring that our actions reflect the heart of the One who "came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")).

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 14:17

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Hebrews 13:9

Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For [it is] a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

1 Corinthians 6:13

Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body [is] not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.

Colossians 2:20

Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

Colossians 2:23

Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.