1 Corinthians 8:8

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.

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}.

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

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

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.

1 Corinthians 8:8 is a foundational verse in Paul's comprehensive teaching on Christian liberty, conscience, and the importance of love within the community of believers. It directly addresses the issue of eating food sacrificed to idols, emphasizing that external practices do not determine one's standing with God.

Context of 1 Corinthians 8:8

This verse is situated within a larger discussion in 1 Corinthians chapter 8, where the apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church's questions about eating meat that had been offered to pagan idols. Some believers, possessing "knowledge" (as mentioned in verse 1), understood that idols were nothing and therefore eating such meat was spiritually inconsequential. However, others, with weaker consciences, were troubled, fearing participation in idolatry or being led astray. Paul's aim is to guide them towards actions motivated by love rather than mere knowledge or personal freedom, recognizing the potential for their actions to cause a brother to stumble.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Spiritual Neutrality of External Practices: The verse explicitly states that food, or any external act like eating or abstaining, does not affect one's spiritual standing with God. Salvation and righteousness are not earned or lost through dietary practices or adherence to specific rituals.
  • Conscience vs. Knowledge: Paul distinguishes between those who have knowledge (that idols are nothing and therefore idol meat is just meat) and those whose consciences are weak, still associating such food with idolatry. This verse highlights that spiritual standing is not based on this knowledge or lack thereof.
  • Love Over Legalism: While not explicitly stated in this verse, it lays the groundwork for the overarching message of 1 Corinthians 8:9-13: the ultimate principle governing Christian freedom should be love for fellow believers, not the assertion of personal rights.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's phrase "commendeth us not to God" uses the word "commendeth" from the Greek paristēmi (παρίστημι). This term means "to present," "to place alongside," or "to introduce." In this context, Paul is asserting that food does not "present us favorably" or "introduce us" to God. Our acceptance by God is not contingent upon what we eat or don't eat, but on our faith in Christ and the grace we receive through Him.

Cross-References and Connections

Paul elaborates on this principle, emphasizing the importance of not causing a brother to stumble, in subsequent verses such as 1 Corinthians 8:9 and 1 Corinthians 8:13. The concept of Christian freedom balanced by love and consideration for others is also extensively discussed in Romans 14, where Paul addresses similar issues regarding dietary laws and the observance of special days. This teaching aligns with Jesus' emphasis that spiritual defilement comes from the heart, not from external things (Matthew 15:11). The ultimate goal is to glorify God in all things (1 Corinthians 10:31) and build up the church, not to exercise freedom at the expense of another's faith.

Practical Application

In contemporary Christian life, 1 Corinthians 8:8 reminds believers that many practices and preferences within faith communities are "adiaphora" (matters indifferent) – they neither make us more righteous nor less so before God. This principle can be applied to a wide range of issues beyond food, such as choices in entertainment, specific worship styles, dress codes, or even political affiliations. The core lesson is to prioritize love and the edification of others over the assertion of personal rights or knowledge. While we may have freedom in Christ, true spiritual maturity involves considering the impact of our actions on those with weaker faith or different convictions, fostering unity rather than division within the body of Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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