neuter of a compound of εἴδωλον and a presumed derivative of θύω; an image-sacrifice, i.e. part of an idolatrous offering:--(meat, thing that is) offered (in sacrifice, sacrificed) to (unto) idols.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **eidōlóthyton**, represented by `{{G1494}}`, refers to an image-sacrifice or a part of an idolatrous offering, such as **meat offered to idols**. It appears 10 times across 10 unique verses. The term is a compound word derived from εἴδωλον (idol) and θύω (sacrifice), directly addressing the complex issue faced by early Christians regarding the consumption of food connected to pagan worship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{G1494}}` is central to key discussions in the New Testament. In Acts, the Jerusalem Council issues a foundational decree for Gentile believers, instructing them to **abstain from meats offered to idols** [[Acts 15:29]] as a necessary practice for inclusion in the community, a conclusion later reaffirmed [[Acts 21:25]]. In 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses the issue in depth, acknowledging that while some believers have the **knowledge** `{{G1108}}` that an **idol** `{{G1497}}` is nothing, this freedom can be a stumbling block. He warns that seeing a knowledgeable person eating **things which are offered to idols** `{{G1494}}` in an **idol's temple** `{{G1493}}` could embolden a brother with a weak conscience to sin [[1 Corinthians 8:10]]. Finally, in Revelation, the act of eating **things sacrificed unto idols** `{{G1494}}` is condemned as a result of tolerating false doctrines, such as those of **Balaam** `{{G903}}` and **Jezebel** `{{G2403}}` ([[Revelation 2:14]], 2:20).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the debate surrounding things offered to idols:
* `{{G1497}}` **eídōlon** (idol): This word, meaning an image for worship or a heathen god, is the root of `{{G1494}}`. The relationship is explicit in [[1 Corinthians 8:4]], which states that "an **idol** is nothing in the world."
* `{{G4893}}` **syneídēsis** (conscience): This term for moral consciousness is critical to Paul's argument. A believer's actions are to be guided by how they affect the **conscience** of another, as a weak conscience can be defiled by eating a **thing offered unto an idol** `{{G1494}}` [[1 Corinthians 8:7]].
* `{{G2068}}` **esthíō** (to eat): The literal act of eating is central to the controversy. The decision to **eat** or **not** eat `{{G3361}}` food sacrificed to idols is the practical dilemma faced by the believers [[1 Corinthians 10:28]].
* `{{G4203}}` **porneúō** (to commit fornication): This is frequently paired with eating things sacrificed to idols, indicating that the act was seen as a form of spiritual unfaithfulness. In Revelation, false teachers seduce God's servants to **commit fornication** and to eat **things sacrificed unto idols** `{{G1494}}` ([[Revelation 2:14]], 2:20).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1494}}` revolves around Christian liberty, love, and separation from paganism.
* **Liberty and Love:** The discussion highlights the tension between a believer's freedom in Christ and their responsibility to their brethren. While an idol is nothing, **charity** `{{G26}}` edifies where **knowledge** `{{G1108}}` "puffeth up" [[1 Corinthians 8:1]]. Love, therefore, limits liberty to avoid causing a brother with a weak **conscience** `{{G4893}}` to stumble [[1 Corinthians 8:10]].
* **Separation from Idolatry:** The command to **abstain** `{{G567}}` from things offered to idols was a clear line of demarcation between the worship of God and pagan rituals [[Acts 15:29]]. The act was not merely about food but about avoiding any association with the worship of false gods.
* **The Danger of False Doctrine:** The connection of `{{G1494}}` with the teachings of **Balaam** `{{G903}}` and **Jezebel** `{{G2403}}` frames the issue as one of doctrinal purity. Partaking in such meals was not a neutral act but a symptom of tolerating teachings that cast a **stumblingblock** `{{G4625}}` before God's people [[Revelation 2:14]].
### Summary
In summary, **eidōlóthyton** `{{G1494}}` signifies far more than just food. It represents a critical point of conflict for the early church, forcing believers to navigate the principles of Christian freedom, conscience, and the imperative of holiness. The scriptural guidance on this topic establishes that while an idol is powerless, a believer's actions must be governed by love for others and a clear witness that separates them entirely from the practices of idolatry.
TRV