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1 Corinthians 10:32

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Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

Give {G1096} none offence {G677}, neither {G2532} to the Jews {G2453}, nor {G2532} to the Gentiles {G1672}, nor {G2532} to the church {G1577} of God {G2316}:

Do not be an obstacle to anyone — not to Jews, not to Gentiles, and not to God’s Messianic Community.

Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God—

Give no occasion of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God:

Commentary

Context of 1 Corinthians 10:32

The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians chapters 8-10, addresses complex issues surrounding Christian freedom, particularly concerning the eating of meat sacrificed to idols. This specific verse, 1 Corinthians 10:32, serves as a concise summary and practical application of his arguments. Paul has just warned against idolatry and presumption based on Israel's history (1 Corinthians 10:1-13) and advocated for doing all things for God's glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). He emphasizes that while Christians have liberty in Christ, this freedom must always be exercised with love and consideration for others, lest it cause spiritual harm or hinder the spread of the Gospel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Consideration for Others: The core message is to prioritize the spiritual well-being of others over one's personal rights or preferences. Paul calls believers to be mindful of how their actions might be perceived or impact the faith of those around them.
  • Avoiding Stumbling Blocks: The phrase "Give none offence" is a powerful directive to avoid creating a "stumbling block" or "cause for falling" for anyone. This applies to both moral and spiritual pitfalls that could lead someone away from faith or cause them to doubt.
  • Universal Application: Paul meticulously categorizes the audience to whom offense should not be given: "the Jews," "the Gentiles," and "the church of God." This comprehensive list underscores the universal nature of this principle, encompassing both those outside the faith (Jews and Gentiles who might be potential converts or observers) and those within the Christian community (the church). It highlights the importance of maintaining a good witness to all.
  • Evangelistic Purpose: Ultimately, this instruction serves an evangelistic purpose. By avoiding offense, Christians remove barriers that might prevent non-believers from considering the Gospel and promote unity and spiritual growth within the church. Paul himself exemplified this by becoming "all things to all men" so that he might save some.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "offence" in this verse translates from the Greek word skandalon (σκανδαλον) or its related verb skandalizō. While in modern English "offence" often implies simply hurting someone's feelings, the biblical meaning of skandalon is much stronger. It refers to a "stumbling block," a trap, or something that causes one to trip and fall, particularly in a moral or spiritual sense. It's an obstacle that leads someone into sin, doubt, or away from the truth. Therefore, "Give none offence" means "cause no one to stumble or fall away from faith," emphasizing the serious spiritual consequences of our actions on others.

Significance and Practical Application

1 Corinthians 10:32 remains profoundly relevant for Christians today. In a diverse and often polarized world, this verse calls believers to exercise discernment and love in all their conduct. It challenges us to consider:

  • How our expressions of Christian liberty (e.g., in lifestyle choices, social media use, or public discourse) might be perceived by those outside the faith or by fellow believers with different convictions.
  • The importance of unity within the local church, ensuring that personal preferences do not become points of division or cause weaker believers to stumble (compare Romans 14:13).
  • Our role as ambassadors for Christ, striving to present the Gospel without unnecessary hindrances. Our actions should draw people to Christ, not push them away.

This verse encourages a self-sacrificing, others-focused approach to Christian living, always seeking to honor God and build up His church.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 10:33 (9 votes)

    Even as I please all [men] in all [things], not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they may be saved.

  • Acts 20:28 (9 votes)

    Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

  • Romans 14:13 (8 votes)

    Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.

  • 1 Corinthians 8:13 (6 votes)

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

  • 2 Corinthians 6:3 (6 votes)

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

  • Acts 24:16 (5 votes)

    And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and [toward] men.

  • 1 Timothy 3:15 (4 votes)

    But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.