1Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.2And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.3But if any man love God, the same is known of him.4As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.5For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)6But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.7Howbeit 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.8But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.9But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.10For 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;11And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?12But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.13Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
1 Corinthians 8
English Standard Version
Food Offered to Idols
1Now concerning[1] food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. (Ac 15:29; Ro 14:3; Ro 15:14; 1Co 8:4; 1Co 8:7; 1Co 8:10; 1Co 13:4)2If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. (1Co 3:18; 1Co 13:8; 1Co 13:12; Ga 6:3; 1Ti 6:3)3But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.[2] (Ex 33:12; Ex 33:17; Jer 1:5; Na 1:7; Ga 4:9; 2Ti 2:19)4Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” (De 4:35; De 4:39; Isa 41:24; Ac 14:15; 1Co 8:6; 1Co 10:19)5For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— (2Th 2:4)6yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. (Mal 2:10; Joh 1:3; Joh 13:13; Ro 11:36; 1Co 1:2; 1Co 8:4; Eph 4:5; Eph 4:6; Col 1:16; 1Ti 2:5)7However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. (Ro 14:14; Ro 14:22; 1Co 10:25; 1Co 10:28)8Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. (Ro 14:17)9But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. (Ro 14:1; Ro 14:21; 1Co 10:23; Ga 5:13)10For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating[3] in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged,[4] if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols?11And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. (Ro 14:15; Ro 14:20)12Thus, sinning against your brothers[5] and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. (Zec 2:8; Mt 18:6; Mt 25:45)13Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. (Ro 14:13; Ro 14:21; 2Co 6:3; 2Co 11:29)