1 Corinthians 8
1 But concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know, (for we all have knowledge: knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.
Now in regard to food which has been offered to idols, we are sure of course that "we all have knowledge." But knowledge puffs up, while love builds up.
2 If any one think he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know [it].
If a man thinks that he already has knowledge, he does not yet truly know as he ought to know;
3 But if any one love God, he is known of him):
but if a man loves God, he is known by him.
4 — concerning then the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in [the] world, and that there [is] no other God save one.
Now as to eating food that has been offered to idols, we know well that an idol has no real existence in the universe, and that there is no God but One.
5 For and if indeed there are [those] called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, (as there are gods many, and lords many, )
For though there be so-called "gods," celestial of terrestrial, as indeed there are gods many and lords many,
6 yet to us [there is] one God, the Father, of whom all things, and we for him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom [are] all things, and we by him.
yet for there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we for him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
7 But knowledge [is] not in all: but some, with conscience of the idol, until now eat as of a thing sacrificed to idols; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.
But that "knowledge" is not possessed by all; but some, accustomed until now to the idol, eat food as that which has actually been offered to an idol, and so their conscience, being still weak, is defiled.
8 But meat does not commend us to God; neither if we should not eat do we come short; nor if we should eat have we an advantage.
Now food does not bring us nearness to God. Neither if we eat do we gain any advantage, nor if we eat not, do we lose any.
9 But see lest anywise this your right [to eat] itself be a stumbling-block to the weak.
But see to it lest this right of yours become a stumbling-block to the weak.
10 For if any one see thee, who hast knowledge, sitting at table in an idol-house, shall not his conscience, he being weak, be emboldened to eat the things sacrificed to the idol?
For if any one should see you, the possessor of "knowledge," reclining at table in an idol’s temple, would not his conscience, if he were weak, be emboldened to eat things sacrificed to idols?
11 and the weak [one], the brother for whose sake Christ died, will perish through thy knowledge.
So he is lost, this weak man, lost by your "knowledge." this brother for whom Christ died.
12 Now, thus sinning against the brethren, and wounding their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
In so sinning against your brothers, and in ever and again wounding their weak consciences, you are sinning against Christ.
