< 1 Corinthians 8 >

1 And concerning the things sacrificed to idols, we have known that we all have knowledge: knowledge puffeth up, but love buildeth up;
Now concerning those things that are sacrificed to idols: we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but charity builds up.
2 and if any one doth think to know anything, he hath not yet known anything according as it behoveth [him] to know;
But if anyone considers himself to know anything, he does not yet know in the way that he ought to know.
3 and if any one doth love God, this one hath been known by Him.
For if anyone loves God, he is known by him.
4 Concerning the eating then of the things sacrificed to idols, we have known that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that there is no other God except one;
But as to the foods that are immolated to idols, we know that an idol in the world is nothing, and that no one is God, except One.
5 for even if there are those called gods, whether in heaven, whether upon earth — as there are gods many and lords many —
For although there are things that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, (if one even considers there to be many gods and many lords)
6 yet to us [is] one God, the Father, of whom [are] the all things, and we to Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom [are] the all things, and we through Him;
yet we know that there is only one God, the Father, from whom all things are, and in whom we are, and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all things are, and by whom we are.
7 but not in all men [is] the knowledge, and certain with conscience of the idol, till now, as a thing sacrificed to an idol do eat [it], and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.
But knowledge is not in everyone. For some persons, even now, with consent to an idol, eat what has been sacrificed to an idol. And their conscience, being infirm, becomes polluted.
8 But victuals do not commend us to God, for neither if we may eat are we in advance; nor if we may not eat, are we behind;
Yet food does not commend us to God. For if we eat, we will not have more, and if we do not eat, we will not have less.
9 but see, lest this privilege of yours may become a stumbling-block to the infirm,
But be careful not to let your liberty become a cause of sin to those who are weak.
10 for if any one may see thee that hast knowledge in an idol's temple reclining at meat — shall not his conscience — he being infirm — be emboldened to eat the things sacrificed to idols,
For if anyone sees someone with knowledge sitting down to eat in idolatry, will not his own conscience, being infirm, be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols?
11 and the brother who is infirm shall perish by thy knowledge, because of whom Christ died?
And should an infirm brother perish by your knowledge, even though Christ died for him?
12 and thus sinning in regard to the brethren, and smiting their weak conscience — in regard to Christ ye sin;
So when you sin in this way against the brothers, and you harm their weakened conscience, then you sin against Christ.
13 wherefore, if victuals cause my brother to stumble, I may eat no flesh — to the age — that my brother I may not cause to stumble. (aiōn g165)
Because of this, if food leads my brother to sin, I will never eat meat, lest I lead my brother to sin. (aiōn g165)

< 1 Corinthians 8 >