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 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 and if any one doth think to know anything, he hath not yet known anything according as it behoveth [him] to know;
If a man thinks that he already has knowledge, he does not yet truly know as he ought to know;
3 and if any one doth love God, this one hath been known by Him.
but if a man 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;
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 even if there are those called gods, whether in heaven, whether upon 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 [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 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 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 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 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;
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 this privilege of yours may become a stumbling-block to the infirm,
But see to it lest this right of yours become a stumbling-block to the 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 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 brother who is infirm shall perish by thy knowledge, because of whom Christ died?
So he is lost, this weak man, lost by your "knowledge." this brother for whom Christ died.
12 and thus sinning in regard to the brethren, and smiting their weak conscience — in regard to Christ ye sin;
In so sinning against your brothers, and in ever and again wounding their weak consciences, you are sinning against Christ.
