1 Corinthians 10:26

Authorized King James Version

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For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.

Original Language Analysis

τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 1 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 2 of 9
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
κυρίου is the Lord's G2962
κυρίου is the Lord's
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 3 of 9
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἡ G3588
ἡ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆ the earth G1093
γῆ the earth
Strong's: G1093
Word #: 5 of 9
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 6 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 7 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλήρωμα the fulness G4138
πλήρωμα the fulness
Strong's: G4138
Word #: 8 of 9
repletion or completion, i.e., (subjectively) what fills (as contents, supplement, copiousness, multitude), or (objectively) what is filled (as contai
αὐτῆς thereof G846
αὐτῆς thereof
Strong's: G846
Word #: 9 of 9
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis & Commentary

For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof—Paul quotes Psalm 24:1 (LXX) to provide theological grounding for v. 25's permission. All creation belongs to God: the earth (tēs gēs, τῆς γῆς) and the fulness thereof (to plērōma autēs, τὸ πλήρωμα αὐτῆς, "everything that fills it")—animals, plants, resources. Nothing in creation is inherently unclean or off-limits because of pagan misuse.

This monotheistic confidence liberates Christian conscience. Idolaters may dedicate animals to false gods, but their rituals don't change ownership—everything still belongs to the true God. The meat itself isn't defiled by idolatrous context (contra Jewish food laws that Paul has relativized for Christians). What matters is whether eating involves fellowship with demons (temple context) or grateful reception of God's provision (market context).

Paul's citation also echoes Jesus's teaching that foods don't defile (Mark 7:18-19). The new covenant relocates purity from external rituals to heart allegiance. Because the earth is the Lord's, Christians can receive all food with thanksgiving (1 Timothy 4:4-5), provided eating doesn't involve idolatrous context (temple meals) or harm others (weaker brother's conscience). Creation is good; context determines appropriateness.

Historical Context

Jewish dietary laws (Leviticus 11, Deuteronomy 14) prohibited many foods and regulated meat preparation. Early Christians debated these laws' applicability (Acts 15, Galatians 2:11-14). Paul's citation of Psalm 24:1 reflects the Jerusalem Council's conclusion: Gentile Christians aren't bound by Mosaic dietary laws, though they should avoid obvious idol-association (Acts 15:29). God's ownership of creation grounds freedom from food taboos while maintaining boundaries against idolatry.

Questions for Reflection

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