1 Corinthians 10:29
Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?
Original Language Analysis
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἑαυτοῦ
thine own
G1438
ἑαυτοῦ
thine own
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
6 of 20
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλευθερία
liberty
G1657
ἐλευθερία
liberty
Strong's:
G1657
Word #:
15 of 20
freedom (legitimate or licentious, chiefly moral or ceremonial)
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
18 of 20
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
Cross References
1 Corinthians 9:19For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.1 Corinthians 10:32Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:2 Corinthians 8:21Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
Historical Context
Corinthian society prized individual autonomy, honor, and status. The strong despised the weak; the sophisticated mocked the scrupulous. Paul's ethic inverts this: the strong are responsible for the weak, and knowledge must be constrained by love. This countercultural approach challenged both Greco-Roman individualism and potential Christian triumphalism that viewed freedom as license.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas are you most tempted to assert personal liberty without considering impact on others' consciences?
- How can you distinguish between appropriate deference to weaker consciences and enabling immature legalism?
- What freedoms might God be calling you to limit (not because they're sinful) for the sake of love toward others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?—Paul clarifies that conscience in v. 28 refers to the other person's conscience, not your own. You know idols are nothing (8:4), so your conscience is clear about eating. But love requires considering how your actions impact another man's conscience (tou heterou, τοῦ ἑτέρου, "the other person")—either a weaker believer or a watching pagan.
The question for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? expresses potential objection: "Why should someone else's conscience restrict my freedom?" Paul doesn't directly answer but implies: because love limits liberty. Christian freedom exists to serve others' good (v. 24), not maximize personal autonomy. If exercising freedom harms another's faith or witness, love requires self-limitation.
This verse reveals the tensions in Paul's ethics: affirming genuine Christian liberty while constraining it by love. You have freedom to eat, but that freedom isn't absolute—it's qualified by impact on others. The strong must defer to the weak, not asserting rights at cost of souls. This is cruciform ethics—voluntary self-limitation modeled after Christ who surrendered His rights for our salvation.