1 Corinthians 10:30
For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
Original Language Analysis
χάριτι
by grace
G5485
χάριτι
by grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
4 of 11
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
μετέχω
be a partaker
G3348
μετέχω
be a partaker
Strong's:
G3348
Word #:
5 of 11
to share or participate; by implication, belong to, eat (or drink)
τί
why
G5101
τί
why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
6 of 11
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
βλασφημοῦμαι
am I evil spoken of
G987
βλασφημοῦμαι
am I evil spoken of
Strong's:
G987
Word #:
7 of 11
to vilify; specially, to speak impiously
ὑπὲρ
for that
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for that
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
8 of 11
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
Historical Context
Early Christian table fellowship was controversial—Jews criticized Gentile Christians for eating unclean foods; Gentiles criticized Jewish Christians for food scruples. Paul navigates these tensions by affirming freedom (grace permits eating with thanksgiving) while constraining it by love (consideration for others' consciences). The ultimate criterion isn't individual rights or others' opinions but God's glory and gospel advance.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you maintain robust confidence in Christian freedom while remaining sensitive to how exercising it impacts others?
- When have you needed to limit theologically justified freedom for the sake of love or witness?
- What role does thanksgiving play in sanctifying otherwise neutral activities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?—This verse continues the potential objection from v. 29. If I eat food by grace (chariti, χάριτι, "with thanksgiving/gratitude"), recognizing God's provision and giving thanks (as Jesus taught, 1 Timothy 4:4-5), why should I be evil spoken of (blasphēmoumai, βλασφημοῦμαι, "blasphemed/slandered/spoken evil of") for it? Why should grateful reception of God's gifts be criticized?
Paul's point is precisely that thanksgiving (eucharistia) legitimates eating when done in faith, recognizing God's ownership (v. 26). However, this theological truth must be balanced with practical love. While you can eat known idol-food with clear conscience (because you're thanking God, not idols), doing so when it harms others or confuses witness contradicts love's demands. Right theology doesn't override relational wisdom.
The tension is real: Christian freedom includes eating all foods with thanksgiving, yet love sometimes requires abstaining from permissible things. Paul doesn't resolve the tension by eliminating freedom or ignoring others' consciences. Instead, he subordinates both to a higher principle: God's glory (v. 31). When freedom's exercise causes offense that hinders gospel or harms souls, glory-seeking demands self-limitation despite theological correctness.