1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 13
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἐσθίετε
ye eat
G2068
ἐσθίετε
ye eat
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
3 of 13
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
ποιεῖτε
do
G4160
ποιεῖτε
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
8 of 13
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
δόξαν
the glory
G1391
δόξαν
the glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
11 of 13
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
Cross References
Colossians 3:17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.Colossians 3:23And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;1 Peter 4:11If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.Deuteronomy 12:18But thou must eat them before the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto.Deuteronomy 12:7And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.Deuteronomy 12:12And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that is within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you.Luke 11:41But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.1 Corinthians 7:34There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.
Historical Context
Ancient philosophy sought the highest good—Stoics in virtue, Epicureans in pleasure, Aristotelians in flourishing. Paul posits a higher telos: God's glory. This theocentric orientation relativizes all other goods and provides a unified principle for ethics. For Corinthians debating food, honor, and freedom, Paul offers a singular focus: make every decision, including mundane ones like meals, about displaying God's excellence to the world.
Questions for Reflection
- How would asking "Does this glorify God?" change your decision-making in areas where Scripture doesn't give explicit commands?
- What mundane activities (eating, working, entertainment) could become worship if reoriented toward God's glory?
- In what areas are you most tempted to pursue your own satisfaction rather than God's glory?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God—This verse provides the comprehensive principle governing all Christian behavior. Whether ye eat, or drink directly addresses the food controversy but or whatsoever ye do (panta, πάντα, "all things") universalizes the principle—every activity, decision, and moment exists for one purpose: the glory of God (doxan theou, δόξαν θεοῦ).
God's doxa (δόξα, "glory/honor/splendor") is His revealed excellence and majesty. To glorify God means living in ways that display His character, honor His name, and advance His kingdom. This transcends negative ethics (avoiding sin) to positive purpose—actively making God look glorious through every dimension of life. Eating, drinking, working, resting, relationships—all become worship when oriented toward God's glory.
Applied to the idol-food controversy: don't merely ask "Is this permissible?" but "Does this glorify God?" If eating harms a brother, confuses pagans, or associates you with demons, it doesn't glorify God—regardless of your theological sophistication or clear conscience. This God-centered criterion resolves the tensions of vv. 23-30: when freedom and others' consciences conflict, ask which course magnifies God's glory more. Usually, self-limiting love displays God's character better than liberty-asserting rights.