1 Corinthians 8:1
Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
Original Language Analysis
Περὶ
as touching
G4012
Περὶ
as touching
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰδωλοθύτων
things offered unto idols
G1494
εἰδωλοθύτων
things offered unto idols
Strong's:
G1494
Word #:
4 of 16
an image-sacrifice, i.e., part of an idolatrous offering
οἴδαμεν
we know
G1492
οἴδαμεν
we know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
5 of 16
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 16
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
γνῶσις
Knowledge
G1108
γνῶσις
Knowledge
Strong's:
G1108
Word #:
8 of 16
knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge
ἔχομεν
have
G2192
ἔχομεν
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
9 of 16
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γνῶσις
Knowledge
G1108
γνῶσις
Knowledge
Strong's:
G1108
Word #:
11 of 16
knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge
φυσιοῖ
puffeth up
G5448
φυσιοῖ
puffeth up
Strong's:
G5448
Word #:
12 of 16
to inflate, i.e., (figuratively) make proud (haughty)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 8:7Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.Romans 14:3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.Revelation 2:14But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.Isaiah 5:21Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!1 Corinthians 8:4As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.Romans 15:14And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.Acts 15:29That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.Ephesians 4:16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.1 Corinthians 8:2And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.Numbers 25:2And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.
Historical Context
In first-century Corinth, virtually all meat sold in the macellum (public market) came from animals sacrificed in pagan temples. Temple rituals provided the city's meat supply, creating a conscience crisis: could Christians eat such meat? The "strong" argued idols were nonentities (8:4); the "weak" feared spiritual contamination. Social meals at temples (8:10) complicated matters further—declining invitations meant social ostracism.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you prioritize being "right" over being loving—using theological knowledge as a weapon rather than a tool for building up?
- How does Paul's "knowledge puffs up, love builds up" challenge evangelical culture that prizes doctrinal precision over pastoral sensitivity?
- In what areas might your Christian liberty become a stumbling block to weaker believers?
Analysis & Commentary
Now as touching things offered unto idols (περὶ δὲ τῶν εἰδωλοθύτων, peri de ton eidolothyton)—Paul addresses meat sacrificed in pagan temples, a volatile issue in cosmopolitan Corinth. His pastoral response pivots on a crucial contrast: Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth (ἡ γνῶσις φυσιοῖ, ἡ δὲ ἀγάπη οἰκοδομεῖ). The verb physioi (φυσιοῖ, "inflates, puffs up") depicts pride as spiritual bloating, while oikodomei (οἰκοδομεῖ, "builds up, edifies") uses architectural imagery—love constructs, knowledge merely inflates.
The Corinthians prided themselves on theological sophistication ("we all have knowledge"), but Paul subordinates gnosis (knowledge) to agape (self-sacrificing love). This becomes the interpretive key for chapters 8-10: intellectual correctness without pastoral sensitivity destroys rather than edifies the church. The "strong" believer who flaunts liberty wounds the "weak" brother—making orthodoxy an instrument of harm rather than help.