1 Corinthians 8:10

Authorized King James Version

For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐὰν

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

γάρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τις

G5100

any man

some or any person or object

ἴδῃ

G1492

see

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

σὲ

G4571

thee

τὰ

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔχοντα

G2192

hast

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

γνῶσιν

G1108

knowledge

knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#10

εἰδωλείῳ

G1493

the idol's temple

an image-fane

#11

κατακείμενον

G2621

sit at meat

to lie down, i.e., (by implication) be sick; specially, to recline at a meal

#12

οὐχὶ

G3780

not

not indeed

#13

τὰ

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

συνείδησις

G4893

the conscience

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

#15

αὐτοῦ

G846

of him

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

#16

ἀσθενοῦς

G772

weak

strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)

#17

ὄντος

G5607

which is

being

#18

οἰκοδομηθήσεται

G3618

be emboldened

to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm

#19

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#20

τὰ

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

τὰ

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

εἰδωλόθυτα

G1494

those things which are offered to idols

an image-sacrifice, i.e., part of an idolatrous offering

#23

ἐσθίειν

G2068

to eat

used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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