1 Corinthians 8:10
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;
Original Language Analysis
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 23
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἴδῃ
see
G1492
ἴδῃ
see
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
4 of 23
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὰ
which
G3588
τὰ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔχοντα
hast
G2192
ἔχοντα
hast
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
7 of 23
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
γνῶσιν
knowledge
G1108
γνῶσιν
knowledge
Strong's:
G1108
Word #:
8 of 23
knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge
κατακείμενον
sit at meat
G2621
κατακείμενον
sit at meat
Strong's:
G2621
Word #:
11 of 23
to lie down, i.e., (by implication) be sick; specially, to recline at a meal
τὰ
which
G3588
τὰ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
of him
G846
αὐτοῦ
of him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 23
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
ἀσθενοῦς
weak
G772
ἀσθενοῦς
weak
Strong's:
G772
Word #:
16 of 23
strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)
οἰκοδομηθήσεται
be emboldened
G3618
οἰκοδομηθήσεται
be emboldened
Strong's:
G3618
Word #:
18 of 23
to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm
εἰς
G1519
εἰς
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
19 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὰ
which
G3588
τὰ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὰ
which
G3588
τὰ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 14:23And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.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 14:14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.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.
Historical Context
Temple dining rooms (eidoleia) hosted social, business, and civic meals. Invitations indicated social status and networking opportunities. Declining meant social and economic consequences. The "strong" argued their theology permitted attendance—idols are nothing, so meals are neutral. Paul agrees theologically but condemns the practice pastorally: it destroys weaker believers who imitate without the strong's theological foundation.
Questions for Reflection
- What practices do you engage in that might embolden weaker believers to violate their consciences by imitating you?
- How do you balance Christian freedom with the responsibility your example carries?
- Where might your "liberty" be functioning as a destructive influence rather than a helpful witness?
Analysis & Commentary
For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple (ἐν εἰδωλείῳ κατακείμενον, en eidoleio katakeimenon, "reclining in an idol-shrine")—Paul provides a concrete scenario. The verb katakeimai describes the Greco-Roman dining posture (reclining on couches), indicating formal meals, not merely purchasing meat at market. The "strong" believer, confident idols are nonentities, accepts social invitations to temple banquets.
Shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened (οἰκοδομηθήσεται, oikodomethsetai, "be built up, encouraged")—bitter irony drips from Paul's reuse of "edify" from verse 1. The weak believer's conscience is "built up" not unto godliness but unto sin—emboldened to violate his own conscience by imitating the "strong" believer's example. To eat those things which are offered to idols—the weak person isn't liberated but destroyed, acting against conscience and thus sinning (Romans 14:23).