1 Corinthians 8:11

Authorized King James Version

And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπολεῖται

G622

perish

to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

ὁ

G3588

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

ἀσθενῶν

G770

the weak

to be feeble (in any sense)

ἀδελφὸς

G80

brother

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ἐπὶ

G1909

through

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῇ

G3588

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

σῇ

G4674

thy

thine

γνώσει

G1108

knowledge

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

#10

δι'

G1223

for

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#11

ὃν

G3739

whom

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#12

Χριστὸς

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#13

ἀπέθανεν

G599

died

to die off (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Corinthians. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to pastoral letter addressing practical Christian living issues, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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 this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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