1 Corinthians 8:12

Authorized King James Version

But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

Word-by-Word Analysis

οὕτως

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

ἁμαρτάνετε

G264

when ye sin

properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin

εἰς

G1519

against

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

τοὺς

G3588

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

ἀδελφοὺς

G80

the brethren

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

καὶ

G2532

and

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

τύπτοντες

G5180

wound

to "thump", i.e., cudgel or pummel (properly, with a stick or bastinado), but in any case by repeated blows; thus differing from g3817 and g3960, whic

αὐτῶν

G846

their

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

#10

τὴν

G3588

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

#11

συνείδησιν

G4893

conscience

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

#12

ἀσθενοῦσαν

G770

weak

to be feeble (in any sense)

#13

εἰς

G1519

against

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

#14

Χριστὸν

G5547

Christ

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

#15

ἁμαρτάνετε

G264

when ye sin

properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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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