1 Corinthians 8:13

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
διόπερ
Wherefore
on which very account
#2
εἰ
if
if, whether, that, etc
#3
βρῶμα
meat
food (literally or figuratively), especially (ceremonially) articles allowed or forbidden by the jewish law
#4
σκανδαλίσω
I make
to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)
#5
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἀδελφόν
G80
brother
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
#7
μου
my
of me
#8
οὐ
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#9
μὴ
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#10
φάγω
I will eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#11
κρέα
flesh
(butcher's) meat
#12
εἰς
while the world standeth
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#13
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
αἰῶνα
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
#15
ἵνα
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#16
μὴ
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#17
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
ἀδελφόν
G80
brother
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
#19
μου
my
of me
#20
σκανδαλίσω
I make
to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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