1 Corinthians 8:4

Authorized King James Version

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As 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.

Original Language Analysis

Περὶ As concerning G4012
Περὶ As concerning
Strong's: G4012
Word #: 1 of 20
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τῆς G3588
τῆς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 2 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βρώσεως the eating G1035
βρώσεως the eating
Strong's: G1035
Word #: 3 of 20
(abstractly) eating (literally or figuratively); by extension (concretely) food (literally or figuratively)
οὖν therefore G3767
οὖν therefore
Strong's: G3767
Word #: 4 of 20
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
τῶν G3588
τῶν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰδωλοθύτων of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols G1494
εἰδωλοθύτων of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols
Strong's: G1494
Word #: 6 of 20
an image-sacrifice, i.e., part of an idolatrous offering
οἴδαμεν we know G1492
οἴδαμεν we know
Strong's: G1492
Word #: 7 of 20
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι that G3754
ὅτι that
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 8 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οὐδεὶς is nothing G3762
οὐδεὶς is nothing
Strong's: G3762
Word #: 9 of 20
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
εἴδωλον an idol G1497
εἴδωλον an idol
Strong's: G1497
Word #: 10 of 20
an image (i.e., for worship); by implication, a heathen god, or (plural) the worship of such
ἐν in G1722
ἐν in
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 11 of 20
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
κόσμῳ the world G2889
κόσμῳ the world
Strong's: G2889
Word #: 12 of 20
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 13 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅτι that G3754
ὅτι that
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 14 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οὐδεὶς is nothing G3762
οὐδεὶς is nothing
Strong's: G3762
Word #: 15 of 20
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
θεὸς God G2316
θεὸς God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 16 of 20
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἕτερος other G2087
ἕτερος other
Strong's: G2087
Word #: 17 of 20
(an-, the) other or different
εἰ G1487
εἰ
Strong's: G1487
Word #: 18 of 20
if, whether, that, etc
μὴ G3361
μὴ
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 19 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἷς one G1520
εἷς one
Strong's: G1520
Word #: 20 of 20
one

Analysis & Commentary

As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols (περὶ τῆς βρώσεως τῶν εἰδωλοθύτων, peri tes broseos ton eidolothyton)—Paul now applies his love-knowledge principle to the specific case. The theological facts are correct: an idol is nothing in the world, and there is none other God but one. The Greek ouden (οὐδέν, "nothing") is emphatic—idols have zero ontological reality.

This monotheistic confession echoes the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4, "The LORD our God is one LORD"). Paul affirms the "strong" party's theology: since idols are non-existent, meat sacrificed to them is metaphysically unchanged. The error isn't their doctrine but their failure to apply it pastorally. Correct theology divorced from love destroys; theology governed by love edifies. Chapters 8-10 will nuance this: while idols are "nothing," demons operate through idolatry (10:19-21), so the issue is complex.

Historical Context

Pagan temples dominated Corinth's landscape—temples to Aphrodite, Apollo, Poseidon, and the imperial cult. Sacrificial rituals were civic duties, not merely private religion. For new Gentile converts, especially those from pagan priestly backgrounds, eating eidolothyta (idol-meat) triggered traumatic associations with their former demon-worship. The "strong" believers, confident in monotheism, lacked empathy for these psychological and spiritual scars.

Questions for Reflection