1 Corinthians 8:4

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Περὶ

G4012

As concerning

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

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

βρώσεως

G1035

the eating

(abstractly) eating (literally or figuratively); by extension (concretely) food (literally or figuratively)

οὖν

G3767

therefore

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τῶν

G3588

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

εἰδωλοθύτων

G1494

of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols

an image-sacrifice, i.e., part of an idolatrous offering

οἴδαμεν

G1492

we know

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

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐδεὶς

G3762

is nothing

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

#10

εἴδωλον

G1497

an idol

an image (i.e., for worship); by implication, a heathen god, or (plural) the worship of such

#11

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#12

κόσμῳ

G2889

the world

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#14

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#15

οὐδεὶς

G3762

is nothing

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

#16

θεὸς

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#17

ἕτερος

G2087

other

(an-, the) other or different

#18

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

#19

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#20

εἷς

G1520

one

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Corinthians.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Corinthians chapter 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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