1 Corinthians 8:7

Authorized King James Version

Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἀλλ'

G235

Howbeit

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

οὐκ

G3756

there is not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐν

G1722

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

πᾶσιν

G3956

every man

all, any, every, the whole

ἡ

G3588

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

γνῶσις·

G1108

that knowledge

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

τινὲς

G5100

some

some or any person or object

δὲ

G1161

for

but, and, etc

τῇ

G3588

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

#10

συνείδησις

G4893

conscience

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

#11

τοῦ

G3588

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

#12

εἰδώλου

G1497

of the idol

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

#13

ἕως

G2193

unto

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

#14

ἄρτι

G737

this hour

just now

#15

ὡς

G5613

it as

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

#16

εἰδωλόθυτον

G1494

a thing offered unto an idol

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

#17

ἐσθίουσιν

G2068

eat

used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#19

ἡ

G3588

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

#20

συνείδησις

G4893

conscience

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

#21

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

#22

ἀσθενὴς

G772

weak

strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)

#23

οὖσα

G5607

being

#24

μολύνεται

G3435

is defiled

to soil (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 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?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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