1 Corinthians 10:28
But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:
Original Language Analysis
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 26
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
εἰδωλόθυτόν
offered in sacrifice unto idols
G1494
εἰδωλόθυτόν
offered in sacrifice unto idols
Strong's:
G1494
Word #:
7 of 26
an image-sacrifice, i.e., part of an idolatrous offering
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
9 of 26
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐσθίετε
eat
G2068
ἐσθίετε
eat
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
10 of 26
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
δι'
for
G1223
δι'
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
11 of 26
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ἐκεῖνον
his sake
G1565
ἐκεῖνον
his sake
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
12 of 26
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μηνύσαντα
that shewed it
G3377
μηνύσαντα
that shewed it
Strong's:
G3377
Word #:
14 of 26
to disclose (through the idea of mental effort and thus calling to mind), i.e., report, declare, intimate
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συνείδησιν·
for conscience sake
G4893
συνείδησιν·
for conscience sake
Strong's:
G4893
Word #:
17 of 26
co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
19 of 26
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
κυρίου
is the Lord's
G2962
κυρίου
is the Lord's
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
20 of 26
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆ
the earth
G1093
γῆ
the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
22 of 26
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 14:15But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.Psalms 24:1The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.Psalms 115:16The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.1 Corinthians 8:7Howbeit 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.1 Corinthians 10:26For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.
Historical Context
This scenario likely occurred frequently in Corinth—Christians attending social dinners where food origins became explicit through conversation. Paul's instruction navigates complex social dynamics: maintain relationships with pagans, accept hospitality, but draw clear boundaries when explicit idol-association arises. This requires situational discernment rather than rigid rules, using love and witness concerns to guide decisions.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you discern when accepting an invitation would compromise witness versus when declining would appear self-righteous?
- In what situations should you limit your freedoms to avoid confusing or harming others' consciences?
- How does the principle of abstaining "for his sake that shewed it" apply to modern ethical dilemmas involving disputed practices?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof—Paul introduces a qualification to v. 27's permission. If someone at the meal explicitly identifies food as offered in sacrifice unto idols (hierothyton, ἱερόθυτον, "temple-sacrificed"), then eat not. The reason isn't that the food itself becomes defiled but consideration for his sake that shewed it (di' ekeinon ton mēnysanta, δι' ἐκεῖνον τὸν μηνύσαντα, "on account of the one who informed you").
Who is this informer? Either
In either case, abstaining is required—with the Christian, to avoid wounding conscience (8:9-13); with the pagan, to maintain clear witness that you worship only Christ, not idols. Knowledge changes obligation: what was permissible in ignorance becomes wrong when idol-association is explicit.
For conscience sake refers to the other person's conscience (clarified in v. 29), not your own. Your conscience can handle eating (knowing idols are nothing), but love constrains liberty to protect another's weaker conscience or clarify witness to pagans. The final clause for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof (absent in some manuscripts) reaffirms that abstaining isn't due to food's defilement but relational wisdom.