1 Corinthians 8:13
Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
Original Language Analysis
βρῶμα
meat
G1033
βρῶμα
meat
Strong's:
G1033
Word #:
3 of 20
food (literally or figuratively), especially (ceremonially) articles allowed or forbidden by the jewish law
σκανδαλίσω
I make
G4624
σκανδαλίσω
I make
Strong's:
G4624
Word #:
4 of 20
to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφόν
brother
G80
ἀδελφόν
brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
6 of 20
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
9 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰς
while the world standeth
G1519
εἰς
while the world standeth
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰῶνα
G165
αἰῶνα
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
14 of 20
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
16 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 14:21It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.2 Corinthians 11:29Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?2 Corinthians 6:3Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:1 Corinthians 6:12All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.1 Corinthians 13:5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
Historical Context
Paul's pledge wasn't ascetic legalism (he affirms meat's goodness elsewhere, 1 Timothy 4:3-4) but pastoral love. In a culture where social meals cemented relationships and identity, Paul's willingness to forego meat permanently for a brother's sake was staggering. This set the pattern for Christian ethics: love limits liberty, and the mature willingly accept restrictions the immature cannot yet bear.
Questions for Reflection
- What legitimate Christian liberties is God calling you to surrender for the sake of weaker believers?
- How do you distinguish between enabling legalism versus protecting a brother from stumbling?
- Where do you need to imitate Paul's radical self-denial for the sake of others' spiritual growth?
Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth (οὐ μὴ φάγω κρέα εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα, ou me phago krea eis ton aiona, "I will never eat meat forever")—Paul's emphatic double negative (ou me) expresses absolute resolve. He personally pledges perpetual vegetarianism if meat-eating causes a brother to stumble. This isn't hypothetical posturing but apostolic example: love gladly surrenders even legitimate liberties for others' spiritual good.
Lest I make my brother to offend (ἵνα μὴ τὸν ἀδελφόν μου σκανδαλίσω, hina me ton adelphon mou skandaliso, "lest I cause my brother to stumble")—the verb skandalizo (σκανδαλίζω) means to cause someone to sin or fall away. Paul's priority is protecting his brother's conscience above asserting his own rights. This is Christian maturity: the "strong" prove strength not by exercising all liberties but by surrendering them for love's sake. Chapters 9-10 will apply this principle to Paul's own apostolic rights, demonstrating he practices what he preaches.