1 Corinthians 10:31
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 10:31
31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 10 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of covenant, wisdom, hope. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-33: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 10:31
31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Analysis
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God—This verse provides the comprehensive principle governing all Christian behavior. Whether ye eat, or drink directly addresses the food controversy but or whatsoever ye do (panta, πάντα, "all things") universalizes the principle—every activity, decision, and moment exists for one purpose: the glory of God (doxan theou, δόξαν θεοῦ).
God's doxa (δόξα, "glory/honor/splendor") is His revealed excellence and majesty. To glorify God means living in ways that display His character, honor His name, and advance His kingdom. This transcends negative ethics (avoiding sin) to positive purpose—actively making God look glorious through every dimension of life. Eating, drinking, working, resting, relationships—all become worship when oriented toward God's glory.
Applied to the idol-food controversy: don't merely ask "Is this permissible?" but "Does this glorify God?" If eating harms a brother, confuses pagans, or associates you with demons, it doesn't glorify God—regardless of your theological sophistication or clear conscience. This God-centered criterion resolves the tensions of vv. 23-30: when freedom and others' consciences conflict, ask which course magnifies God's glory more. Usually, self-limiting love displays God's character better than liberty-asserting rights.
Historical Context
Ancient philosophy sought the highest good—Stoics in virtue, Epicureans in pleasure, Aristotelians in flourishing. Paul posits a higher telos: God's glory. This theocentric orientation relativizes all other goods and provides a unified principle for ethics. For Corinthians debating food, honor, and freedom, Paul offers a singular focus: make every decision, including mundane ones like meals, about displaying God's excellence to the world.
Reflection
- How would asking "Does this glorify God?" change your decision-making in areas where Scripture doesn't give explicit commands?
- What mundane activities (eating, working, entertainment) could become worship if reoriented toward God's glory?
- In what areas are you most tempted to pursue your own satisfaction rather than God's glory?
Word Studies
- Glory: δόξα (Doxa) G1391 - Glory, majesty, splendor
Cross-References
- References God: Deuteronomy 12:7, 12:12, 12:18, Colossians 3:17
- Glory: 1 Peter 4:11
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 7:34, Luke 11:41, Colossians 3:23