But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
Read it in contextKnowledge limited by a brother's need
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 8:7 (1 Corinthians 8:7 to 1 Corinthians 8:13).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The practical question is whether one's conduct wounds another's conscience; Paul makes love for the brother a limit on exercising liberty.
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.
8:8But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
8:9But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
8:10For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
8:11And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
8:12But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
8:13Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Sosthenes is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Corinthians 8:1–10:33): Paul addresses Corinthian believers about food associated with idols, conscience, and warnings from Israel's history. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth, with all who call on Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul addresses an existing congregation, including members with a Gentile past. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 12:2. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Knowledge limited by a brother's need. Read 1 Corinthians 8:7 through 1 Corinthians 8:13 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The practical question is whether one's conduct wounds another's conscience; Paul makes love for the brother a limit on exercising liberty. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Paul addresses current reports and questions from Corinth and discusses planned travel. The letter does not provide a calendar date; 1 Corinthians 16:8 names Ephesus in his plans. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The church addressed is in Corinth. Ephesus is named in Paul's intended stay, while the discussion also recalls Israel's wilderness and other settings. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Knowledge limited by a brother's need (1 Corinthians 8:7 to 1 Corinthians 8:13).
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 8:7. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul centers the message on Christ crucified and risen and describes the church's life in relation to Him. The resurrection discussion is essential to the letter's account of Christian hope. See 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Corinthians 15:4. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Let worship, spiritual gifts, liberty, and conduct serve love and the edification of others. Read corrections in light of the specific problems being addressed and retain the warnings against falling. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Corinthians 8
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
Connection to the wholePaul places the question of idol food under love's edifying work and the confession that an idol does not possess the divine reality claimed for it.
Connection to the wholeThe practical question is whether one's conduct wounds another's conscience; Paul makes love for the brother a limit on exercising liberty.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Corinthians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
Connection to the wholePaul confronts party loyalty by directing the church to Christ crucified and by redefining ministers as servants accountable to God.
Connection to the wholePaul answers questions about marriage and differing circumstances, distinguishing commands, permission, and his judgments within the discussion.
Connection to the wholeQuestions about idol food lead through Paul's own example to warnings from Israel and the command to flee idolatry while seeking others' benefit.
Connection to the wholePaul answers denial of resurrection by joining the risen Christ with the future resurrection and transformation of those who belong to Him.
Connection to the wholePractical arrangements, commendations, and final exhortations connect the corrected church with the wider fellowship of believers.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.