For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.
1 CORINTHIANS 10:26KJVWhat does 1 Corinthians 10:26 mean?
1 Corinthians 10:26 states that everything on earth, along with all it contains, belongs to God. This verse reminds the reader that the world and all its resources are under God's ownership and care.
Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, addressing questions about eating food that may have been offered to idols. By quoting, “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof,” Paul emphasizes that all food ultimately comes from God, not from idols, and that believers can partake with a clear conscience. This statement supports his larger point about freedom and responsibility in everyday choices.
The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 10:26
- γῆ (gē, “earth”): This word refers to the physical world or land. Paul uses it to highlight the scope of God’s ownership, not just of spiritual things but of all creation.
- πλήρωμα (plērōma, “fulness”): This term means everything that fills or completes something. Here, it points to all that the earth contains—its resources, creatures, and produce—reinforcing that nothing is outside God’s domain.
- κυρίου (kyriou, “Lord’s”): This is the possessive form of “Lord,” showing that the earth and everything in it belong to God, not to any idol or human authority.
Why 1 Corinthians 10:26 matters
- This verse clarifies that believers are not bound by superstitions about food, since everything comes from God and is under His authority.
- Paul’s use of this statement roots Christian freedom in the truth of God’s sovereignty, not just personal preference.
- The verse connects the practical issue of eating food to a much larger theological truth, encouraging believers to see everyday matters in light of God’s ownership and provision.