If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.

1 CORINTHIANS 10:27KJV
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1 Corinthians 10:27 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 10:27 mean?

1 Corinthians 10:27 says that if someone who does not believe in Christ invites you to a meal and you choose to go, you should eat whatever is served without asking questions about it, so you do not trouble your conscience. The verse encourages believers to accept hospitality from non-believers without worrying about whether the food has religious associations.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing situations where Christians might be invited to meals by non-Christian friends or acquaintances. The concern in the background is whether the food might have been offered to idols, which was a common practice in Corinth. Paul’s instruction is practical: if you decide to attend, do not interrogate the host about the food’s origins, so you can eat with a clear conscience and avoid unnecessary conflict or anxiety.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 10:27

  • “bid” (καλέσῃ, kaleō): This word means “to invite” or “to call.” Paul is talking about being invited to a meal, not just any casual eating situation, which highlights the social and relational aspect.
  • “disposed” (θέλετε, thelete): This is about being willing or choosing to go. Paul leaves the decision up to the believer, showing it is not a command to attend, but permission if one wishes.
  • “asking” (ἀνακρίνοντες, anakrinontes): This means “examining” or “inquiring.” Paul tells believers not to investigate the food’s background, which would raise unnecessary concerns.
  • “conscience” (συνείδησιν, syneidēsin): This refers to one’s inner sense of right and wrong. Paul’s advice is meant to keep the believer’s conscience clear, not burdened by doubts about the food.

Why 1 Corinthians 10:27 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Christians are not required to isolate themselves from non-believers or refuse their hospitality, as long as their own conscience is not troubled.
  • It shows Paul’s practical approach to living out faith in a diverse society, balancing personal conviction with social relationships.
  • The instruction fits into the larger discussion in 1 Corinthians 8–10 about food offered to idols, conscience, and how to relate to others without causing offense or stumbling.

Where else these words appear

“asking” Greek G350 · used in 14 verses

  • Luke 23:14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:
  • Acts 24:8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.

“before” Greek G3908 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
  • Luke 9:16 Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.
  • Acts 16:34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

“not” Greek G571 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 17:17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:6 But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

“conscience” Greek G4893 · used in 30 verses

  • John 8:9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
  • 2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;