But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:

1 CORINTHIANS 10:28KJV
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1 Corinthians 10:28 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 10:28 mean?

1 Corinthians 10:28 instructs believers not to eat food if someone points out that it was offered to idols, out of consideration for the person who mentioned it and for the sake of conscience. The verse emphasizes respect for the other person’s awareness and sensitivities, rather than just personal freedom.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, addressing questions about eating food that may have been part of idol sacrifices. He explains that if someone (likely an unbeliever or a fellow believer with concerns) brings up that the food was offered to idols, the right response is to refrain from eating—not because the food itself is changed, but to honor the conscience of the one who raised the issue and to avoid causing confusion or offense.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 10:28

  • "εἴδωλον" (eidōlon, G1494): This word means "idol." Paul uses it to clarify the specific concern—food associated with idol worship, which was a real issue in Corinth where pagan temples were common.
  • "συνείδησις" (syneidēsis, G4893): This word means "conscience." Paul highlights that the decision not to eat is for the sake of someone else's conscience, not just one's own, showing the importance of being sensitive to others’ beliefs and feelings.
  • "γῆ" (gē, G1093) and "τοῦ κυρίου" (tou kyriou, G2962): These mean "earth" and "the Lord's." Paul reminds readers that everything belongs to God, so the food itself is not inherently defiled, but the relational impact matters.

Why 1 Corinthians 10:28 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Christian freedom is not just about personal rights, but also about caring for the conscience of others, especially in situations that could cause confusion or lead someone to stumble.
  • It connects to Paul’s larger teaching in this chapter about balancing knowledge and love—knowing that idols are nothing, but still being willing to limit one’s actions for the sake of others.
  • The verse helps clear up misunderstandings about food and idols, showing that the real issue is not the food itself, but the effect our choices have on those around us.

Where else these words appear

“it” Greek G3377 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 20:37 Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
  • John 11:57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.
  • Acts 23:30 And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.

“idols” Greek G1494 · used in 10 verses

  • Acts 15:29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?

“fulness” Greek G4138 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 9:16 No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.
  • Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
  • Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

“sake” 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;