For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

1 CORINTHIANS 10:30KJV
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1 Corinthians 10:30 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 10:30 mean?

1 Corinthians 10:30 describes Paul asking why he should be criticized for eating food with thankfulness if he is sharing in it by God’s grace. Paul’s point is that if he gives thanks to God for what he eats, it seems unfair for others to speak badly of him for it.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth about whether Christians can eat food that has been offered to idols. He is explaining that if someone eats with a clear conscience and gratitude to God, it should not be a cause for others to judge or condemn them. The verse highlights the tension between personal freedom and the opinions of others within the community.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 10:30

  • χάριτι (chariti, “grace”): This word is often understood as God’s favor or kindness. Here, it suggests that Paul’s participation in eating is not just a personal choice, but something he does with a sense of God’s blessing.
  • μετέχω (metechō, “partaker”): This word means to share in or participate. Paul is emphasizing that he is joining in the meal as someone who recognizes God’s goodness in it.
  • εὐχαριστῶ (eucharistō, “I give thanks”): This verb means to express gratitude. Paul’s act of giving thanks frames his eating as an act of worship, not just a casual meal.
  • βλασφημοῦμαι (blasphēmoumai, “I am evil spoken of”): This word means to be spoken of in a slanderous or disrespectful way. Paul is questioning why he should be blamed or criticized for something he does with gratitude to God.

Why 1 Corinthians 10:30 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul is not encouraging careless behavior, but is defending the practice of eating with a thankful heart when one’s conscience is clear.
  • It highlights the importance of gratitude and intention in everyday actions, especially in situations where others might judge or misunderstand.
  • The verse connects to the larger discussion in 1 Corinthians 8–10 about balancing personal freedom with sensitivity to the beliefs and consciences of others in the community.

Where else these words appear

“partaker” Greek G3348 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 9:10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
  • Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

“of” Greek G987 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 9:3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
  • Acts 18:6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
  • James 2:7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

“thanks” Greek G2168 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 15:36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
  • Acts 28:15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
  • Ephesians 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

“that” Greek G5228 · used in 144 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Romans 15:30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
  • Ephesians 3:13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.