Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

1 CORINTHIANS 8:1KJV
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1 Corinthians 8:1 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 8:1 mean?

1 Corinthians 8:1 says that while many people in the church know about the issue of food offered to idols, knowledge by itself can make people proud, but love builds others up. The verse highlights the difference between having information and showing genuine care for others.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, answering their questions about eating food that had been offered to idols—a common issue in their city. He points out that although the church members may all have some understanding ("knowledge") about idols and food, what truly benefits the community is "charity" (love), which strengthens and encourages others, rather than just having facts that can lead to arrogance.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 8:1

  • γνώσις (gnōsis, "knowledge"): This word refers to understanding or information. Paul uses it to show that simply knowing facts about idols or food is not enough for Christian living.
  • φυσιόω (phusioō, "puffeth up"): This verb means to inflate or make proud. Paul warns that knowledge alone can lead to pride, making someone feel superior.
  • ἀγάπη (agapē, "charity"): This is the Greek word for selfless, sacrificial love. Paul contrasts it with knowledge, saying that love is what truly "edifies" or builds up the community.
  • οἰκοδομέω (oikodomeō, "edifieth"): This word means to build up, as in constructing a house. Paul uses it to show that love strengthens and supports others, unlike knowledge that can isolate or divide.

Why 1 Corinthians 8:1 matters

  • 1 Corinthians 8:1 clarifies that Christian maturity is not just about having the right answers, but about how we treat others with love.
  • The verse sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, where Paul addresses how believers should handle disagreements about food and conscience.
  • Paul’s distinction between knowledge and love helps prevent the misunderstanding that being right is more important than being caring, especially in matters that could harm or confuse others in the church.

Where else these words appear

“up” Greek G5448 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
  • 1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

“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 8:7 Howbeit 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.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:28 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:

“knowledge” Greek G1108 · used in 28 verses

  • Luke 1:77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
  • 1 Corinthians 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
  • 2 Corinthians 11:6 But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.

“edifieth” Greek G3618 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
  • Luke 4:29 And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.
  • Acts 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.