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 8:7KJV
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1 Corinthians 8:7 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 8:7 mean?

1 Corinthians 8:7 explains that not everyone in the Corinthian church understands that idols have no real power, so some believers still feel troubled when eating food that was offered to idols, believing it is spiritually tainted. Because their sense of right and wrong is sensitive, their conscience is hurt when they eat such food.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, addressing questions about eating food that had previously been offered to idols—a common practice in their city. He points out that while some believers know idols are meaningless, others still struggle with old associations and feel guilty if they eat this food. Paul is urging the church to be aware that not everyone has the same understanding or freedom in this area, and that some are still affected by their past beliefs.

Where else these words appear

“defiled” Greek G3435 · used in 3 verses

  • Revelation 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
  • Revelation 14:4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

“idol” 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 10:28 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:

“idol” Greek G1497 · used in 11 verses

  • Acts 7:41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.
  • 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.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

“weak” Greek G772 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
  • Acts 5:15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.