1 Corinthians 10 29

1 Corinthians 10:29 kjv

Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?

1 Corinthians 10:29 nkjv

"Conscience," I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another man's conscience?

1 Corinthians 10:29 niv

I am referring to the other person's conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another's conscience?

1 Corinthians 10:29 esv

I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else's conscience?

1 Corinthians 10:29 nlt

It might not be a matter of conscience for you, but it is for the other person.) For why should my freedom be limited by what someone else thinks?

1 Corinthians 10 verses

1 Corinthians 10 29 Meaning

The verse states that one's conscience is bound by another's knowledge, implying that for the sake of weaker believers, one might need to abstain from things they themselves are free to do. This freedom, when exercised without consideration for others, can inadvertently cause them to stumble in their faith. The true test is not one's own liberty but love that edifies others.

1 Corinthians 10 29 Context

This verse is found in 1 Corinthians chapter 10, a section where Paul addresses issues of participating in idol feasts and Christian liberty. He had just discussed the permissibility of eating meat sold in the market, as it is not defiled by being associated with idols. However, he also cautioned against participating in idol temples. This verse specifically addresses the conscientious objection of weaker believers. Paul is navigating the tension between a believer's personal freedom in Christ and their responsibility to build up and not cause offense to their fellow believers, especially those with a less mature understanding or a more sensitive conscience.

1 Corinthians 10 29 Word analysis

• "But" (δέ - de): A conjunction introducing a contrast or qualification. It sets up a counterpoint to the idea of individual freedom.

• "if" (ἐὰν - ean): A conditional particle, indicating a hypothetical situation.

• "I" (ἐγώ - ego): The first-person singular pronoun, emphasizing personal agency and perspective.

• "eat" (ἐσθίω - esthio): To consume food; here, it signifies partaking in something, specifically food offered to idols or questioned for its religious associations.

• "it" (τι - ti): An indefinite pronoun, referring to the food or action in question.

• "because" (διά - dia): A preposition often used to express the cause or reason for something.

• "conscience" (συνείδησις - syneidesis): The inner faculty of moral awareness or judgment. It refers to a person's understanding of right and wrong.

• "of another" (ἄλλου - allou): Of another person, pointing to the influence on a different individual.

• "it" (αὐτή - autē): Referring back to the conscience.

• "is judged" (κρίνεται - krinetai): To be judged, tried, or evaluated. Here, it means another's conscience is affected or brought into consideration.

• Grouped analysis:

  • "if I eat it because of conscience": This clause highlights that the act of eating is being done under the constraint of one's conscience. It implies an action done out of duty or moral obligation as perceived by the individual.
  • "of another": This phrase significantly shifts the focus from the self to the other. It's not just my conscience, but how my actions impact another's conscience.
  • "it is judged": This is a crucial phrase. It means that the eating, from the perspective of the other person whose conscience is involved, is deemed wrong or questionable. Their moral evaluation is being triggered. The verb implies their judgment, though it is indirectly influencing the speaker's actions.

1 Corinthians 10 29 Bonus section

The concept of "conscience" here resonates with its use throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, the concept of purity and defilement carried over into communal meals. In the New Testament, Paul frequently addresses conscience issues in Romans and 1 Corinthians, demonstrating its central role in Christian ethics. The idea of acting so as not to cause another to stumble is a pervasive theme, seen in Christ's teachings about leading the "little ones" astray (Matthew 18:6). This verse is a profound call to sacrificial love and unity, placing the spiritual welfare of the community above personal indulgence or demonstration of freedom.

1 Corinthians 10 29 Commentary

Paul emphasizes that while a believer may have freedom in Christ concerning certain practices, such as eating food previously associated with idolatry, this freedom must be exercised with discernment and love for fellow believers. The freedom is not absolute if it leads to the spiritual harm of another. The conscience of the "weaker brother" is vulnerable. When a stronger believer partakes in something the weaker believer's conscience forbids, it implicitly validates the action in the eyes of the weaker one, potentially causing them to sin against their own conviction. True Christian liberty is exercised in a way that builds up, not tears down, fostering unity and spiritual growth rather than causing division or leading others astray. This principle is rooted in Christ's own example of prioritizing the well-being of others.