1 Corinthians 8
What Happens in This Chapter
Paul writes about food that had been offered to idols. He says an idol is nothing and there is only one God, so food itself does not bring anyone closer to God. But some believers still feel that such food belongs to idols, and eating it wounds them. Paul says love builds people up more than knowledge does, and he would give up meat forever rather than make another believer fall.
Plain reading written for kids. Short sentences, everyday words, one idea at a time.
Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
1Now about food that people offered to idols. Idols are statues that people treat as gods. We all know some things. But knowing things can make a person proud. Love builds people up.
In the KJV, "charity" means love, not giving money to the poor. "Puffeth up" means makes someone proud.
2And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
2If someone thinks he knows a lot, he does not yet know the way he should.
3But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
3But if someone loves God, then God knows him.
4As 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.
4So here is what we know about eating food offered to idols. An idol is really nothing at all. And there is only one God.
5For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
5Many things are called gods, up in heaven or here on earth. People name many gods and many lords.
6But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
6But for us there is only one God, the Father. Everything comes from him, and we live for him. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, who is our master. Everything came through him, and we live through him.
7Howbeit 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.
7But not everyone knows this yet. Some people used to worship idols. When they eat that food, it still feels like idol food to them. Their conscience is the inside sense of right and wrong. Theirs is weak, so eating leaves them feeling dirty.
8But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
8Food does not bring us closer to God. We are no worse if we do not eat. We are no better if we do.
In the KJV, "meat" means food of any kind, not just meat from animals.
9But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
9But be careful with the freedom you have. Do not let it make a weak person trip and fall.
10For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
10You know an idol is nothing. Suppose a person with a weak conscience sees you eating inside an idol's temple. He may feel pushed to eat that food too.
11And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
11Then what you know could ruin your weak brother. Christ died for that brother.
12But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
12When you sin against your brothers like this, you hurt their weak conscience. And you also sin against Christ.
13Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
13So if food makes my brother trip and fall, I will never eat meat again. I do not want to make him fall.
"While the world standeth" means for as long as the world lasts. Paul is saying he would never eat it again.
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