1 Corinthians, 8

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

1. Regarding meat from the offerings to idols, we know that all of us have knowledge but knowledge puffs up, while love builds.

2. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

2. If anyone thinks that he has knowledge, he does not yet know as he should know,

3. But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

3. but if someone loves (God), he has been known (by God).

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.

4. Can we, then, eat meat from offerings to the idols? We know that an idol is without existence and that there is no God but one.

5. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

5. People speak indeed of other gods in heaven and on earth and, in this sense, there are many gods and lords.

6. But 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.

6. Yet for us, there is but one God, the Father, from whom everything comes, and to whom we go. And there is one Lord, Christ Jesus, through whom everything exists and through him we exist.

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.

7. Not everyone, however, has that knowledge. For some persons, who until recently took the idols seriously, that food remains linked to the idol and eating of it stains their conscience which is unformed.

8. But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

8. It is not food that brings us closer to God. If we eat, we gain nothing, and if we do not eat, we do not lose anything.

9. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

9. We are free, of course, but let not your freedom cause others, who are less prepared, to fall.

10. For 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;

10. What if others with an unformed conscience see you, a person of knowledge, sitting at the table in the temple of idols? Will not their weak conscience, because of your example, move them to eat also?

11. And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

11. Then with your knowledge you would have caused your weak brother or sister to perish, the one for whom Christ died.

12. But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

12. When you disturb the weak conscience of your brother or sister and sin against them, you sin against Christ himself.

13. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

13. Therefore, if any food will bring my brother to sin, I shall never eat this food lest my brother or sister fall.