1 Corinthians 8:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.

NIV: Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

NASB: But take care that this freedom of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.

CSB: But be careful that this right of yours in no way becomes a stumbling block to the weak.

NLT: But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.

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

NKJV: But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.

Paul has agreed on two points with those challenging his teaching about eating food offered to pagan idols. First, he agrees that food, in and of itself, is neither good or evil. It is just food (1 Corinthians 8:8). Paul has also agreed that the idols themselves are not actually gods. The entities they represent do not truly exist (1 Corinthians 8:4). He has noted that those who feel a pang of conscience over eating idol food do so thanks to a "weak" conscience (1 Corinthians 8:7).

Having said that, Paul will go on to show that God cares very much about why we eat and whether we eat with a clear conscience. To eat idol food in violation of one's conscience is a sin—not because of the physical meat, but because such a person is not convinced that God approves of that activity (Romans 14:23). Any action taken without conviction that it's allowed by God is, itself, a sin, even if the act would not otherwise be wrong. This is a crucial aspect of Christian morality which must be carefully understood.

Paul now warns those clear in their conscience about eating idol food. Through carelessness in exercising their right to eat, they might cause others to stumble. He uses the term proskomma, translated as "stumbling block." The word refers to something a person might trip over when walking, such as a stone or stick. Just because eating particular foods is not a sin for the "strong" Christian, that does not mean they should do so without any thought for the less-developed understanding of their brothers and sisters.

In other words, a Christian who is assured that eating idol food is acceptable is correct; however, they need to consider that their eating might place an obstacle in spiritual path of those with less developed consciences. To violate one's conscience is a sin, even if that conscience is "weak."

First Corinthians 8:1–13 begins Paul's longer response to the question of attending functions in idol temples or eating food offered to idols. This appears to blend Paul's own statements with references to the Corinthians' own remarks. It seems the Corinthians had previously written to Paul saying they are not ''worshiping'' the idols. They know idols don't really exist and that only God is real. Paul replies that the problem here is not lack of knowledge but lack of love. Some brothers and sisters in Christ cannot eat idol food with clear consciences. Those who are stronger risk leading those who are weaker into sin and, in that way, sinning themselves.

Paul responds to Corinthian objections about restrictions on eating in idol temples, or eating food offered to idols. Those were activities deeply integrated into everyday Corinthian society. Paul agrees that idols are nothing and food is only food. The problem is that some Christians from idol-worshiping backgrounds cannot eat idol food with a clear conscience. To do so is sin, for them. If those with stronger consciences—those who understand the truth better—lead their weaker brothers into sin, they themselves will also be guilty of sinning against their brothers and against Christ.

First Corinthians 8 begins Paul's response to another issue raised by the Corinthians. Earlier passages dealt with sexuality; this section discusses idolatry and food. Paul agrees that idols don't truly exist and only God is real. The problem is that some of the less-developed Christians aren't convinced of that. For those believers, they violate their consciences by eating idol food. Even if it's misguided, violating one's conscience is a sin (Romans 14:23). If those with stronger consciences lead these weaker brothers and sisters into sin, they will be guilty of sin themselves. Paul continues to balance liberty with care for others over the next chapters.

First Corinthians is one of the more practical books of the New Testament. Paul writes to a church immersed in a city associated with trade, but also with corruption and immorality. These believers are struggling to properly apply spiritual gifts and to resist the ungodly practices of the surrounding culture. Paul's letter gives instructions for real-life concerns such as marriage and spirituality. He also deals with the importance of unity and gives one of the Bible's more well-known descriptions of love in chapter 13.