1 Corinthians 8:9

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1 Corinthians 8:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to the weak.

Bible in Basic English BBE

But take care that this power of yours does not give cause for trouble to the feeble.

Free Bible Version FBV

Just take care not to use this freedom you have to eat food sacrificed to idols to become offensive to those with a weaker attitude.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But take heede lest by any meanes this power of yours be an occasion of falling, to them that are weake.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

but see, lest this privilege of yours may become a stumbling-block to the infirm,

World English Bible WEB

But be careful that by no means does this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to the weak.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours should become a stumbling-block to them that are weak.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But take heed lest perhaps this your liberty become a stumblingblock to the weak.

Translation for Translators T4T

However, be sure that you do not do anything that God allows you to do, if by doing that you would encourage any of your fellow believers to do something that they are not sure God allows them to do. As a result, you would be causing them to sin.

Plain English Version PEV

But you have to be very careful. Even though you are free to eat anything, you have to think about those Christians that can’t work out what is true and what is not true. You don’t want to make them go wrong.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 8:9

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

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1 Corinthians 8:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK βλεπετε δε μηπως η εξουσια υμων αυτη προσκομμα γενηται τοις ασθενουσιν

βλεπετε blepō G991 to see Verb-PAM-2P

δε de G1161 then Conj

μηπως mēpōs G3381 so that Conj-N

η ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSF

εξουσια exousia G1849 authority Noun-NSF

υμων su G4771 you Pron-2GP

αυτη ohutos G3778 this/he/she/it Dem-NSF

προσκομμα proskomma G4348 stumbling block Noun-NSN

γενηται ginomai G1096 to be Verb-2ADS-3S

τοις ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DPM

ασθενουσιν astheneō G770 be weak: weak Verb-PAP-DPM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 8:9

βλεπετε blepō G991 "to see" Verb-PAM-2P

To see means to look at or perceive something, whether physically or mentally, as described in Matthew 12:22 and John 9:7. It involves using one's senses to understand or become aware of something, often with the intention of gaining insight or knowledge.

Definition: βλέπω, [in LXX chiefly for ראה, also for פּנה, etc. ;] __1. of bodily sight; __(a) to see, have sight (opposite to τυφλὸς): Mat.12:22, Jhn.9:7, Act.9:9, Rom.11:8, Rev.3:18, al.; __(b) to perceive, look (at), see: absol., Act.1:9; with accusative, Mat.7:3, Mrk.5:31, Luk.6:41, Jhn.1:29, al.; ὅραμα, Act.12:9; γυναῖκα, Mat.5:28; βιβλίον, Rev.5:3, 4; τ. βλεπόμενα, 2Co.4:18. __2. Metaphorical, of mental vision; __(a) to see, perceive, discern: absol., Mat.13:13, Luk.8:10; δι ̓ ἐσόπτρου, 1Co.13:12; with accusative, Heb.2:9 10:25; before ὅτι, Heb.3:19, Jas.2:22; __(b) to consider, look to, take heed: absol., Mrk.13:23, 33; with accusative, 1Co.1:26, al.; before πῶς, with indic., Luk.8:18, 1Co.3:10, Eph.5:15; before τί, with indic., Mrk.4:24; before εἰς πρόσωπον, of partiality, Mat.22:16, Mrk.12:14. Colloq. (for ex. from π., V. Deiss., LAE, 122; M, Pr., 107; MM, Exp., x; Milligan, NTD, 50), β. ἑαυτόν: Mrk.13:9; before ἵνα μή, II Jo 8; β. ἀπό, Mrk.8:15 12:38; before μή (cl. ὁρᾶν), with fut. indic., Col.2:8, Heb.3:12; id. with aor. subj., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5. __3. Of situation and direction (Lat. specto), to look, face (towards), places, etc. (before πρός, Xen, Hell., vii, 1, 17; Eze.40:23, 24): before κατά, with accusative, Act.27:12 (cf. ἀνα-, ἀπο-, δια-, ἐμ-, ἐπι-, περ-, προ-βλέπω), see DCG, i, 446; ii, 596. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 116 NT verses. KJV: behold, beware, lie, look (on, to), perceive, regard, see, sight, take heed See also: 1 Corinthians 1:26; Luke 8:16; Hebrews 2:9.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

μηπως mēpōs G3381 "so that" Conj-N

This word means 'lest somehow' or 'so that', often used to express a warning or concern, as in 1 Corinthians 9:27 and 2 Corinthians 2:7.

Definition: μήπως or μή πως (so WH), negative particle, __1. as conjc., lest haply: in final sentences, 1Co.9:27, 2Co.2:7 9:4; after verbs of fearing or taking heed, 1Co.8:9, 2Co.11:3 12:20, Gal.4:11; with an ellipse of ptcp. (sc. φοβούμενος; cf. B1., § 65, 3; Burton, § 225), 1Th.3:5 (but see infr.). __2. As interrogative, whether haply: Gal.2:2, 1Th.3:5 (cf. M, Th., in l, but see supr.).† μήπου (WH, μή που), lest anywhere, lest haply: Act.27:29.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: lest (by any means, by some means, haply, perhaps) See also: 1 Corinthians 8:9; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Romans 11:21.

η ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

εξουσια exousia G1849 "authority" Noun-NSF

Authority refers to the power or freedom to act, like the authority given to Jesus in John 10:18 or the freedom to exercise a gift in 1 Corinthians 9:12.

Definition: ἐξουσία, -ας, ἡ (ἔξεστι), [in LXX: 4Ki.20:13, Psa.113 (114):2 135 (136)8, 9, Isa.39:2, Jer.28 (51):28 (מֶמְשָׁלָה), frequently in Da for Aram. שָׁלְטָן, etc., Wis.10:14, Sir.9:13, al. ;] __1. prop., liberty or power to act, freedom to exercise the inward force or faculty expressed by δύναμις (which see): 1Co.9:12; ἐ. ἔχειν, 2Th.3:9; id. before inf., Jhn.10:18, 1Co.9:4, 5; with genitive obj., Rom.9:21; before ἐπί, with accusative, Rev.22:14; περί, 1Co.7:37. __2. Later (cf. Milligan, Th., 114; MM, Exp., xiv), of the power of right, authority: Mat.21:33, Mrk.11:28, Luk.20:2; of Messianic authority, Mat.9:6, Mrk.2:10, al.; of apostolic authority, 2Co.10:8 13:10; of the authority of government: Mat.8:9 28:18, Ju 25, Rev.12:10, al.; esp. of judicial authority, Luk.20:20, Jhn.19:10, 11. __3. Meton., __(a) jurisdiction: Luk.23:7 (cf. 1Ma.6:11, Isa.39:2); __(b) a ruler or magistrate: Rom.13:1-3; pl., Luk.12:11, Rom.13:1, Tit.3:1; __(with) of supramundane powers (syn. with ἀρχή, δύναμις, θρόνος, κυριότης): 1Co.15:24, Eph.1:21 3:10, Col.2:10, 1Pe.3:22, al. (Cremer. 236). SYN.: see: δύναμις. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 93 NT verses. KJV: authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength See also: 1 Corinthians 7:37; Luke 20:2; 1 Peter 3:22.

υμων su G4771 "you" Pron-2GP

This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.

Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.

αυτη ohutos G3778 "this/he/she/it" Dem-NSF

This refers to a specific person or thing, like when Jesus says 'this is my body' in Matthew 26:26 and Mark 14:22.

Definition: οὗτος, αὕτη, τοῦτο, genitive, τούτου, ταύτης, τούτου, [in LXX chiefly for זֹאת ,זֶה ;] demonstr. pron. (related to ἐκεῖνος as hic to ille), this; __1. as subst., this one, he; __(a) absol.: Mat.3:17, Mrk.9:7, Luk.7:44, 45, Jhn.1:15, Act.2:15, al.; expressing contempt (cl.), Mat.13:55, 56, Mrk.6:2, 3, Jhn.6:42, al.; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, Rom.14:9; μετὰ τοῦτο (ταῦτα; V. Westc. on Jhn.5:1), Jhn.2:12 11:7, al.; __(b) epanaleptic (referring to what precedes): Mat.5:19, Mrk.3:35, Luk.9:48, Jhn.6:46, Rom.7:10, al.; __(with) proleptic (referring to what follows): before ἵνα (Bl., §69, 6), Luk.1:43, Jhn.3:19 (and freq.) 15:8, Rom.14:9, al.; before ὅτι, Luk.10:11, Jhn.9:3o, Act.24:14, Rom.2:3, al.; ὅπως, Rom.9:17; ἐάν, Jhn.13:35; __(d) special idioms: τοῦτο μὲν . . . τ. δέ (cl), partly . . . partly. Heb.10:33; καὶ τοῦτο (τοῦτον, ταῦτα), and that (him) too, Rom.13:11, 1Co.2:2, Heb.11:12; τοῦτ᾽ ἐστιν, Mat.27:46. __2. As adj., with subst.; __(a) with art. __(α) before the art.: Mat.12:32, Mrk.9:29, Luk.7:44, Jhn.4:15, Rom.11:24, Rev.19:9, al.; __(β) after the noun: Mat.3:9, Mrk.12:16, Luk.11:31, Jhn.4:13, Act.6:13, Rom.15:28, 1Co.1:20, Rev.2:24, al.; __(b) with subst. anarth. (with predicative force; Bl., §49, 4): Luk.1:36 2:2 24:21, Jhn.2:11 4:54 21:14, 2Co.13:1. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1281 NT verses. KJV: he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Peter 2:20; 1 Peter 1:11.

προσκομμα proskomma G4348 "stumbling block" Noun-NSN

A stumbling block refers to something that causes people to sin or turn away from God, as seen in Romans 9:32-33 and 1 Peter 2:8. It can be an object, action, or idea that leads to spiritual failure. In the Bible, it is often used to describe obstacles to faith.

Definition: πρόσ-κομμα, -τος, τό (προσκόπτω), [in LXX: Exo.23:33 34:12 (מוֹקֵשׁ), Isa.8:14 (נֶגֶף), Jdth.8:22, Sir.17:25, al. ;] __(a) a stumble, stumbling: λίθος προσκόμματος (= נֶגֶף אֶבֶן, Isa, l.with), figuratively, Rom.9:32-33, 1Pe.2:8" (LXX) ; __(b) = προσκοπή, an occasion of stumbling, a stumbling-block: metaphorically, Rom.14:13, 20, 1Co.8:9 (Plut.).† SYN.: σκάνδαλον (cf. Cremer, 752 f.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: offence, stumbling(-block, (-stone)) See also: 1 Corinthians 8:9; Romans 9:33; 1 Peter 2:8.

γενηται ginomai G1096 "to be" Verb-2ADS-3S

A versatile word meaning to be, become, or come into being, used in John 1:15 and 1 Corinthians 15:37.

Definition: γίνομαι, Ion. and κοινή for Att. γίγν- (M. Pr., 47; Bl., §6, 8 Mayser, 166 f.), [in LXX chiefly for היה ;] __1. of persons, things occurrences, to come into being, be born, arise, come on: Jhn.1:15 8:58, 1Co.15:37; a first appearance in public, Mrk.1:4, Jhn.1:6, al.; before ἐκ (of birth), Rom.1:3, Gal.4:4; διά, Jhn.1:3; βροντή, Jhn.12:29; σεισμός, Rev.6:12; γογγυσμός, Act.6:1; χαρά, Act.8:8, many other similar exx.; ἡμέρα, Luk.22:66, al.; ὀψέ, Mrk.11:19; πρωΐα, Mat.27:1; νύξ, Act.27:27. __2. Of events, to come to pass, take place, happen: Mat.5:18, Mrk.5:14, Luk.1:20 2:15, Act.4:21, 2Ti.2:18, al.; μὴ γένοιτο [LXX for חָלִילָה, Jhn.22:29, al.], far be it, God forbid: Rom.3:4 (ICC, in l.), 1Co.6:15 and frequently in Pl.; καὶ ἐγένετο, ἐγένετο δέ ([in LXX for וַיְהִי ;] see Burton, 142 f.; M, Pr., 16f.; Dalman, Words, 32 f.; Robertson, Gr., 1042 f.), with indic, Mat.7:28, Luk.1:8, al.; before καί and indic., Luk.8:1, Act.5:7, al.; with accusative and inf., Mrk.2:23, Luk.3:21, al.; ὡς δὲ ἐγένετο, before τοῦ with inf., Act.10:25; with dative of person(s), to befall one: with inf., Act.20:16; with accusative and inf., Act.22:6; with adv., εὖ, Eph.6:3; τ́ ἐγένετο αὐτῷ (Field, Notes, 115), Act.7:40 (LXX); before εἰς, Act.28:6. __3. to be made, done, performed, observed, enacted, ordained, etc.: Mat.6:10 19:8, Mrk.2:27 11:23, Act.19:26, al.; before διά with genitive, Mrk.6:2, Act.2:43; ὑπό, Luk.13:17; ἐκ, Luk.4:23; ἐν, 1Co.9:15; ἀπογραφή, Luk.2:2; ἀνάκρισις Act.25:26; ἄφεσις, Heb.9:22; ὁ νόμος, Gal.3:17; τὸ πάσχα, Mat.26:2. __4. to become, be made, come to be: with pred., Mat.4:3, Luk.4:3, Jhn.2:9, 1Co.13:11, al.; before ὡς, ὡσεί, Mat.10:25, Mrk.9:26; εἰς (M, Pr., 71f.), Mrk.12:1o, al.; with genitive Rev.11:15; id., of age, Luk.2:42; with dative, γ. ἀνδρί ([LXX for הָיָה לְאִישׁ, Rut.1:12, al. ;] see Field, Notes, 156), Rom.7:3, 4; before ἐν, Act.22:17, Rev.1:10, al.; ἐπάνω, Luk.19:19; μετά, with genitive, Mrk.16:[10], Act.9:19; before εἰς, ἐπί (Field, Notes, 135), κατά (ib., 62), with accusative of place, Act.20:16 21:35 27:7, al.; before ἐκ, Mrk.9:7, Luk.3:22, 2Th.2:7, al. Aoristic pf. γέγονα (M, Pr., 52, 145f.; Field, Notes, 1f.), Mat.25:6, Luk.10:36, al. Aor. ἐγενήθη (for ἐγένετο, M, Pr., 139f.; Mayser, 379), Mat.11:23, al. (Cf. απο-, δια-, επι-, παρα-, συμ-, παρα-, προ-.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 637 NT verses. KJV: arise, be assembled, be(-come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, + God forbid, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, X soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought See also: 1 Corinthians 1:30; Acts 5:5; 1 Peter 1:15.

τοις ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ασθενουσιν astheneō G770 "be weak: weak" Verb-PAP-DPM

The Greek word for being weak or feeble describes a state of physical or moral weakness, as seen in Acts 20:35 and Romans 8:3, and can also refer to being sick or diseased, as in Matthew 25:36 and John 4:46. This concept is discussed in various New Testament passages, including 2 Corinthians and Philippians.

Definition: ἀσθενέω, -ῶ ( ἀσθενής) [in LXX chiefly for כָּשַׁל ;] to be weak, feeble: Act.20:35, Rom.8:3, 2Co.11:21 12:10 13:4 13:9; with dative, πίστει (Cremer, 527), Rom.4:19 14:1; same implied, Rom.14:2, 21, 1Co.8:11-12, 2Co.11:29; εἰς, 2Co.13:3. Specif., of bodily debility, to be sick: Mat.25:36, 39, Luk.4:40, Jhn.4:46 5:3, 7 5:13 11:1-3, 6 Act.9:37, Php.2:26-27, 2Ti.4:20, Jas.5:14; οἱ ἀσθενοῦντες, the sick: Mat.10:8 (MM, see word), Mrk.6:56, Luk.9:2, Act.19:12.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 35 NT verses. KJV: be diseased, impotent folk (man), (be) sick, (be, be made) weak See also: 1 Corinthians 8:9; John 6:2; James 5:14.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 8:9

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Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 8:9
Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 8:9
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 8:9
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 8:9
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 8:9

Context — Food Sacrificed to Idols

7But not everyone has this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that they eat such food as if it were sacrificed to an idol. And since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. 8But food does not bring us closer to God: We are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.

9Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

10For if someone with a weak conscience sees you who are well informed eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged to eat food sacrificed to idols? 11So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Galatians 5:13	For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.
2	Romans 14:20–21	Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to let his eating be a stumbling block. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble.
3	1 Peter 2:16	Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
4	2 Peter 2:19	They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.
5	1 Corinthians 10:24	No one should seek his own good, but the good of others.
6	Romans 14:1–2	Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions. For one person has faith to eat all things, while another, who is weak, eats only vegetables.
7	1 Corinthians 8:12	By sinning against your brothers in this way and wounding their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.
8	Romans 14:13–15	Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. If your brother is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother, for whom Christ died.
9	1 Corinthians 10:32	Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God—
10	1 Corinthians 9:22	To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.

1 Corinthians 8:9 Summary

[This verse is reminding us to be careful how we use our freedom in Christ, because our actions can affect others. If we do something that is okay for us, but might cause someone else to stumble, we should think twice about doing it. This is like what it says in Romans 14:13, where we are told to consider how our actions may affect our brothers and sisters in Christ. By being mindful of how our actions may impact others, we can show love and consideration for them, just like Jesus did for us.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for our freedom to become a stumbling block to the weak?

This means that our actions, although permissible for us, may cause someone with a weaker conscience to stumble or be led into sin, as seen in 1 Corinthians 8:10-11. We must consider how our actions may affect others, as instructed in Romans 14:13.

Who are the 'weak' being referred to in this verse?

The 'weak' are believers who have a sensitive conscience and may not fully understand their freedom in Christ, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 8:7. They may still be struggling with old habits or beliefs, and our actions could cause them to stumble.

Is this verse saying that we should never exercise our freedom in Christ?

No, this verse is not saying that we should never exercise our freedom, but rather that we should be mindful of how our actions may affect others, as taught in Galatians 5:13. We must balance our freedom with love and consideration for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

How can we know if our actions are causing someone to stumble?

We can know by being sensitive to the needs of others and considering how our actions may be perceived by them, as instructed in Philippians 2:3-4. We should also be willing to limit our freedom for the sake of others, as demonstrated by the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.

Reflection Questions

In what ways might my actions be causing someone with a weaker conscience to stumble, and what can I do to prevent this?
How can I balance my freedom in Christ with love and consideration for my brothers and sisters in Christ?
What are some areas in my life where I may need to limit my freedom for the sake of others, and how can I do this in a way that honors God?
How can I be more mindful of the needs of others and consider how my actions may be perceived by them?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 8:9

But take heed lest by any means,.... This is either a reply to the instance of such as argued in favour of eating things offered to idols; or a limitation and explanation of the apostle's own

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 8:9

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 8:9

The word exousia is here well translated liberty, though it also signifieth right, and seems in either sense rather to signify a supposed than a real liberty or right; for we shall see in the next verse, that the apostle is here speaking of their eating in the idol’ s temple, which, , he determineth to be a having a communion with devils, and therefore could not be lawful; the apostle therefore seemeth here only to suppose (as they pretended) that in their eating simply in the idol’ s temple they did not sin, because by eating men are not made the worse; yet, as we shall see afterwards, he declareth their action was not free from guilt, as it was a violation of that brotherly love which they were obliged to show to their neighbour.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 8:9

9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. Ver. 9. True, it is indifferent, so it prove not a stumblingblock to the unresolved. For in such a case thou must suspend thy liberty, and forbear to exercise it.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 8:9

(9) But take heed.—On this very account, because the matter is one which is indifferent, because there is no right or wrong in it, you must look elsewhere for your guide as to how you ought to act. In things which are not indifferent, right or wrong is the sole test of action. In things indifferent you must look for some other guide, and you must regulate your conduct by the effect it may have on others. Your liberty, which arises from the bare fact of the indifferent nature of the thing, may become a stumbling-block to others, may be the cause of their taking a false step in the Christian course.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 8:9

Verse 9. But take heed] Lest by frequenting such feasts and eating things offered to idols, under the conviction that an idol is nothing, and that you may eat those things innocently, this liberty of yours should become a means of grievously offending a weak brother who has not your knowledge, or inducing one who respects you for your superior knowledge to partake of these things with the conscience, the persuasion and belief, that an idol is something, and to conclude, that as you partake of such things, so he may also, and with safety. He is not possessed of your superior information on this point, and he eats to the idol what you take as a common meal.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 8:9

9. this liberty of yours] Rather, right. Under ordinary circumstances we have a right to act upon our rational convictions. But this right has its limits, see ch. 1 Corinthians 6:12, and note. We are bound to respect the scruples of the conscientious, though perhaps unenlightened man. In this particular case there are those who conscientiously regard an idol as having a real existence, and anything offered in sacrifice to it as its property, and therefore as unfit to be partaken of by Christians. The perceptions of such persons may be far from clear, but their motives are pure and worthy of respect We may be wiser than they, but we must be careful that we do not by our wisdom betray them into sin.become a stumblingblock to them that are weak] “What reality is there in your religion if you look at men struggling in darkness, and are content to congratulate yourselves that you are m the light?… Slaves—idolaters—superstitious—alas! is that all that we have to say?” Robertson.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 8:9

But take heed - This is the reply of Paul to the argument of the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 8:8.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 8:9

9. But—Nevertheless; there is still a drawback. Take heed—Paul’s reply to the Corinthian statement of the last verse. Liberty—Εξουσια, right, prerogative. Paul grants the existence of the intrinsic right to eat.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 8:9

	Sermon	Description
	(Basics) 70. Proving God's Perfect Will(3) by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker discusses how to find the perfect will of God for our lives. They emphasize that in the new covenant age, God primarily speaks to us through our renewed
	Following Christ (Springfield Conference) by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding who God is and what He has done for us in Christ as the motivation for living the Christian life. The first 1
	The Year That We Flourish by Carter Conlon	This sermon emphasizes the importance of unity, faith, purity, forgiveness, and selflessness in the church community. It calls for a commitment to flourishing in God's way, walking
	Can God Use Rock Music? by Keith Green	Keith Green addresses the controversial topic of using rock music in Christian ministry, sharing his personal struggles and insights on the matter. He discusses the differing opini
	Part 3: Conclusion of the Treatise by Martin Luther	Martin Luther concludes his treatise by emphasizing the balance between faith and works in the Christian life. He explains that while faith alone justifies a person before God, goo
	How Carefully Stumbling-Blocks Must Be Avoided by Clement of Rome	Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of being cautious and avoiding situations that may lead to temptation or false accusations, even if it means refraining from good deeds li
	Guidelines for the Godly Man by Eli Brayley	Eli Brayley preaches on the calling of the man of God to live a life of full consecration, obedience, and service unto the Kingdom of God. The purpose of the man of God is to confo