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1 Corinthians 8:9 Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_corinthians/8-8.htm" title="1 Corinthians 8:8">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 8:9 <a href="/1_corinthians/8-10.htm" title="1 Corinthians 8:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But be careful, lest somehow this right of yours becomes an occasion of stumbling to those being weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But take care that this freedom of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But see <i>to it</i> that this authority of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_corinthians/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Only be careful that this liberty of yours [this power to choose] does not somehow become a stumbling block [that is, a temptation to sin] to the weak [in conscience].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_corinthians/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But be careful that this right of yours in no way becomes a stumbling block to the weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But be careful that this right of yours in no way becomes a stumbling block to the weak. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_corinthians/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to the weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_corinthians/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't cause problems for someone with a weak conscience, just because you have the right to eat anything. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_corinthians/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to the weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But be careful that by using your freedom you don't somehow make a believer who is weak in faith fall into sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Be careful, however, not to let your freedom of action make those who are weak in the faith fall into sin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_corinthians/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But you must see to it that this right of yours does not become a stumbling block for those who are weak. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_corinthians/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But be careful that this liberty of yours does not become a hindrance to the weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But be careful that by no means does this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to the weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours should become a stumbling-block to them that are weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But take care lest this liberty of yours should prove a hindrance to the progress of weak believers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_corinthians/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But be careful that by no means does this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to the weak. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />but see, lest this privilege of yours may become a stumbling-block to the weak,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But be careful, lest somehow this right of yours becomes an occasion of stumbling to those being weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> but see, lest this privilege of yours may become a stumbling-block to the infirm,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_corinthians/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And see ye lest this your power be a stumble to the weak.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But take heed lest perhaps this your liberty become a stumblingblock to the weak. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But be careful not to let your liberty become a cause of sin to those who are weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But make sure that this liberty of yours in no way becomes a stumbling block to the weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But be careful lest this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to the weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/8.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But take heed, lest this your power shall be a stumbling block to the weak.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/8.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />But take heed, lest, by any means, this right of yours become a stumbling-block to those who are weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/8.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />See lest this liberty of yours may become a stumblingblock to the weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/8.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />But take heed that this power of yours become not an occasion of stumbling to the weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_corinthians/8.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />but take care that this liberty of yours does not prove a scandal to the weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But take care lest this liberty of yours should prove a hindrance to the progress of weak believers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/8.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />But take heed, lest this liberty of yours become a stumbling-block to the weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/8.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />But see that this liberty of yours be not by any means a stumbling-block to the weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=1633" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/8.htm">Food Sacrificed to Idols</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>But food does not bring us closer to God: We are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/991.htm" title="991: Blepete (V-PMA-2P) -- (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.">Be careful,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">however,</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: hautē (DPro-NFS) -- This; he, she, it. ">that</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1849.htm" title="1849: exousia (N-NFS) -- From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.">freedom</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/4459.htm" title="4459: pōs (Adv) -- Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!"></a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: genētai (V-ASM-3S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">does not become</a> <a href="/greek/4348.htm" title="4348: proskomma (N-NNS) -- A stumbling-block, an occasion for falling, a moral embarrassment. From proskopto; a stub, i.e. occasion of apostasy.">a stumbling block</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/772.htm" title="772: asthenesin (Adj-DMP) -- (lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick. Strengthless.">weak.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">10</span>For 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?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-13.htm">Romans 14:13</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-20.htm">Romans 14:20-21</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-23.htm">1 Corinthians 10:23-24</a></span><br />“Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying. / No one should seek his own good, but the good of others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-32.htm">1 Corinthians 10:32-33</a></span><br />Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God— / as I also try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-12.htm">1 Corinthians 9:12</a></span><br />If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-12.htm">1 Corinthians 6:12</a></span><br />“Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-6.htm">Matthew 18:6</a></span><br />But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/9-42.htm">Mark 9:42</a></span><br />But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/17-1.htm">Luke 17:1-2</a></span><br />Jesus said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come! / It would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-4</a></span><br />Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-22.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:22</a></span><br />Abstain from every form of evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-16.htm">1 Peter 2:16</a></span><br />Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-19.htm">2 Peter 2:19</a></span><br />They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-14.htm">Leviticus 19:14</a></span><br />You must not curse the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But take heed lest by any means this liberty of your's become a stumbling block to them that are weak.</p><p class="hdg">take.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/8-10.htm">1 Corinthians 8:10</a></b></br> 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;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/10-24.htm">1 Corinthians 10:24,29</a></b></br> Let no man seek his own, but every man another's <i>wealth</i>… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/18-6.htm">Matthew 18:6,7,10</a></b></br> But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and <i>that</i> he were drowned in the depth of the sea… </p><p class="hdg">liberty.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/10-32.htm">1 Corinthians 10:32</a></b></br> Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/19-14.htm">Leviticus 19:14</a></b></br> Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I <i>am</i> the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/57-14.htm">Isaiah 57:14</a></b></br> And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.</p><p class="hdg">weak.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/8-12.htm">1 Corinthians 8:12</a></b></br> But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">1 Corinthians 9:22</a></b></br> To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all <i>men</i>, that I might by all means save some.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/35-3.htm">Isaiah 35:3</a></b></br> Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/10-19.htm">Anywise</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">Block</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-32.htm">Care</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-33.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-16.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-8.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-9.htm">Exercise</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-10.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/romans/14-13.htm">Hindrance</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-7.htm">However</a> <a href="/john/5-7.htm">Infirm</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-13.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/romans/8-21.htm">Liberty</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-9.htm">Means</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-37.htm">Power</a> <a href="/romans/3-2.htm">Privilege</a> <a href="/luke/13-22.htm">Progress</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-2.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-2.htm">Right</a> <a href="/romans/11-14.htm">Somehow</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">Stumbling</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">Stumblingblock</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">Stumbling-Block</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-28.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-7.htm">Weak</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-22.htm">Your's</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/10-19.htm">Anywise</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-3.htm">Block</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-7.htm">Care</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-12.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-11.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-10.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-10.htm">Exercise</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-10.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-12.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-12.htm">Hindrance</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-5.htm">However</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-11.htm">Infirm</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-14.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-6.htm">Liberty</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">Means</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-4.htm">Power</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-4.htm">Privilege</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-12.htm">Progress</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-28.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-4.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-2.htm">Somehow</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-32.htm">Stumbling</a> <a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Stumblingblock</a> <a href="/galatians/5-11.htm">Stumbling-Block</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-12.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-10.htm">Weak</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-18.htm">Your's</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">To abstain from food offered to idols.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/8-8.htm">We must not abuse our Christian liberty, to the offense of our brothers;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/8-11.htm">but must bridle our knowledge with charity.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div 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phrase serves as a warning and an exhortation to the believers in Corinth. The Apostle Paul is urging the Corinthians to exercise caution in their actions. The Greek word used here for "be careful" implies vigilance and attentiveness. This is a call to mindfulness in the Christian walk, emphasizing the importance of being aware of how one's actions affect others. In the broader biblical context, this aligns with the call to live wisely and circumspectly, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15</a>.<p><b>that your freedom</b><br>The "freedom" referred to here is the liberty believers have in Christ. In the context of <a href="/1_corinthians/8.htm">1 Corinthians 8</a>, this freedom pertains to eating food offered to idols, which some believers understood as permissible due to their knowledge that idols are nothing. This freedom is rooted in the New Covenant, where believers are no longer bound by the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament. <a href="/galatians/5.htm">Galatians 5:1</a> speaks to this freedom, encouraging believers to stand firm in it.<p><b>does not become a stumbling block</b><br>A "stumbling block" is anything that causes another person to sin or fall away from their faith. In the cultural context of Corinth, a city known for its idolatry and pagan practices, eating food sacrificed to idols could lead weaker believers to confusion or even back into idolatry. The concept of a stumbling block is also addressed in <a href="/romans/14-13.htm">Romans 14:13</a>, where Paul advises believers to avoid placing obstacles in the way of others' spiritual growth.<p><b>to the weak.</b><br>The "weak" refers to believers who are not yet mature in their faith and may have a sensitive conscience regarding certain practices. In the early church, this often included those who had recently converted from paganism and were still grappling with the implications of their newfound faith. Paul emphasizes the importance of considering the spiritual well-being of these individuals, as seen in <a href="/romans/15.htm">Romans 15:1</a>, where the strong are encouraged to bear with the failings of the weak. This reflects the broader biblical principle of loving one's neighbor and prioritizing their spiritual health over personal liberty.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth regarding issues of Christian liberty and responsibility.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a></b><br>A major city in ancient Greece, known for its diverse population and cultural influences, including pagan practices.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a></b><br>A community of believers in Corinth, struggling with issues of conscience, freedom, and the impact of their actions on others.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_weak.htm">The Weak</a></b><br>Refers to believers who may have a less mature understanding of their freedom in Christ and are easily influenced or led astray.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/food_offered_to_idols.htm">Food Offered to Idols</a></b><br>A specific issue in Corinth where some believers felt free to eat such food, while others saw it as participating in idolatry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_christian_freedom.htm">Understanding Christian Freedom</a></b><br>Christian freedom is a gift, but it comes with the responsibility to consider how our actions affect others. True freedom in Christ is not about indulging in personal desires but about living in a way that honors God and edifies others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_responsibility_of_love.htm">The Responsibility of Love</a></b><br>Love should guide our actions, especially when it comes to matters of conscience. We must prioritize the spiritual well-being of others over our own liberties.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_stumbling_blocks.htm">Avoiding Stumbling Blocks</a></b><br>Our actions can either build up or tear down. We must be vigilant to ensure that our behavior does not become a stumbling block to those who are weaker in faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_community.htm">The Importance of Community</a></b><br>The Christian life is lived in community. Our decisions should reflect a commitment to the unity and growth of the body of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balancing_knowledge_and_love.htm">Balancing Knowledge and Love</a></b><br>Knowledge can lead to pride, but love builds up. We must balance our understanding of freedom with a heart of compassion and sensitivity towards others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'causing_to_stumble'_mean.htm">What does "causing someone to stumble" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_adiaphora_in_philosophy.htm">What does adiaphora mean in philosophical terms?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_manifold_grace_of_god.htm">What does 'weak in the faith' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_food_choices_harm_believers.htm">Romans 14:15 – How can eating or not eating certain foods truly “destroy” another believer, and has this ever been historically evident? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">But take heed.</span>--On this very account, because the matter is one which <span class= "ital">is</span> 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.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Lest this liberty of yours become a stumbling block;</span> rather, <span class="accented">this power</span> or <span class="accented">right of yours.</span> To lead any one to do that which <span class="accented">he</span> thinks to be wrong is to place a stone of stumbling in his way, even if <span class="accented">we</span> do not think the act to be wrong. For we make men worse if by our example we teach them to act in contradiction of their conscience. "Let your motto be <span class="accented">forbearance</span>, not <span class="accented">privilege</span>, and your watchword <span class="accented">charity</span>, not <span class="accented">knowledge.</span> Never flaunt your knowledge, seldom use your privilege" (Evans). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Be careful,</span><br /><span class="grk">Βλέπετε</span> <span class="translit">(Blepete)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_991.htm">Strong's 991: </a> </span><span class="str2">(primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">however,</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[that]</span><br /><span class="grk">αὕτη</span> <span class="translit">(hautē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">your</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμῶν</span> <span class="translit">(hymōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">freedom</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐξουσία</span> <span class="translit">(exousia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1849.htm">Strong's 1849: </a> </span><span class="str2">From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">does not become</span><br /><span class="grk">γένηται</span> <span class="translit">(genētai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a stumbling block</span><br /><span class="grk">πρόσκομμα</span> <span class="translit">(proskomma)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4348.htm">Strong's 4348: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stumbling-block, an occasion for falling, a moral embarrassment. From proskopto; a stub, i.e. occasion of apostasy.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῖς</span> <span class="translit">(tois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">weak.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀσθενέσιν</span> <span class="translit">(asthenesin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_772.htm">Strong's 772: </a> </span><span class="str2">(lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick. Strengthless.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">1 Corinthians 8:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">1 Corinthians 8:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">1 Corinthians 8:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">1 Corinthians 8:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">1 Corinthians 8:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">1 Corinthians 8:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">1 Corinthians 8:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">1 Corinthians 8:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">1 Corinthians 8:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">1 Corinthians 8:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 8:9 But be careful that by no means (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/8-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 8:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 8:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/8-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 8:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 8:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>