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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Corinthians 8:4 So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/8-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/46_1Co_08_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 8:4 - Food Sacrificed to Idols" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_corinthians/8-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_corinthians/8-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/">1 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/8.htm">Chapter 8</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.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/8-3.htm" title="1 Corinthians 8:3">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 8:4 <a href="/1_corinthians/8-5.htm" title="1 Corinthians 8:5">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/8.htm">New International Version</a> So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that &#8220An idol is nothing at all in the world&#8221 and that &#8220There is no God but one.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/8.htm">New Living Translation</a> So, what about eating meat that has been offered to idols? Well, we all know that an idol is not really a god and that there is only one God. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore concerning the eating of the things sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world and that there is no God except one. <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/8.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/8.htm">New King James Version</a> Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Therefore, concerning the eating of food sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one. <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one. <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Therefore, concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no God but one. <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> In this matter, then, of eating food offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world [it has no real existence], and that there is no God but one. <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> About eating food sacrificed to idols, then, we know that “an idol is nothing in the world,” and that “there is no God but one.” <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> About eating food offered to idols, then, we know that &#8220an idol is nothing in the world,&#8221 and that &#8220there is no God but one.&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> Concerning therefore the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that no idol is anything in the world, and that there is no God but one. <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Even though food is offered to idols, we know that none of the idols in this world are alive. After all, there is only one God. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> Concerning therefore the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that no idol is anything in the world, and that there is no God but one. <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Now about eating food that was offered to false gods: We know that the false gods in this world don't really exist and that no god exists except the one God. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> So then, about eating the food offered to idols: we know that an idol stands for something that does not really exist; we know that there is only the one God. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now concerning eating food offered to idols: We know that no idol is real in this world and that there is only one God. <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no other God but one. <a href="/net/1_corinthians/8.htm">NET Bible</a> With regard then to eating food sacrificed to idols, we know that "an idol in this world is nothing," and that "there is no God but one." <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that no idol is anything in the world, and that there is no God but one. <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Therefore as concerning the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> As to eating things which have been sacrificed to idols, we are fully aware that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no God but One. <a href="/web/1_corinthians/8.htm">World English Bible</a> Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that no idol is anything in the world, and that there is no other God but one. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Concerning the eating then of the things sacrificed to idols, we have known that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that there is no other God except one; <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore concerning the eating of the things sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world and that there is no God except one. <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Concerning the eating then of the things sacrificed to idols, we have known that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God except one; <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Concerning food therefore of sacrifices to idols, we know that an idol nothing in the world, and that none other God but one.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But as for the meats that are sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no God but one. <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But as to the foods that are immolated to idols, we know that an idol in the world is nothing, and that no one is God, except One. <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/8.htm">New American Bible</a> So about the eating of meat sacrificed to idols: we know that “there is no idol in the world,” and that “there is no God but one.” <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “no idol in the world really exists,” and that “there is no God but one.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> As concerning the eating of the food offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/8.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Concerning food sacrifices to idols, we know that the idol is nothing in the universe and that there is no other God but One.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/8.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> With respect, then, to the eating of meats offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/8.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no God except one. <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/8.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Now concerning eating things sacrificed unto idols: we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/8.htm">Mace New Testament</a> As to the eating therefore of what is offered in sacrifice to idols, we know that the heathen deities have no real existence, and that there is but one God. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> As to eating things which have been sacrificed to idols, we are fully aware that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no God but One. <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/8.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> concerning, therefore, the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no God but One. <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/8.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> As to the eating therefore of things sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=1571" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/8.htm">Food Sacrificed to Idols</a> …3But the one who loves God is known by God. 4<a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">So</a> <a href="/greek/4012.htm" title="4012: Peri (Prep) -- From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.">about</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1035.htm" title="1035: brōseōs (N-GFS) -- (a) abstr: eating, (b) food, a meal, (c) rust. From the base of bibrosko; eating; by extension food.">eating</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1494.htm" title="1494: eidōlothytōn (Adj-GNP) -- Neuter of a compound of eidolon and a presumed derivative of thuo; an image-sacrifice, i.e. Part of an idolatrous offering.">food sacrificed to idols:</a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: oidamen (V-RIA-1P) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">We know</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/1497.htm" title="1497: eidōlon (N-NNS) -- An idol, false god. From eidos; an image; by implication, a heathen god, or the worship of such.">an idol</a> <a href="/greek/3762.htm" title="3762: ouden (Adj-NNS) -- No one, none, nothing. ">is nothing at all</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/2889.htm" title="2889: kosmō (N-DMS) -- Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).">the world,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/3762.htm" title="3762: oudeis (Adj-NMS) -- No one, none, nothing. ">there is no</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">but</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/1520.htm" title="1520: heis (Adj-NMS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">one.</a> 5For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many so-called gods and lords),…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4</a> Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. <a href="/isaiah/44-6.htm">Isaiah 44:6</a> Thus says the LORD, the King and Redeemer of Israel, the LORD of Hosts: “I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me. <a href="/isaiah/45-5.htm">Isaiah 45:5-6</a> I am the LORD, and there is no other; there is no God but Me. I will equip you for battle, though you have not known Me, / so that all may know, from where the sun rises to where it sets, that there is none but Me; I am the LORD, and there is no other. <a href="/isaiah/46-9.htm">Isaiah 46:9</a> Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. <a href="/psalms/96-5.htm">Psalm 96:5</a> For all the gods of the nations are idols, but it is the LORD who made the heavens. <a href="/psalms/115-4.htm">Psalm 115:4-8</a> Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; ... <a href="/jeremiah/10-10.htm">Jeremiah 10:10-11</a> But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and eternal King. The earth quakes at His wrath, and the nations cannot endure His indignation. / Thus you are to tell them: “These gods, who have made neither the heavens nor the earth, will perish from this earth and from under these heavens.” <a href="/exodus/20-3.htm">Exodus 20:3</a> You shall have no other gods before Me. <a href="/2_kings/19-18.htm">2 Kings 19:18</a> They have cast their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods, but only wood and stone—the work of human hands. <a href="/acts/17-29.htm">Acts 17:29</a> Therefore, being offspring of God, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man’s skill and imagination. <a href="/romans/14-14.htm">Romans 14:14</a> 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. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-19.htm">1 Corinthians 10:19-20</a> Am I suggesting, then, that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? / No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons. <a href="/galatians/4-8.htm">Galatians 4:8</a> Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. <a href="/ephesians/4-6.htm">Ephesians 4:6</a> one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. <a href="/1_timothy/2-5.htm">1 Timothy 2:5</a> For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.we know.<a href="/1_corinthians/10-19.htm">1 Corinthians 10:19,20</a> What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? … <a href="/psalms/115-4.htm">Psalm 115:4-8</a> Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands… <a href="/isaiah/41-24.htm">Isaiah 41:24</a> Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work of nought: an abomination is he that chooseth you.there is.<a href="/1_corinthians/8-6.htm">1 Corinthians 8:6</a> 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.<a href="/deuteronomy/3-24.htm">Deuteronomy 3:24</a> O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?<a href="/deuteronomy/4-39.htm">Deuteronomy 4:39</a> Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">Aware</a> <a href="/romans/14-23.htm">Eating</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-13.htm">Food</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-31.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/acts/22-21.htm">Hence</a> <a href="/acts/21-25.htm">Idol</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">Idols</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">Images</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">Offered</a> <a href="/romans/11-28.htm">Question</a> <a href="/romans/2-29.htm">Real</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-7.htm">Sacrifice</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">Sacrificed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-16.htm">Save</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-34.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/galatians/4-21.htm">Aware</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-10.htm">Eating</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-7.htm">Food</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-12.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-6.htm">Hence</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-7.htm">Idol</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-7.htm">Idols</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-19.htm">Images</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-7.htm">Offered</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-25.htm">Question</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-10.htm">Real</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-19.htm">Sacrifice</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-7.htm">Sacrificed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">Save</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-13.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 8</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">To abstain from food offered to idols.</a> 8. <a href="/1_corinthians/8-8.htm">We must not abuse our Christian liberty, to the offense of our brothers;</a> 11. <a href="/1_corinthians/8-11.htm">but must bridle our knowledge with charity.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/8.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>So about eating food sacrificed to idols This phrase addresses a specific issue faced by the Corinthian church, where meat from sacrifices to pagan gods was commonly sold in markets. The Greek word for "idols" (εἴδωλον, eidolon) refers to images or representations of false gods. Historically, Corinth was a city steeped in pagan worship, with temples dedicated to various deities. The early Christians were navigating how to live out their faith in a culture saturated with idolatry. This phrase sets the stage for a discussion on Christian liberty and conscience, emphasizing the need for discernment and sensitivity to the beliefs of others within the community.We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world The phrase "an idol is nothing at all" reflects the Christian understanding that idols have no real existence or power. The Greek word for "nothing" (οὐδέν, ouden) underscores the emptiness and futility of idol worship. In the historical context, idols were crafted from wood, stone, or metal, and while they were revered by pagans, they held no true divinity or life. This statement affirms the monotheistic belief central to Christianity, contrasting the living God with lifeless idols. It encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, recognizing the supremacy of God over any man-made object or concept.and that there is no God but one This declaration is a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, echoing the Shema from <a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4</a>, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." The Greek word for "one" (εἷς, heis) emphasizes the singularity and uniqueness of God. In a polytheistic society like Corinth, this was a radical assertion. It calls believers to exclusive worship and allegiance to the one true God, rejecting the pantheon of gods worshipped by the surrounding culture. This truth serves as a foundation for Christian identity and practice, reminding the faithful of their distinct calling to serve and honor the Creator above all else.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) As concerning therefore the eating of those things.--See <a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm" title="Now as touching things offered to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but charity edifies.">1Corinthians 8:1</a>. The subject resumed after the parenthesis. We have, perhaps, in this repetition of the words a characteristic of a letter written by another from the author's dictation, as was the case with this and other epistles.An idol is nothing in the world.--It is nothing in itself but a piece of wood or metal, and it really represents nothing, for we know that there is "no God but one." The word "other" was inserted in later MSS., probably from a recollection of the words of the first commandment.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - We know that an idol is nothing in the world. After his brief but pregnant digression on the nature of true knowledge, he returns to these questions, and probably once more quotes their own words. They had given this reason for open and public indifference with respect to meat offered to idols. With respect to idols, three views were possible to Christians: either (1) that they were "demons" - the spirits of deified dead men; or (2) that they were evil spirits - a favorite view among the Jews (via 10:20; <a href="/deuteronomy/32-17.htm">Deuteronomy 32:17</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/11-15.htm">2 Chronicles 11:15</a>; <a href="/psalms/106-37.htm">Psalm 106:37</a>; <a href="/revelation/9-20.htm">Revelation 9:20</a>); or (3) that they were merely (lead images corresponding to nothing at all (<a href="/isaiah/44.htm">Isaiah 44</a> etc.). That there is none other God but one. This belief is the signature of Judaism, according to their daily and oft repeated shema (<a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4</a>, etc.). <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>So οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. about Περὶ (Peri) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4012.htm">Strong's 4012: </a> From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time. eating βρώσεως (brōseōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1035.htm">Strong's 1035: </a> (a) abstr: eating, (b) food, a meal, (c) rust. From the base of bibrosko; eating; by extension food. food sacrificed to idols: εἰδωλοθύτων (eidōlothytōn) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1494.htm">Strong's 1494: </a> Neuter of a compound of eidolon and a presumed derivative of thuo; an image-sacrifice, i.e. Part of an idolatrous offering. We know οἴδαμεν (oidamen) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. an idol εἴδωλον (eidōlon) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1497.htm">Strong's 1497: </a> An idol, false god. From eidos; an image; by implication, a heathen god, or the worship of such. [is] nothing at all οὐδὲν (ouden) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3762.htm">Strong's 3762: </a> No one, none, nothing. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the] world, κόσμῳ (kosmō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2889.htm">Strong's 2889: </a> Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally). and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. [there is] no οὐδεὶς (oudeis) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3762.htm">Strong's 3762: </a> No one, none, nothing. God Θεὸς (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. but εἰ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. one. εἷς (heis) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">1 Corinthians 8:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">1 Corinthians 8:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">1 Corinthians 8:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">1 Corinthians 8:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">1 Corinthians 8:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">1 Corinthians 8:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">1 Corinthians 8:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">1 Corinthians 8:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">1 Corinthians 8:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">1 Corinthians 8:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 8:4 Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/8-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 8:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 8:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/8-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 8:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 8:5" /></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>