Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 10:26
for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church to resolve a dispute over eating meat previously offered to idols. He interrupts his practical instructions to ground their dietary freedom in divine ownership.
The words — The Greek term κυρίου (kuriou) means “Lord’s,” while πλήρωμα (plērōma) translates literally to “fullness.” Paul cites these words to assert that God’s absolute ownership extends to every part of creation.
The thread — This declaration echoes Psalm 24:1 and Psalm 50:12, where the psalmist affirms Yahweh’s possession of the world and all it contains. The phrasing also recalls Exodus 19:5, linking creation’s ownership to Israel’s covenant status as God’s treasured possession.
Why it lands — The verse commands readers to treat mundane dietary choices as exercises in acknowledging God’s supreme authority. It requires believers to act with freedom and gratitude rather than fear of ritual defilement.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.
Cross-references
- Psalms 24:1 A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein.
- Psalms 50:12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world is Mine, and the fullness thereof.
- Exodus 19:5 Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine.
- Deuteronomy 10:14 Behold, to the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, and the earth and everything in it.
- Job 41:11 Who has given to Me that I should repay him? Everything under heaven is Mine.
- 1 Timothy 6:17 Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.
- 1 Corinthians 10:28 But if someone tells you, “This food was offered to idols,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience—