Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 10:32
Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God—
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers while concluding a section on dietary freedom and daily conduct. He speaks at a moment when the community must balance personal liberty with corporate responsibility.
The words — ἀπρόσκοποι (aproskopoi) renders literally as "without offense" or "stumbling block," combined with γίνεσθε (ginesthe), meaning "do you be" or "become." These terms construct the direct prohibition against causing others to stumble.
The thread — The concept of avoiding offense runs through Romans 14:13, which explicitly forbids placing stumbling blocks in a brother's path. It aligns with 1 Corinthians 10:33's directive to seek the good of others and reflects the protective oversight described in Acts 20:28.
Why it lands — The text commands readers to refrain from any action that causes Jews, Greeks, or the church to stumble. It requires subordinating personal preference to the spiritual welfare of others in all conduct.
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
Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
Cross-references
- Acts 20:28 Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
- 1 Corinthians 10:33 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.
- Romans 14:13 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.
- Acts 24:16 In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.
- 1 Corinthians 8:13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to stumble.
- 2 Corinthians 6:3 We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry.
- 1 Corinthians 11:22 Don’t you have your own homes in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What can I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? No, I will not!
- 1 Timothy 3:15 in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
- 1 Timothy 3:5 For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God?
- Philippians 1:10 so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,