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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian congregation, responding to a faction that claims their knowledge of monotheism frees them to eat meat sold in idol temples (8:1–3).

The words — εἰδωλοθύτων (eidōlothutōn), a compound of eidōlon (idol) + thuo (to sacrifice), literally "idol-sacrificed," marks the meat by its ritual origin rather than its material nature.

The thread — The claim echoes the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4), Deuteronomy 4:39's "there is no other," and Ephesians 4:6's "one God and Father of all."

Why it lands — Paul states a premise the Corinthians already hold so he can then show that correct doctrine does not by itself settle the ethical question (8:7, 11); the reader is asked to keep truth and love in the same hand.

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

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.

Cross-references

Deuteronomy 4:39 Know therefore this day and take to heart that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below; there is no other.
Ephesians 4:6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One.
1 Corinthians 10:19 Am I suggesting, then, that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything?
Isaiah 41:24 Behold, you are nothing and your work is of no value. Anyone who chooses you is detestable.
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
Isaiah 44:6 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.
Isaiah 44:8 Do not tremble or fear. Have I not told you and declared it long ago? You are My witnesses! Is there any God but Me? There is no other Rock; I know not one.”
Isaiah 44:24 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer who formed you from the womb: “I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who by Myself spread out the earth,
Mark 12:29 Jesus replied, “This is the most important: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One.