Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 8:9
Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Corinthian believers who, knowing idols are nothing, eat in idol temples and thereby embolden those with weaker consciences to follow suit.
The words — ἐξουσία (exousia) is the Greek word rendered "freedom" in most English versions but literally means "right" or "authority," making the verse a warning about the exercise of a claimed right rather than an abstract liberty. βλεπετε (blepete) is a blunt imperative: "be careful," not a suggestion.
The thread — The same constraint on freedom for the sake of the weak appears in Romans 14:20 (do not destroy God's work for food) and Galatians 5:13 (do not use freedom as an opportunity for the flesh), with 1 Peter 2:16 echoing the servant-ethos behind it.
Why it lands — It asks the person who knows better to measure their actions not by what they are permitted to do, but by whether it causes a weaker brother or sister to stumble. The standard is not legality but effect.
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
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
Cross-references
- Galatians 5:13 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.
- Romans 14:20 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.
- 1 Peter 2:16 Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
- 2 Peter 2:19 They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.
- Romans 14:1 Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions.
- 1 Corinthians 10:24 No one should seek his own good, but the good of others.
- 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.
- 1 Corinthians 8:12 By sinning against your brothers in this way and wounding their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 10:32 Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God—
- 1 Corinthians 8:10 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?