1 Corinthians – Chapter 8

New Testament13 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 8 of 1 Corinthians begins: "Now concerning those things that are sacrificed to idols: we know we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up: but charity edifieth." Across its 13 verses, two threads run through the text: wisdom for daily living and God feeding His people. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1Now concerning those things that are sacrificed to idols: we know we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up: but charity edifieth.

2And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he hath not yet known as he ought to know.

3But if any man love God, the same is known by him.

4But 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.

5For although there be that are called gods, either in heaven or on earth (for there be gods many and lords many):

6Yet to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we unto him: and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

7But there is not knowledge in every one. For some until this present, with conscience of the idol, eat as a thing sacrificed to an idol: and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.

8But meat doth not commend us to God. For neither, if we eat, shall we have the more: nor, if we eat not, shall we have the less.

9But take heed lest perhaps this your liberty become a stumblingblock to the weak.

10For if a man see him that hath knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not his conscience, being weak, be emboldened to eat those things which are sacrificed to idols?

11And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ hath died?

12Now when you sin thus against the brethren and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.

13Wherefore, if meat scandalize my brother, I will never eat flesh, lest I should scandalize my brother.

Important Verses in 1 Corinthians 8

Now concerning those things that are sacrificed to idols: we know we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up: but charity edifieth.

1 Corinthians 8:1

For although there be that are called gods, either in heaven or on earth (for there be gods many and lords many):

1 Corinthians 8:5

But meat doth not commend us to God. For neither, if we eat, shall we have the more: nor, if we eat not, shall we have the less.

1 Corinthians 8:8

Wherefore, if meat scandalize my brother, I will never eat flesh, lest I should scandalize my brother.

1 Corinthians 8:13

Historical Context

1 Corinthians addresses the divided church of Corinth, called back to unity and holiness within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 8 of 16 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 13 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The passage starts with these words: "Now concerning those things that are sacrificed to idols: we know we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up: but…" It concludes: "Wherefore, if meat scandalize my brother, I will never eat flesh, lest I should scandalize my brother. " The wider setting of 1 Corinthians is this: Corinth was a wealthy, cosmopolitan port city, and its young church mirrored its problems: factions, lawsuits, immorality, and confusion about worship. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: About AD 56, from Ephesus.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul

When It Was Written

About AD 56, from Ephesus

Catholic Commentary

The letter combines theological exposition with pastoral exhortation for believers. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Now concerning those things that are sacrificed to idols: we know we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up: but charity edifieth." The passage repeatedly touches on wisdom for daily living.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 618). Here, Paul's teaching on the Eucharist and the body of Christ (CIC 1329, 791). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize wisdom for daily living as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that Now you are the body of Christ. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, 1 Corinthians 8 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
  • From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.
  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.

Reflection for Today

1 Corinthians Chapter 8 belongs to the New Testament and forms part of the Catholic canon proclaimed in the liturgy of the Word.

Through typology, the Church often reads Old Testament passages as preparing for Christ, while New Testament passages reveal Him explicitly. Paul's teaching on the Eucharist and the body of Christ (CIC 1329, 791). Here the believer is invited to ponder the beatitudes as a program of life.

Let 1 Corinthians Chapter 8 deepen your love for the Eucharist, where the Word made flesh continues to feed His people. The same Christ who speaks in Scripture offers Himself sacramentally on the altar.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 1 Corinthians Chapter 8 about?

1 Corinthians 8 contains 13 verses. It opens with "Now concerning those things that are sacrificed to idols: we know we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up: but…" and closes with "Wherefore, if meat scandalize my brother, I will never eat flesh, lest I should scandalize my brother. ". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in 1 Corinthians 8?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Now concerning those things that are sacrificed to idols: we know we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up: but charity edifieth." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote 1 Corinthians and when?

The Apostle Paul. About AD 56, from Ephesus.

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