UTN uW Translation Notes:

1 Corinthians 8 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

5. On food (8:1–11:1)
   • The truth about food and idols (8:1–6)
   • Respecting the “weak” (8:7–13)

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Things sacrificed to idols

In Paul’s culture, animals were often sacrificed to the gods. After the animal was slaughtered, the people who were participating in the worship would eat parts of the animal. In fact, for most people who were not wealthy, participating in worship with a sacrifice was one of the few situations in which they could eat meat. Throughout this chapter, Paul explains how the Corinthians should think about eating or not eating this meat. (See: falsegod)

The “weak”

In 8:9, 11, Paul speaks about the “weak,” and in 8:7, 10, 12, he mentions a “weak conscience,” which is the conscience of the “weak.” The “weak” person or conscience considers eating things sacrificed to idols to be participation in idolatry, and thus, sinful. Perhaps “weak” was a word that the Corinthians were using for fellow believers who were not comfortable eating food sacrificed idols. Paul urges the Corinthians to respect these “weak” people, even if it means never eating meat again. While Paul never uses the word “strong” in this section, the “strong” would probably be those who are comfortable eating meat sacrificed to an idol.

Knowledge

Paul refers to “knowledge” in 8:1, 7, 10–11 and to “knowing” in 8:2–4. Throughout the chapter, the one who has “knowledge” is contrasted with the one who is “weak.” In 8:4–6, Paul explains what this “knowledge” is about: while other people may name many gods and many lords, believers know that there is only one God and one Lord. Because of this “knowledge,” eating food sacrificed to idols has no significance, since there is only one God and Lord. Paul, however, urges the Corinthians to respect those who do not fully comprehend this “knowledge.” (See: know)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Building up

In 8:1, Paul contrasts what “knowledge” does (“puffs up”) with what love does (“builds up”). “Building up” in this verse refers to helping other Christians grow in their knowledge of God and care for each other. In 8:10, however, “building up” has a negative connotation. In this verse, the conscience of the “weak” is “built up,” which means that the “weak” person eats food sacrificed to idols despite his or her conscience says. “Building up” in this verse refers to strengthening a conscience so that one is able to do what one is uncomfortable with.

Other “gods” and “lords”

In 8:4–5, Paul states that an idol is “nothing.” However, he also acknowledges that there are many so-called “gods” and “lords.” In 10:20–21, Paul will make his point more clearly: those who sacrifice to idols are actually sacrificing to demons. So, Paul denies the existence of other “gods,” but he thinks that the idols do represent something: demons. In this chapter, you could clarify that Paul is speaking about what other people call “gods” and “lords.” (See: falsegod)