1 Corinthians 8:4
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.
Study Note
Study Note
Paul affirms the Corinthian 'strong' party's theological position — 'an idol is nothing in the world, and there is none other God but one' — before immediately qualifying it with the epistemological caveat that not everyone possesses this knowledge (v. 7). The monotheistic confession echoes the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4) and is expanded in verse 6 into one of the most concentrated early christological statements, identifying Jesus as the 'one Lord' through whom all things exist. The argument's structure — acknowledging the theological correctness of a position while questioning its pastoral sufficiency — reflects Paul's consistent move of relocating theological discussion from knowledge to love as the regulative principle (8:1–3). The passage is foundational for Christian engagements with religious pluralism and the ethics of cultural participation.
Other Translations
Concerning therefore the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that no idol is anything in the world, and that there is no God but one.
Concerning the eating then of the things sacrificed to idols, we have known that an idol <FI>is<Fi> nothing in the world, and that there is no other God except one;
So, then, as to the question of taking food offered to images, we are certain that an image is nothing in the world, and that there is no God but one.
Cross References
O Lord God, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is …
Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the Lord he is God; there is none else beside …
Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and …
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:
See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make …
Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.
They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.
O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of …
Now therefore, O Lord our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know …
Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work of nought: an abomination is he that chooseth you.