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
Thus saith the Lord, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall …
I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou …
Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh …
They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they …
Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are …
Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and …
Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work of nought: an abomination is he that chooseth you.
Now therefore, O Lord our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know …
O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of …
They are vanity, the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.