1 Corinthians 10:32

Translations

Modern

Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God—

Traditional

Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

Literal

Be without offense both to Jews and to Greeks and to the church of God—

Latin

Sine offensione estote Judæis, et gentibus, et ecclesiæ Dei:

Original

Greek

English

Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God—

Notes

1 Corinthians 10:31–33

Paul ends his discussion by summarizing two principles to guide Christian behavior:

Believers should do everything to honor God (see Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11).
Believers should avoid offending others and should not harm another person's Christian faith (compare 1 Corinthians 8:9, 13; 1 John 2:10). Christians should prioritize what is best for others over personal privilege (compare Romans 14:13–15, 19–21; 15:1–2). These two principles are central to Paul's advice on practical Christian living in this letter.

1 Corinthians 10:23–11:1

Paul concludes the discussion started in 8:1 with guidance on when Christians may eat meat offered to an idol and when they should not (see study note on 1 Corinthians 8:1–11:1). His guidance emphasizes the principle of giving up one's rights out of love (see also 8:13–9:23).

Theme notes and profiles

Corinth Paul (Saul) Dealing with Conflict Giving up Rights The Stone the Builders Rejected

Related verses

Acts 20:28
Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
1 Corinthians 10:33
…as I also try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.
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.
Acts 24:16
In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.
2 Corinthians 6:3
We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry.
1 Corinthians 8:13
Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to stumble.
1 Corinthians 11:22
Don’t you have your own homes in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What can I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? No, I will not!
1 Timothy 3:15
…in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
1 Timothy 3:5
For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God?
Philippians 1:10
…so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

Parallels

1 Peter 4:1–11

People

Javan: Son of Japheth; ancestor of Greek people Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Biblical Concept of Law Church Conscience First Letter to the Corinthians Idols, Idolatry Lord’s Supper, the Offend, Offense

Topics

Charitableness: General Scriptures Concerning Christian Liberty: Saints should not offend Others By Christian Minister: Tact of Commandments: Precepts of Paul--Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Conscience of Others, not to be offended Conscience: General Scriptures Concerning Evil: Appearance of, to be Avoided Expediency: General Scriptures Concerning Greece: Inhabitants of Called |Gentiles| (Non-Jews) Holiness: General Scriptures Concerning Meekness: General Scriptures Concerning Ministers: should Avoid Giving Unnecessary Offense Offense: Occasions of, Forbidden Prudence: General Scriptures Concerning Temptation: General Scriptures Concerning Toleration: Religions

1 Corinthians 10:32

Translations?

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