1 Corinthians 8:4 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:4-6

In this passage he shows the vanity of idols: As to the eating of things that have been sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world; or, there is no idol in the world; or, an idol can do nothing in the world: for the form of expression in the original is elliptical. The meaning in the general is, that heathen idols have no divinity in them; and therefore the Old Testament they are commonly called lies and vanities, or lying vanities. They are merely imaginary gods, and... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

8 With reference to things offered to idols--we are well aware that we all possess knowledge; but knowledge inflates a man, whereas love builds him up. If anyone thinks he has reached a certain stage of knowledge, it is not the kind of knowledge it ought to be. If a man loves God, he is known by God. With regard to food which consists of things offered to idols, we well know that there is nothing in the universe for which an idol stands, and that there is no God but one; and even if the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:4

As concerning therefore the eating of those things ,.... The apostle having enlarged on the head of knowledge, which those who made an ill use of their Christian liberty urged in favour of their conduct; he returns to the subject in question, in relation to meats, that are offered in sacrifice unto idols . The determinations of the Jewish schools concerning this affair are as follow, which admit of no manner of profit by them in any shape: "a beast, the whole of which they offer to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 8:4

Things that are offered in sacrifice - See on the first verse, ( 1 Corinthians 8:1 ; (note)). An idol is nothing in the world - Dr. Lightfoot translates this, We know that there is no idol in the world; which he explains thus: Ειδωλον , idol, is ὁμοιωμα, εικων, σημειον, χαρακτηριον, σκιοειδες , a likeness, an image, a sign, a character, a shadow: now ουδεν ειδωλον signifies there is no idol, no representation of God, in the world. Images there are of stone, wood and metal; but... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 8:4

Verse 4 4.Concerning, therefore, the eating of those things He now returns to the statement with which he had set out, and speaks more plainly in reference to the pretext made use of by the Corinthians. For as the whole of the evil took its rise from this root — that they were pleased with themselves, and despised others, he condemns, in general, that contemptuous knowledge which is not seasoned with love. Now, however, he explains particularly, what is the kind of knowledge on which they... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:1-11

The two guides—knowledge and love. I. THEY ARE BOTH EXCELLENT . This requires no proof. The apostle who sat at the feet of Gamaliel, would have been the last to speak slightingly of real knowledge. We are made capable of an ever increasing knowledge. How much knowledge has been the means of accomplishing in this world I Ignorance is but a "fool's paradise;" "Knowledge is power." And how excellent is love. How dull and sad this world would be without it! How much more prolific in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

The relation of lore to knowledge with respect to the question of eating idol offerings. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Strength and weakness; knowledge and love. The discussions contained in this chapter relate to "things offered unto idols." Bear in mind that idolatry was not then simply a religious system, but a system immensely extended and covering a corresponding surface of political, social, and business interests. At all points it touched individuals and families, and was connected with feasts, entertainments, and etiquette. "Most public entertainments and many private meals were more or less... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

On the eating of sacrifices offered to idols: liberty and expediency. Another of those questions which troubled the Christian community at Corinth comes up here for consideration. To understand the difficulties connected with it we must bear in mind that the religious worship of the pagans entered largely into their social life. The victims offered in sacrifice to the gods were not entirely consumed on the altar. A portion went to the priests, and the remainder was either given to the poor... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:4

We know that an idol is nothing in the world. After his brief but pregnant digression on the nature of true knowledge, he returns to these questions, and probably once more quotes their own words. They had given this reason for open and public indifference with respect to meat offered to idols. With respect to idols, three views were possible to Christians: either read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:4-6

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:4

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 8:4

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 8:4

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:1-11

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 8:4

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