1 Corinthians 8:13
New International Version
Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.

New Living Translation
So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live—for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble.

English Standard Version
Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore, if food snares my brother, never shall not I eat meat to the age, so that I might not snare my brother.

King James Bible
Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

New King James Version
Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

New American Standard Bible
Therefore, if food causes my brother to sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to sin.

NASB 1995
Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble.

NASB 1977
Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, that I might not cause my brother to stumble.

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again—ever, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble.

Amplified Bible
Therefore, if [my eating a certain] food causes my brother to stumble (sin), I will not eat [such] meat ever again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble.

Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, if food causes my brother or sister to fall, I will never again eat meat, so that I won’t cause my brother or sister to fall.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, if food causes my brother to fall, I will never again eat meat, so that I won’t cause my brother to fall.

American Standard Version
Wherefore, if meat causeth my brother to stumble, I will eat no flesh for evermore, that I cause not my brother to stumble.

Contemporary English Version
So if I hurt one of the Lord's followers by what I eat, I will never eat meat as long as I live.

English Revised Version
Wherefore, if meat maketh my brother to stumble, I will eat no flesh for evermore, that I make not my brother to stumble.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Therefore, if eating food [offered to false gods] causes other believers to lose their faith, I will never eat that kind of food so that I won't make other believers lose their faith.

Good News Translation
So then, if food makes a believer sin, I will never eat meat again, so as not to make a believer fall into sin.

International Standard Version
Therefore, if food that I eat causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, in order to keep my brother from stumbling.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
For this reason, if food causes my brother or sister to sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I may not cause one of them to sin.

New Heart English Bible
Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will eat no meat forevermore, that I do not cause my brother to stumble.

Webster's Bible Translation
Wherefore, if food maketh my brother to fall into sin, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to fall into sin.

Weymouth New Testament
Therefore if what I eat causes my brother to fall, never again to the end of my days will I touch any kind of animal food, for fear I should cause my brother to fall.

World English Bible
Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will eat no meat forever more, that I don’t cause my brother to stumble.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for this reason, if food causes my brother to stumble, I may not eat flesh—throughout the age—that I may not cause my brother to stumble.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore, if food snares my brother, never shall not I eat meat to the age, so that I might not snare my brother.

Young's Literal Translation
wherefore, if victuals cause my brother to stumble, I may eat no flesh -- to the age -- that my brother I may not cause to stumble.

Smith's Literal Translation
Wherefore, if food offend my brother, I will eat no flesh forever, lest I shall offend my brother.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Wherefore, if meat scandalize my brother, I will never eat flesh, lest I should scandalize my brother.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Because of this, if food leads my brother to sin, I will never eat meat, lest I lead my brother to sin.

New American Bible
Therefore, if food causes my brother to sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I may not cause my brother to sin.

New Revised Standard Version
Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them to fall.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Therefore if meat causes my brother to stumble, I will eat no meat, so that I may not cause my brother to offend.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Therefore, if food brings down my brother, I shall never eat flesh, lest I cause my brother to sin.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For which reason, if meat cause my brother to fall, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall.

Godbey New Testament
If indeed meat causes my brother to stumble, I never eat any more meat, in order that I may not lay a stumblingblock in the way of my brother.

Haweis New Testament
Wherefore if meat give occasion of offence to my brother, I will in no wise eat meat for ever, that I give no cause of offence to my brother.

Mace New Testament
wherefore if my eating makes my brother offend, I will never eat flesh rather than make my brother offend.

Weymouth New Testament
Therefore if what I eat causes my brother to fall, never again to the end of my days will I touch any kind of animal food, for fear I should cause my brother to fall.

Worrell New Testament
Wherefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will in no wise eat flesh forevermore; that I cause not my brother to stumble.

Worsley New Testament
wherefore if meat make my brother to offend, I will never eat flesh while I breathe, least I make my brother to offend.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Food Sacrificed to Idols
12By sinning against your brothers in this way and wounding their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to stumble.

Cross References
Romans 14:13-21
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. / I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. / If your brother is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother, for whom Christ died. ...

Romans 15:1-3
We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves. / Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. / For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: “The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.”

1 Corinthians 10:23-33
“Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying. / No one should seek his own good, but the good of others. / Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, ...

Galatians 5:13
For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.

Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Matthew 18:6-9
But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. / Woe to the world for the causes of sin. These stumbling blocks must come, but woe to the man through whom they come! / If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than to have two hands and two feet and be thrown into the eternal fire. ...

Mark 9:42
But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea.

Luke 17:1-2
Jesus said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come! / It would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.

1 John 2:10
Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him.

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15
And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. / Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.

2 Corinthians 6:3
We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry.

Acts 15:19-21
It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not cause trouble for the Gentiles who are turning to God. / Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood. / For Moses has been proclaimed in every city from ancient times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”

Romans 14:1-3
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions. / For one person has faith to eat all things, while another, who is weak, eats only vegetables. / The one who eats everything must not belittle the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted him.

Romans 14:15
If your brother is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother, for whom Christ died.

Romans 14:20-21
Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to let his eating be a stumbling block. / It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble.


Treasury of Scripture

Why, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world stands, lest I make my brother to offend.

if meat.

1 Corinthians 6:12
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

1 Corinthians 9:12,19-23
If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ…

1 Corinthians 10:33
Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

Jump to Previous
Age Brother's Cause Causes Causeth Eat End Evermore Fall Falling Fall-Trap Fear Flesh Food Forevermore Kind Maketh Meat Offend Reason Sin Standeth Stumble Touch Trouble Wherefore World
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Age Brother's Cause Causes Causeth Eat End Evermore Fall Falling Fall-Trap Fear Flesh Food Forevermore Kind Maketh Meat Offend Reason Sin Standeth Stumble Touch Trouble Wherefore World
1 Corinthians 8
1. To abstain from food offered to idols.
8. We must not abuse our Christian liberty, to the offense of our brothers;
11. but must bridle our knowledge with charity.














Therefore
This word serves as a conclusion to the argument Paul has been building throughout the chapter. In Greek, "διό" (dio) indicates a logical consequence. Paul is drawing a conclusion based on the principles of love and consideration for others, which he has been discussing. It emphasizes the importance of applying knowledge with love and sensitivity to the spiritual well-being of others.

if what I eat
The phrase "if what I eat" refers to the specific context of eating food that has been sacrificed to idols, a common practice in Corinth. The Greek word for "eat" here is "βρῶμα" (brōma), which can mean food in general but is contextually linked to meat offered to idols. This highlights the cultural and religious practices of the time, where such food could be a stumbling block to new believers coming out of paganism.

causes my brother to stumble
The Greek word for "stumble" is "σκανδαλίζω" (skandalizō), which means to cause someone to trip or fall spiritually. Paul is deeply concerned about the spiritual health of fellow believers, particularly those who are weaker in faith. The term "brother" underscores the familial relationship within the body of Christ, emphasizing mutual care and responsibility.

I will never eat meat again
Paul's use of "never" (Greek: "οὐ μή" - ou mē) is emphatic, indicating a strong personal commitment. The phrase "eat meat" (Greek: "κρέας" - kreas) specifically refers to flesh, which in this context is associated with idol sacrifices. Paul is willing to forgo his rights and freedoms for the sake of others, demonstrating the principle of self-sacrificial love.

so that I will not cause him to fall
The phrase "cause him to fall" reiterates the concern for not leading a fellow believer into sin or spiritual harm. The Greek word "πίπτω" (piptō) means to fall or to be ruined. Paul’s ultimate goal is to protect the spiritual integrity of his brothers and sisters in Christ. This reflects the heart of Christian love, which prioritizes the spiritual welfare of others over personal liberty.

(13) Wherefore.--He states his own solemn determination, arising from the considerations which have just been urged. If a matter of food cause a brother to fall in his Christian course, I will certainly never again eat any kind of flesh, lest I should be the cause of so making him to fall.

It is noticeable that St. Paul in discussing this question makes no reference whatever to the decision of the Council at Jerusalem (see Acts 15:29), that the Christians should abstain from "meats offered to idols, and from things strangled, and from blood." Probably, the Apostle felt the importance of maintaining his own apostolic authority in a Church where it was questioned by some, and he felt that to base his instruction upon the decision of the Church at Jerusalem might have seemed to imply that he had obtained authority from them, and not directly from the Lord. It was also more in accordance with St. Paul's usual style of instruction to base the smallest details of conduct upon that highest of all principles--our union as Christians with Christ. An appeal to the letter sent from Jerusalem would have been no step in the ascending argument, which reaches its great climax in the 11th and 12th verses, and which, in 1Corinthians 8:13, the Apostle enunciates as the guide of his own life.

Verse 13. - Make my brother to offend. "Make to offend" is, in the original, the verb "scandalize." The word for "meat" means any kind of food. Flesh. The particular subject of discussion here. "I will," says St, Paul, "abstain from flesh altogether rather than by eating it lead a weaker brother into sin." While the world standeth. The same expression is elsewhere rendered "forever." Literally it means to the aeon. St. Paul is often led into these impetuous expressions of the depth of his feelings. The reader will find the whole question argued in s similar spirit in Romans 14:19-22. Lest; namely, in the case supposed. In reality there was no need for taking so severe a pledge of abstinence.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Therefore,
Διόπερ (Dioper)
Conjunction
Strong's 1355: Wherefore (emphatically), for which very reason. From dio and per; on which very account.

if
εἰ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

[what I eat]
βρῶμα (brōma)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1033: Food of any kind. From the base of bibrosko; food, especially articles allowed or forbidden by the Jewish law.

causes
σκανδαλίζει (skandalizei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4624: From skandalon; to entrap, i.e. Trip up (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure).

my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

brother {to stumble},
ἀδελφόν (adelphon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

I will never eat
φάγω (phagō)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 5315: A primary verb; to eat.

meat
κρέα (krea)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2907: Flesh; plur: pieces of flesh, kinds of flesh. Perhaps a primary word; meat.

[again],
αἰῶνα (aiōna)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 165: From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

I will not cause
σκανδαλίσω (skandalisō)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 4624: From skandalon; to entrap, i.e. Trip up (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure).

[him] {to stumble}.
ἀδελφόν (adelphon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 8:13 Therefore if food causes my brother (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 8:12
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