1 Corinthians 8:9

9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours becomes a stumblingblock to those that are weak.

1 Corinthians 8:9 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 8:9

But take heed lest by any means
This is either a reply to the instance of such as argued in favour of eating things offered to idols; or a limitation and explanation of the apostle's own concession, that it made a man, with respect to the favour of God, neither better nor worse: yet care should be taken, lest

this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are
weak;
he owns they had a liberty, or a right, or power, as the word may be rendered, of eating, or not eating, as they pleased; but then they ought to be cautious, lest they should be the means of offending, or causing to offend, such who were weak in the faith, and had not that knowledge of Christian liberty they had: not the use of their power and liberty is here denied, but the abuse of it is guarded against; for though the action itself was indifferent, yet as it might be used, it might be sinful, being attended with very bad consequences, such as hereafter mentioned.

1 Corinthians 8:9 In-Context

7 Howbeit there is not in everyone that knowledge, for some with conscience of the idol unto now, eat it as a thing offered unto an idol, and their conscience being weak is defiled.

8 But food does not make us more acceptable unto God; for neither if we eat are we the better, neither if we eat not are we the worse.

9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours becomes a stumblingblock to those that are weak.

10 For if anyone sees thee who hast this knowledge sit at food in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols?

11 and through thy knowledge the weak brother shall perish, for whom Christ died.