King James Version KJV
English Standard Version ESV
1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
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Now concerningfood offered to idols: we know that "all of us possess knowledge." This "knowledge"puffs up, but love builds up.
2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
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If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.
3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
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But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.
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.
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Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that "an idol has no real existence," and that "there is no God but one."
5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
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For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth--as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"--
6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
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yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
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However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.
8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
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Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do.
9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
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But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.
10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
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For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols?
11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
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And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died.
12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
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Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.
13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
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Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
The King James Version is in the public domain.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.