King James Version KJV
New Revised Standard NRS
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 concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that "all of us possess knowledge." 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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Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge;
3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
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but anyone who loves God is known by him.
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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Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that "no idol in the world really exists," 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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Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as in fact 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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It is not everyone, however, who has this knowledge. Since some have become so accustomed to idols until now, they still think of the food they eat as food 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 bring us close 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 liberty 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 others see you, who possess knowledge, eating in the temple of an idol, might they not, since their conscience is weak, be encouraged to the point of eating food sacrificed to idols?
11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
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So by your knowledge those weak believers for whom Christ died are destroyed.
12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
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But when you thus sin against members of your family, and wound 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 is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them to fall.
The King James Version is in the public domain.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.