Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Corinthians 8:7. It's a really important verse about temptation and resisting wrong desires. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is talking about someone who has a strong moral compass and refuses to engage with something that could be considered idolatrous – essentially, something they worship or idolize. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “1 Corinthians 8:7” : This is the title of the verse, giving us context - this is a letter from Paul to a church in Corinth. “Howbeit [there is] not in every man that knowledge…” This is a tricky part. “Howbeit” is a word that means "though" or "even though." So it’s saying even though some people do have knowledge, it's not true for everyone. It's not that everyone knows everything. “…for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour…” This is the core of the point. “Idol” refers to a religious symbol – something they worship, like a statue, image, or even a ritual. “This hour” means now . So it’s talking about someone who has a strong sense of right and wrong right now. “…eat [it] as a thing offered unto an idol…” This is the key part. “Eat it” suggests they're engaging with something that’s being treated as a deity – offering it to God, or worshipping it. The word "offer" implies giving it as a gift, not worshiping it. “and their conscience being weak is defiled.” This means that because they are struggling with temptation, their moral compass is shaken and they’ve become spiritually dirty. “Defiled” describes being stained or corrupted by something wrong. In simpler terms: This verse warns against engaging in things that could be considered idolatry – things that deserve worship and reverence but aren't truly God. It says that those who have a strong moral sense are vulnerable to temptation, and if they aren’t careful, their conscience might be compromised. Why is this important? Paul was concerned about the potential for people to be tempted by things that aren’t truly holy. This verse encourages us to stay vigilant against such temptations and to maintain a strong moral foundation. Does this apply to you? Do you have any specific thoughts or experiences related to this passage? Would you like me to elaborate on any part of it, perhaps focusing on a particular aspect like the concept of temptation or moral strength?