1 CORINTHIANS 8:9 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.”
Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. — The exousia (freedom, right) to eat idol food exists but must be exercised carefully. The word skandalon (stumbling block, offense) suggests causing another to fall. Freedom is real but not absolute; it is constrained by love of neighbor. Paul invokes the weak, whose faith is fragile and who may be induced to act against conscience.
Church Fathers on 1 Corinthians 8:9
“For take heed,” says he, “lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling-block to the weak among the brethren.” (τῶν ἀδελφῶν not in rec. text.) He did not say, “Your liberty has become a stumbling-block,” nor did he positively affirm it that he might not make them more shameless; but how? “Take heed;” frightening them, and making them ashamed, and leading them to disavow any such conduct. And he said not, “This your knowledge,” which would have sounded more like…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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