1Cor 8:7 | RWP | e4.org | Howbeit in all men there is not that knowledge ( αλλ' ουκ εν πασιν η γνωσις ). The knowledge ( η γνωσις ) of which Paul is speaking. Knowledge has to overcome inheritance and environment, prejudice, fear, and many other hindrances. Being used until now to the idol ( τη συνηθεια εως αρτ του ειδωλου ). Old word συνηθεια from συνηθης ( συν, ηθος ), accustomed to, like Latin consuetudo , intimacy. In N.T. only here and ; . It is the force of habit that still grips them when they eat such meat. They eat it "as an idol sacrifice" ( ως ειδωλοθυτον ), though they no longer believe in idols. The idol-taint clings in their minds to this meat. Being weak ( ασθενης ουσα ). "It is defiled, not by the partaking of polluted food, for food cannot pollute ( .; ), but by the doing of something which the unenlightened conscience does not allow" (Robertson and Plummer). For this great word συνειδησις (conscientia, knowing together, conscience) see on . It is important in Paul's Epistles, Peter's First Epistle, and Hebrews. Even if unenlightened, one must act according to his conscience, a sensitive gauge to one's spiritual condition. Knowledge breaks down as a guide with the weak or unenlightened conscience. For ασθενης , weak (lack of strength) see on . Defiled ( μολυνετα ). Old word μολυνω , to stain, pollute, rare in N.T. ( ; ).

‏ 1 Corinthians 8:7

Howbeit in all men there is not that knowledge ( αλλ' ουκ εν πασιν η γνωσις ). The knowledge ( η γνωσις ) of which Paul is speaking. Knowledge has to overcome inheritance and environment, prejudice, fear, and many other hindrances.

Being used until now to the idol ( τη συνηθεια εως αρτ του ειδωλου ). Old word συνηθεια from συνηθης ( συν, ηθος ), accustomed to, like Latin consuetudo, intimacy. In N.T. only here and Joh 18:39; 1Co 11:16. It is the force of habit that still grips them when they eat such meat. They eat it "as an idol sacrifice" ( ως ειδωλοθυτον ), though they no longer believe in idols. The idol-taint clings in their minds to this meat.

Being weak ( ασθενης ουσα ). "It is defiled, not by the partaking of polluted food, for food cannot pollute (Mr 7:18f.; Lu 11:41), but by the doing of something which the unenlightened conscience does not allow" (Robertson and Plummer). For this great word συνειδησις (conscientia, knowing together, conscience) see on Ac 23:1. It is important in Paul's Epistles, Peter's First Epistle, and Hebrews. Even if unenlightened, one must act according to his conscience, a sensitive gauge to one's spiritual condition. Knowledge breaks down as a guide with the weak or unenlightened conscience. For ασθενης, weak (lack of strength) see on Mt 26:41.

Defiled ( μολυνετα ). Old word μολυνω, to stain, pollute, rare in N.T. (1Ti 3:9; Re 3:4).