for
This word introduces the reason or basis for the preceding statement. In the context of 1 Corinthians 10, Paul is addressing issues related to Christian liberty and the consumption of food offered to idols. The use of "for" indicates that what follows is a foundational truth that supports the argument being made.

The earth is the Lord’s
This phrase asserts God's sovereignty over all creation. It echoes Psalm 24:1, which emphasizes that everything in the world belongs to God. This concept is rooted in the creation narrative of Genesis, where God is depicted as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. The declaration of God's ownership serves as a reminder of His ultimate authority and control over all things, reinforcing the idea that believers should live in a way that honors Him.

and the fullness thereof
The term "fullness" refers to everything that the earth contains, including its resources, inhabitants, and all forms of life. This comprehensive view underscores the idea that nothing is outside of God's dominion. In a cultural context where various deities were believed to have control over different aspects of the world, this statement affirms the monotheistic belief in one God who is sovereign over all. It also connects to the biblical theme of stewardship, where humans are entrusted with the care of God's creation, as seen in Genesis 1:28. This understanding encourages believers to use the earth's resources responsibly and ethically, acknowledging that they are ultimately God's possession.

1. Apostle Paul
The author of 1 Corinthians, Paul was addressing the church in Corinth, a city known for its diverse culture and significant trade. His letters often dealt with issues of morality, idolatry, and Christian freedom.

2. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and moral challenges. The church in Corinth faced issues related to pagan practices and the integration of Christian beliefs into daily life.

3. Psalm 24:1
Paul quotes from this Psalm, which emphasizes God's sovereignty over the earth. This connection highlights the continuity of God's ownership from the Old Testament to the New Testament.God's Sovereignty
Recognize that everything belongs to God. This understanding should influence how we view our possessions and responsibilities.

Christian Freedom and Responsibility
While we have freedom in Christ, it should be exercised with the awareness that we are stewards of God's creation.

Contentment and Gratitude
Knowing that the earth and its fullness are the Lord's should lead us to contentment and gratitude, trusting in His provision.

Ethical Living
Our actions and decisions should reflect the belief that we are caretakers of God's creation, leading to ethical and responsible living.1. What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 10:26?

2. How does 1 Corinthians 10:26 affirm God's sovereignty over the earth's resources?

3. What does "the earth is the Lord's" imply about our stewardship responsibilities?

4. How can we apply 1 Corinthians 10:26 in our daily consumption choices?

5. How does Psalm 24:1 connect with 1 Corinthians 10:26's message?

6. How should 1 Corinthians 10:26 influence our attitude towards environmental conservation?

7. What does "the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof" mean in 1 Corinthians 10:26?

8. How does 1 Corinthians 10:26 influence Christian views on environmental stewardship?

9. In what ways does 1 Corinthians 10:26 challenge materialistic worldviews?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 10?

11. Is your will being done on earth as in heaven?

12. What is Living Hope?

13. Whose is the Earth?

14. In Isaiah 23:4, how can the sea itself lament or mourn, and should this be taken literally or figuratively? The earth

• In the simplest terms, Paul begins by pointing to the entire created world we stand on. Genesis 1:1 states, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth,” grounding the idea that every mountain, ocean, and patch of soil comes from Him.

• Psalm 95:4-5 echoes, “In His hand are the depths of the earth… The sea is His, for He made it,” reminding us that geography, ecosystems, and natural wonders are divine handiwork, not random accidents.

• Because God fashioned the earth, He alone sets its purpose and boundaries; we merely discover what He has already declared good (Genesis 1:31).

---

is the Lord’s

• Ownership is the focus here. Deuteronomy 10:14: “Behold, to the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, and the earth and everything in it.” Nothing is outside His claim.

• Job 41:11 poses God’s rhetorical question, “Who has given to Me that I should repay him? Everything under heaven is Mine.” The Creator owes no rent; we are tenants.

• This truth shapes stewardship: since He owns it all, we manage resources, time, and talents for His glory, not for self-centered gain (1 Peter 4:10).

---

and the fullness

• “Fullness” points to every resource and life form the earth contains—fields, forests, animals, culture, and even human economies. Psalm 50:10-12: “Every beast of the forest is Mine… If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world is Mine, and the fullness thereof.”

• Acts 17:24-25 underlines that God “gives to all men life and breath and everything else.” Our breathing, gifting, and productivity are part of His “fullness.”

• When we enjoy food, art, or science, we’re tasting God’s abundance; thanksgiving turns ordinary moments into worship (1 Timothy 4:4-5).

---

thereof

• This single word sweeps in anything we might think is exempt. Colossians 1:16-17 affirms, “All things were created through Him and for Him… in Him all things hold together.” From galaxies to microbes, nothing escapes His oversight.

• Romans 11:36 sums it up: “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.” Our relationships, careers, and possessions fall under divine ownership.

• Therefore, ethical choices—how we handle money, creation care, or social justice—flow from recognizing that every square inch belongs to God.

---

summary

Paul cites Psalm 24:1 to remind the Corinthians (and us) that God owns the real estate, the resources, and the results. Knowing “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof” fuels gratitude, counters greed, and frames all of life as stewardship under the rightful King.

(26) The earth is the Lord's. . . .--All food that earth brings forth or nourishes is God's gift, and therefore good. It was merely when regarded as an actual sacrifice that any meat could be considered that "of devils." This great truth, recognised in the Old Testament as well as in the New, is the reason of the previous statement that conscience need not come into the matter at all.

Verse 26. - For the earth is the Lord's (Psalm 24:1). Consequently, "Every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving" (1 Timothy 4:4). The text formed the ordinary Jewish "grace before meat." The fulness thereof. The plenitude of its created furniture - plants, animals, etc.

Parallel Commentaries ...


for,
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

“The
Ἡ (Hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

earth
γῆ (gē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1093: Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.

[is] the
Τοῦ (Tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Lord’s,
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

fullness
πλήρωμα (plērōma)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4138: From pleroo; repletion or completion, i.e. what fills, or what is filled.

thereof.”
αὐτῆς (autēs)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


1 Corinthians 10:26 NIV
1 Corinthians 10:26 NLT
1 Corinthians 10:26 ESV
1 Corinthians 10:26 NASB
1 Corinthians 10:26 KJV

1 Corinthians 10:26 BibleApps.com
1 Corinthians 10:26 Biblia Paralela
1 Corinthians 10:26 Chinese Bible
1 Corinthians 10:26 French Bible
1 Corinthians 10:26 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 10:26 For the earth is the Lord's (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)