1 Corinthians 10:29
New International Version
I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience?

New Living Translation
It might not be a matter of conscience for you, but it is for the other person.) For why should my freedom be limited by what someone else thinks?

English Standard Version
I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience?

Berean Standard Bible
the other one’s conscience, I mean, not your own. For why should my freedom be determined by someone else’s conscience?

Berean Literal Bible
and I am not saying your own conscience, but that of the other; for why is my freedom judged by another's conscience?

King James Bible
Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?

New King James Version
“Conscience,” I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another man’s conscience?

New American Standard Bible
Now by “conscience” I do not mean your own, but the other person’s; for why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience?

NASB 1995
I mean not your own conscience, but the other man’s; for why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience?

NASB 1977
I mean not your own conscience, but the other man’s; for why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience?

Legacy Standard Bible
I do not mean your own conscience, but the other person’s. For why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience?

Amplified Bible
and by conscience I mean for the sake of the other man’s, not yours. For why is my freedom [of choice] judged by another’s conscience [another’s ethics—another’s sense of right and wrong]?

Christian Standard Bible
I do not mean your own conscience, but the other person’s. For why is my freedom judged by another person’s conscience?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I do not mean your own conscience, but the other person’s. For why is my freedom judged by another person’s conscience?

American Standard Version
conscience, I say, not thine own, but the other's; for why is my liberty judged by another conscience?

English Revised Version
conscience, I say, not thine own, but the other's; for why is my liberty judged by another conscience?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I'm not talking about your conscience but the other person's conscience. Why should my freedom be judged by someone else's conscience?

Good News Translation
that is, not your own conscience, but the other person's conscience. "Well, then," someone asks, "why should my freedom to act be limited by another person's conscience?

International Standard Version
I mean, of course, his conscience, not yours. For why should my freedom be determined by someone else's conscience?

Majority Standard Bible
the other one?s conscience, I mean, not your own. For why should my freedom be determined by someone else?s conscience?

NET Bible
I do not mean yours but the other person's. For why is my freedom being judged by another's conscience?

New Heart English Bible
Conscience, I say, not your own, but the other's conscience. For why is my liberty judged by another conscience?

Webster's Bible Translation
Conscience, I say, not thy own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged by another man's conscience?

Weymouth New Testament
But now I mean his conscience, not your own. "Why, on what ground," you may object, "is the question of my liberty of action to be decided by a conscience not my own?

World English Bible
Conscience, I say, not your own, but the other’s conscience. For why is my liberty judged by another conscience?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and conscience, I say, not of yourself, but of the other, for why [is it] that my liberty is judged by another’s conscience?

Berean Literal Bible
and I am not saying your own conscience, but that of the other; for why is my freedom judged by another's conscience?

Young's Literal Translation
and conscience, I say, not of thyself, but of the other, for why is it that my liberty is judged by another's conscience?

Smith's Literal Translation
And consciousness, I say, not thine, but another's: for that why is my freedom judged by another's consciousness.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Conscience, I say, not thy own, but the other's. For why is my liberty judged by another man's conscience ?

Catholic Public Domain Version
But I am referring to the conscience of the other person, not to yours. For why should my liberty be judged by the conscience of another?

New American Bible
I mean not your own conscience, but the other’s. For why should my freedom be determined by someone else’s conscience?

New Revised Standard Version
I mean the other’s conscience, not your own. For why should my liberty be subject to the judgment of someone else’s conscience?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But the conscience of which I speak, is not yours, but the conscience of him who told you: for why is my liberty judged by another man’s conscience?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But conscience, I say, not your own, but his who told you; for, why is my liberty judged by the conscience of others?
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
conscience, I say, not your own, but that of the other. Why, then, is my liberty judged by the conscience of another?

Godbey New Testament
But I say the conscience not of himself, but of the other one. For why is my liberty judged by the conscience of another?

Haweis New Testament
Conscience indeed I say, not merely thine own, but that of the other person.

Mace New Testament
when I say conscience, I don't mean your own, but that of the other: for why should I expose my liberty to the censure of another man's conscience?

Weymouth New Testament
But now I mean his conscience, not your own. "Why, on what ground," you may object, "is the question of my liberty of action to be decided by a conscience not my own?

Worrell New Testament
conscience, I say, not your own, but the other's; for why is my liberty judged by another conscience?

Worsley New Testament
Conscience I say, not thy own, but the other's; for why is my liberty to be judged by another man's conscience?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
All to God's Glory
28But if someone tells you, “This food was offered to idols,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience— 29 the other one’s conscience, I mean, not your own. For why should my freedom be determined by someone else’s conscience? 30If I partake in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?…

Cross References
Romans 14:16
Do not allow what you consider good, then, to be spoken of as evil.

Romans 14:20-21
Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to let his eating be a stumbling block. / It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble.

Romans 14:15
If your brother is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother, for whom Christ died.

Romans 14:23
But the one who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that is not from faith is sin.

1 Corinthians 8:9-13
Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. / For if someone with a weak conscience sees you who are well informed eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged to eat food sacrificed to idols? / So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. ...

1 Corinthians 9:19-22
Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. / To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), to win those under the law. / To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law. ...

Galatians 5:13
For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.

1 Peter 2:16
Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.

1 Corinthians 6:12
“Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything.

1 Corinthians 8:7
But not everyone has this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that they eat such food as if it were sacrificed to an idol. And since their conscience is weak, it is defiled.

1 Corinthians 8:1
Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

1 Corinthians 8:4
So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one.

1 Corinthians 8:8
But food does not bring us closer to God: We are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.

1 Corinthians 8:10
For if someone with a weak conscience sees you who are well informed eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged to eat food sacrificed to idols?

1 Corinthians 8:12
By sinning against your brothers in this way and wounding their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.


Treasury of Scripture

Conscience, I say, not your own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?

not.

1 Corinthians 10:32
Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

1 Corinthians 8:9-13
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak…

Romans 14:15-21
But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died…

why.

Romans 14:16
Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

2 Corinthians 8:21
Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Jump to Previous
Action Another's Conscience Decided Dependent Determined Eat Fact Free Freedom Ground Judged Liberty Mean Object Other's Question Right Scruples Sense Thyself
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Action Another's Conscience Decided Dependent Determined Eat Fact Free Freedom Ground Judged Liberty Mean Object Other's Question Right Scruples Sense Thyself
1 Corinthians 10
1. The sacraments of the Jews are types of ours;
7. and their punishments,
11. examples for us.
13. We must flee from idolatry.
21. We must not make the Lord's table the table of demons;
24. and in all things we must have regard for our brothers.














I am referring
The Apostle Paul is making a direct reference to a specific subject he has been discussing. The Greek word used here is "λέγω" (legō), which means to speak or to say. Paul is clarifying his previous statements about Christian liberty and the responsibility believers have towards others. This phrase sets the stage for understanding the relational dynamics within the Christian community, emphasizing communication and clarity.

to the other man's conscience
The term "conscience" comes from the Greek "συνείδησις" (syneidēsis), which refers to an individual's moral consciousness or awareness. In the context of 1 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the issue of eating food offered to idols and how it affects the conscience of others. Historically, Corinth was a city with diverse religious practices, and the early Christians had to navigate these complexities. Paul is urging believers to be considerate of how their actions might impact the spiritual well-being of others, highlighting the communal aspect of faith.

not your own
This phrase underscores the selflessness expected of Christians. The Greek word for "own" is "ἑαυτοῦ" (heautou), indicating possession or self. Paul is teaching that while believers have personal freedoms, they should prioritize the spiritual health of others over their own liberties. This reflects the broader biblical principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself, a recurring theme in both the Old and New Testaments.

For why should my freedom
The word "freedom" is translated from the Greek "ἐλευθερία" (eleutheria), which denotes liberty or the state of being free. Paul is questioning the rationale behind allowing another's conscience to dictate one's own freedom. This rhetorical question challenges believers to think critically about the balance between personal liberty and communal responsibility. In a historical context, this reflects the early church's struggle to define Christian identity amidst diverse cultural practices.

be determined by someone else's conscience?
The verb "determined" comes from the Greek "κρίνω" (krinō), meaning to judge or decide. Paul is addressing the potential for one's actions to be judged by the standards of another's conscience. This phrase encapsulates the tension between individual freedom and collective accountability. Paul is not advocating for a disregard of others' beliefs but is encouraging believers to exercise their freedom with wisdom and love, ensuring that their actions do not become a stumbling block to others.

(29) Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other.--In the previous verse there is nothing to indicate that the obligation not to eat the meat under such circumstances arises from a consideration of the tenderness of the other's conscience. Here any danger of mistake as to whose conscience is meant is removed. Of course (says St. Paul) I mean his conscience, not yours. For no other man's scruples are to bind my conscience. While the opinion or weakness of another is never to make my conscience waver from what it knows to be true, it may often be a reason for our sacrificing in act some personal indulgence.

Verse 29. - Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other. You may be well aware that you intend no sanction of idolatry, but if the other supposes that you do, you wound his conscience, which you have no right to do. Your own conscience has already decided for itself. For why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? These words explain why he said "conscience not thine own." The mere fact that another person thinks that we are doing wrong does not furnish the smallest proof that we are doing wrong. We stand or fall only to our own Master, and our consciences are free to form their own independent conclusion. Perhaps in this clause and the next verse we have an echo of the arguments used by the Corinthian "liberals," who objected to sacrifice themselves to the scruples of the weak. The independence of conscience is powerfully maintained in Romans 14:2-5.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
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.

other [one’s]
ἑτέρου (heterou)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2087: (a) of two: another, a second, (b) other, different, (c) one's neighbor. Of uncertain affinity; other or different.

[ conscience ],
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative 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.

I mean,
λέγω (legō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

not
οὐχὶ (ouchi)
Adverb
Strong's 3780: By no means, not at all. Intensive of ou; not indeed.

your own.
ἑαυτοῦ (heautou)
Reflexive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.

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

why
ἵνα‿ (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

{should} my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

freedom
ἐλευθερία (eleutheria)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1657: Freedom, liberty, especially: a state of freedom from slavery. From eleutheros; freedom.

be determined
κρίνεται (krinetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2919: Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.

by
ὑπὸ (hypo)
Preposition
Strong's 5259: A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).

someone else’s
ἄλλης (allēs)
Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 243: Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different.

conscience?
συνειδήσεως (syneidēseōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4893: The conscience, a persisting notion. From a prolonged form of suneido; co-perception, i.e. Moral consciousness.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 10:29 Conscience I say not your own (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 10:28
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