en_tn_condensed/1co/08/01.md

# General Information:

"We" means Paul and, though specifically writing to the Corinthian believers, includes all believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-exclusive]])

# Connecting Statement:

Paul reminds the believers that though idols have no power, believers must be careful not to affect the weaker believers who might think that the believers care about idols if the believers eat food that was sacrificed to idols. He tells believers to be careful with the freedom that they have in Christ.

# Now concerning

Paul uses this phrase to move on to the next question the Corinthians had asked him.

# food sacrificed to idols

Gentile worshipers would offer grain, fish, fowl, or meat to their gods. The priest would burn a portion of it on the altar. Paul is speaking of the portion the priest would give back for the worshiper to eat or sell in the market.

# Knowledge puffs up

"Knowledge puffs people up." Here "puffs up" is a metaphor for making someone proud. The abstract noun "knowledge" can be expressed with the verb "know." Alternate translation: "Knowledge makes people proud" or "People who think that they know a lot become proud" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])

# but love builds up

The abstract noun "love" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "but when we love people, we build them up" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-abstractnouns]])

# love builds up

Building people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. Alternate translation: "love strengthens people" or "when we love people, we strengthen them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])