διόπερ εἰ βρῶμα σκανδαλίζει τὸν ἀδελφόν μου, οὐ μὴ φάγω κρέα εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα, ἵνα μὴ τὸν ἀδελφόν μου σκανδαλίσω. — 1 Corinthians 8:13
The Syntax of Self-Denial
In this verse, Paul concludes his argument on eating food offered to idols with a striking personal resolution. The Greek grammar provides a powerful rhetorical structure: a conditional clause, a strong negative with the subjunctive, and a purpose clause—all carefully interwoven to express sacrificial love through precise syntax.
εἰ βρῶμα σκανδαλίζει…: The Conditional Clause
The sentence begins with a first-class conditional clause: εἰ βρῶμα σκανδαλίζει τὸν ἀδελφόν μου—“if food causes my brother to stumble.” The verb σκανδαλίζει (present active indicative) implies ongoing or potential stumbling, not a one-time offense. Paul introduces this hypothetical to set up a principled ethical stance.
οὐ μὴ φάγω… εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα: The Strongest Denial
The phrase οὐ μὴ φάγω employs a future-oriented subjunctive with a double negative (οὐ μή)—a construction that expresses emphatic, volitional denial. It can be translated as “I will never eat.” The addition of εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα (“forever”) reinforces the permanence of Paul’s resolution. He is not merely giving up meat temporarily; he’s willing to abstain indefinitely for the sake of a brother’s conscience.
ἵνα μὴ… σκανδαλίσω: Purpose in the Subjunctive
The sentence ends with a purpose clause: ἵνα μὴ τὸν ἀδελφόν μου σκανδαλίσω—“in order that I might not cause my brother to stumble.” The use of the aorist subjunctive σκανδαλίσω shifts the focus from ongoing risk (present tense) to a single, avoidable offense. The grammar suggests that even one stumbling event is too many, and Paul’s personal ethic aims to prevent even that.
Parsing the Core Verbal Forms
| Greek Form | Root | Tense | Voice | Mood / Type | Form | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| σκανδαλίζει | σκανδαλίζω | Present | Active | Indicative | 3rd Person Singular | causes to stumble |
| φάγω | ἐσθίω | Aorist | Active | Subjunctive | 1st Person Singular | I eat |
| σκανδαλίσω | σκανδαλίζω | Aorist | Active | Subjunctive | 1st Person Singular | I cause to stumble |
The Grammar of Love-Driven Limits
Paul’s grammar in 1 Corinthians 8:13 is as self-giving as the theology it conveys. Through conditional logic, emphatic negation, and a purpose clause, he builds a personal code that prioritizes love over liberty. The subjunctive moods highlight intention, while the future denial becomes a moral vow. This isn’t legalism—it’s linguistic love. For Paul, even Greek syntax must submit to Christlike care for others.
