What does 1 Corinthians 10:26 mean?

For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof. 1 Corinthians 10:26

Explanation

1 Corinthians 10:26 states, “For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.” This verse, at its most straightforward level, is expressing the idea that everything on earth belongs to the Lord, which in the context of Christian scripture refers to God. The phrase “the fulness thereof” implies that not only the physical earth but also everything it contains – its resources, creatures, and even human achievements – are ultimately owned by God. This points to a divine sovereignty over all creation. The deeper meaning can be interpreted as a reminder of the provisional nature of human ownership and the call to stewardship of the earth’s resources in a manner honoring God’s ultimate ownership.

Historical Context

This statement comes from the Apostle Paul’s first epistle to the Corinthians, a letter he wrote to address various issues in the early Christian church in Corinth. The Corinthian church was experiencing internal strife, moral dilemmas, and confusion about Christian doctrine and lifestyle. In the broader passage of 1 Corinthians 10:23-33, Paul discusses the issue of eating meat sacrificed to idols, which was a common practice in pagan worship of the time. Paul is emphasizing that, as everything belongs to God, Christians are free to eat whatever they want, but they should do so with consideration for the consciences of others.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is often understood to affirm God as the Creator and Sustainer of all that exists. It reflects a monotheistic worldview where God exercises sovereignty and ownership over the cosmos. Different theological camps might emphasize certain aspects of this concept:

• Reformed Theology might highlight God’s providence and control, suggesting that all that occurs in the world is under God’s dominion.
• Liberation Theology could interpret this verse as a basis for advocating social justice, emphasizing that no one can claim absolute ownership when the earth belongs to God.
• Creation Care or Eco-Theology takes this verse as a call for environmental responsibility, where humanity’s role is to care for the earth as stewards of God’s creation.

Practical Applications

In terms of practical applications, this verse can shape behavior and attitudes in various ways:

• It encourages generosity and discouragement of materialism since it places all possessions under God’s ownership.
• It provides a foundation for ethical environmental practices, reminding individuals of their responsibility to take care of the planet.
• It can encourage humility, recognizing that successes and acquisitions are not solely the result of personal effort but part of what God has provided.

Cross-References

• Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”
• Deuteronomy 10:14 – “Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD’s thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is.”
• Psalm 50:12 – “If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.”
• Exodus 19:5 – “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:”

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of this verse are “γῆ” (gē) meaning “earth” or “land,” and “πλήρωμα” (plērōma) meaning “fullness” or “that which is filled.” The term “πλήρωμα” suggests completeness or total sum, indicating that God’s ownership encompasses all aspects of the earth. This understanding underscores the exhaustive scope of God’s dominion and the comprehensive nature of God’s provision.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other ancient religions and myths, many cultures have had concepts of gods as creators or owners of the earth and its people. For example, in ancient Egyptian religion, the god Geb is known as the god of the earth. In Greek mythology, Gaia is the personification of the Earth and considered the great mother of all. However, these polytheistic views often ascribe ownership and dominion to multiple gods, each overseeing different aspects of the world, whereas the Judeo-Christian belief centralizes creation and ownership under one sovereign God.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, the verse does not directly address scientific concepts but rather speaks to issues of ownership and responsibility. The recognition that the earth maintains ecological systems that are interconnected aligns with the idea that humanity must view its role as stewards rather than owners of the environment. This can lead to considerations of sustainable living and conservation efforts that are encouraged by a verse that acknowledges a divine interest in the entirety of the earth’s well-being.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentaries offer multiple perspectives on this specific verse:

• The Matthew Henry Commentary emphasizes the notion that Christians have the liberty to use the things of the world because they are God’s property, and He has granted them this right.
• The Pulpit Commentary suggests that the statement is an assertion of the fundamental principle of God’s universal ownership. It also notes that the verse recapitulates what is founded in the Old Testament, particularly in the Psalms.
• The Expositor’s Bible Commentary highlights how this verse is part of Paul’s guidance on the broader issue of Christian liberty and the importance of considering others in the community.

These commentaries generally agree that the verse underlines God’s sovereignty and the recognition that everything, including what the Corinthians were concerned about, belongs to God. They also note how this should influence Christian behavior and decision-making.