In the comments on verse 16, it was explained that there is little difference between the Greek verbs meaning “bless” and “give thanks” (to God). In the present verse there is a play on the two senses of a similar Greek word for give thanks. (1) The Greek word used for give thanks is literally “to thank well,” and this is contrasted with the “evil speaking” or the word translated denounced. This latter is the word from which the English “blaspheme” comes; it commonly means “to speak evil of” or “to slander” someone. (2) The word for give thanks is also related to the word for “grace,” which in this context means “thanks” and which Good News Bible translates “thank God.” The whole phrase partake with thankfulness is literally “I partake in grace.” However, this context is concerned with giving thanks for food. Paul may be implying that by saying grace over the food (that is, by giving thanks), the Christian makes all types of food pure to eat.

Translations generally make this verse a question, though it would be possible and perhaps more natural in some languages to translate it by a strong negative statement: “there is no reason why anyone should criticize me….”

Quoted with permission from Ellingworth, Paul and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, 2nd edition. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1985/1994. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .