The context, especially verse 28 and 8.10 (see the comments), suggests that Paul is specially concerned with meat offered to idols, but the Greek word could refer more generally to a market in which fish and possibly other types of food were sold. Thus, although New International Version, Revised English Bible, Translator’s New Testament, and Jerusalem Bible have a similar translation to that of Revised Standard Version and Good News Bible, other common language translations have “markets.” New Jerusalem Bible has “butchers’ shops.” The definite article the before market is not in the Greek, but it is most natural to assume that Paul was referring to the food market at Corinth.

The verb for raising any question is the same as that translated “discerned” in 2.14 and “judges” in 2.15.

See the comments on 2.14, as the meaning in the present verse is rather different. Here the “examining” or “judging” is done by asking questions. Paul’s advice here contrasts with the Jewish practice of asking carefully whether food was kosher (ritually pure) or not.

Good News Bible‘s rendering “because of your conscience” is better English than on the ground of conscience. “Your” is implied, of course.

Conscience: this word may be rendered as “the mind (or, heart) that judges good and evil.” A troubled conscience may need a phrase such as “having two hearts” or “having a troubled heart.” Another possible model for translating this verse is “It is all right for you (or, You may) eat anything that they sell in the meat market. Eating such meat should not trouble your heart.”

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 .