1 Corinthians 8:4 directly states 'an idol is nothing' — the very claim Paul is clarifying and building upon here.

Deuteronomy 32:21 calls idols 'what is not God' — the OT foundation for Paul's assertion that an idol is nothing.

Isaiah 41:29 declares idols' works are nothing, their images wind — directly affirming the worthlessness of idols Paul questions.

Deuteronomy 32:17 reveals sacrifices to idols are actually to demons—the same point Paul makes immediately after saying idols are nothing.

Psalm 106:28 describes Israel eating sacrifices to dead idols—foreshadowing Paul's warning about fellowship with demons.

Psalm 115:4 exposes idols as man-made objects—supporting Paul's claim that an idol is nothing in itself.

Acts 19:26 reports Paul's teaching that handmade idols are not gods—the same point he makes about the emptiness of idols.

Galatians 4:8 recalls that former pagans served 'those which by nature are not gods'—directly echoes Paul's point that an idol is nothing.