1 Corinthians 10:15 kjv
I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
1 Corinthians 10:15 nkjv
I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say.
1 Corinthians 10:15 niv
I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say.
1 Corinthians 10:15 esv
I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say.
1 Corinthians 10:15 nlt
You are reasonable people. Decide for yourselves if what I am saying is true.
1 Corinthians 10 15 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 10:14 | Flee from idolatry. | Call to separation |
| 1 Cor 10:16 | The cup of blessing... Is it not participation in the blood of Christ? | Communion |
| 1 Cor 10:17 | Though we are many, we are one body, because we all partake of the one bread. | Unity in Christ |
| 1 Cor 10:18 | Behold Israel after the flesh: are not those who eat the sacrifices... | Old Testament example |
| 1 Cor 10:19 | What am I saying, then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? | Addressing pagan claims |
| 1 Cor 10:20 | No, I say that the things that the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons... | Demonology |
| 1 Cor 10:21 | You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. | Dual allegiance warned |
| 1 Cor 10:22 | Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? | Divine jealousy |
| Rom 12:1 | Present your bodies as a living sacrifice. | consecration |
| Rom 14:13 | Therefore let us not pass judgment on each other, but rather decide this, not to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. | Avoid causing offense |
| Gal 5:22-23 | But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. | Spiritual fruit |
| John 17:15 | I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. | Worldly sphere |
| John 6:56 | Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. | Communion's essence |
| Acts 15:29 | ...abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols... | Apostolic decree |
| Lev 17:7 | So that they may no longer sacrifice their sacrifices to goat demons, after which they play the harlot. | Old Testament prohibition |
| Deut 32:17 | They sacrificed to demons that are not God, to gods they never knew... | Idolatry's nature |
| Psa 106:37 | They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons. | Demonic sacrifice |
| Isa 44:19 | No one considers, nor is there knowledge or intelligence to say, “I burned half of it for fuel and sat and baked bread on its coals; I roasted meat to eat. And shall I make the remainder of it an abomination? Shall I fall down before a block of wood?” | Folly of idolatry |
| Mark 8:34 | And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” | Self-denial for Christ |
| 1 John 5:21 | Little children, keep yourselves from idols. | Final exhortation |
1 Corinthians 10 verses
1 Corinthians 10 15 Meaning
Paul urges the Corinthians to exercise discernment and spiritual wisdom in their participation with idolatrous practices. He states that he is speaking to those who understand, implying a need for shared spiritual insight. This verse is a foundational statement on the believer's responsible engagement with the world, distinguishing between fellowship with Christ and participation in what is spiritually corrupting.
1 Corinthians 10 15 Context
Chapter 10 of 1 Corinthians addresses the issue of participating in idol feasts. Some believers in Corinth, influenced by their pagan background, struggled with whether it was permissible to eat meat sacrificed to idols, even if they knew idols were nothing. Paul previously established that an idol is nothing and that one can eat meat sold in the marketplace. However, he now focuses on attending feasts in pagan temples, where the primary purpose was worship. He emphasizes that while the idol itself is meaningless, the act of participating in a feast dedicated to an idol makes one a participant with demons. This verse sits within this larger argument, serving as an appeal to the Corinthians' spiritual understanding and their deep, relational union with Christ.
1 Corinthians 10 15 Word Analysis
- λογίζομαι (logizomai): Translated as "judge," "consider," or "think." It implies a reasoned assessment, a mental process of evaluation. It calls for careful and rational deliberation.
- δίκαιος (dikaios): Translated as "right" or "just." This refers to what is ethically correct, conforming to God's standards and principles.
- ἐμοὶ (emoi): "To me." Paul personalizes this principle, grounding it in his own considered judgment and practice.
- ὑμῖν (humin): "To you" (plural). This is an direct address to the church in Corinth.
- λέγω (lego): "I say." A straightforward declaration of his teaching.
- ὡς (hōs): "As" or "like." It indicates a comparison or a manner of speaking.
- πιστοῖς (pistois): "To the faithful" or "believers." This directly addresses the Christian community who have placed their faith in Christ.
- αὐτὸ τοῦτο (auto touto): "This very thing" or "this itself." Emphasizes the specific point being made regarding their spiritual understanding.
- συνετοῖς (sunetois): "Discerning" or "understanding." This appeals to their ability to grasp spiritual truths and apply them wisely.
- κρίνατε (krinate): "Judge" or "discern." This is an imperative, commanding them to make a reasoned decision based on the truths presented.
- κρίνατε (krinate) (second occurrence): Reinforces the call to active, spiritual judgment.
- εἰπὲ (eipe): "Speak" or "say." An imperative to voice their own considered judgment, affirming Paul's position.
- λέγω (lego) (second occurrence): "I say," reaffirming the conclusion.
Words Group Analysis:
- "Do I say this for things that are right?" - This question highlights the logical soundness of Paul's argument. He's not proposing an arbitrary rule, but one rooted in righteousness.
- "As speaking to those who understand." - This is a sophisticated rhetorical device. It elevates the Corinthians, appealing to their spiritual maturity and ability to grasp his complex reasoning. It's a subtle way to urge them to live up to their spiritual calling.
- "Judge for yourselves" - A direct appeal for them to apply their spiritual discernment to the issue at hand. It's not about human logic alone but God-given wisdom.
1 Corinthians 10 15 Bonus Section
This verse connects to the broader theme of spiritual warfare found throughout Scripture. The mention of demons in the context of idolatry points to the unseen realm of spiritual influence that believers must navigate. It underscores that participation in idol worship is not neutral; it involves alignment with spiritual powers opposed to God. The call for discernment is crucial, as ignorance or recklessness in spiritual matters can lead to unintended compromises. The Corinthians’ context also highlights the difficulty of leaving behind deeply ingrained cultural and religious practices, making Paul’s pastoral guidance even more critical.
1 Corinthians 10 15 Commentary
Paul's argument is that true spiritual insight enables believers to discern the correct path. He appeals to their capacity for wise judgment, reminding them that their primary allegiance is to Christ. He's not creating new rules but asking them to apply existing biblical principles and the Holy Spirit's guidance to their situation. This emphasizes personal responsibility and the importance of actively exercising faith in daily life. True fellowship with Christ necessitates a separation from practices that are communally associated with demonic worship. Believers are to use their God-given intelligence and the Spirit's illumination to make these crucial distinctions.