1 Corinthians 10 20

1 Corinthians 10:20 kjv

But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

1 Corinthians 10:20 nkjv

Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.

1 Corinthians 10:20 niv

No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons.

1 Corinthians 10:20 esv

No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons.

1 Corinthians 10:20 nlt

No, not at all. I am saying that these sacrifices are offered to demons, not to God. And I don't want you to participate with demons.

1 Corinthians 10 verses

1 Corinthians 10 20 meaning

1 Corinthians 10:20 declares that pagan sacrifices are not offered to an empty idol, but rather to real, malevolent spiritual entities referred to as "demons." Paul explicitly warns believers against participating in such acts of worship, as it signifies a communion or partnership with these demonic forces, which is incompatible with their allegiance to God. The verse underscores the spiritual reality behind idolatry and the necessity for believers to maintain purity in their worship and fellowship.

1 Corinthians 10 20 Context

First Corinthians chapter 10 forms part of Paul's broader discourse on Christian freedom, particularly concerning the eating of meat sacrificed to idols. In previous chapters (specifically chapter 8), Paul addressed believers who possessed "knowledge" (gnosis) that idols were nothing, leading them to feel free to eat such meat without consequence. He tempered this freedom by emphasizing consideration for the weaker brother, whose conscience might be defiled. Chapter 9 transitions into Paul's example of self-denial for the sake of the gospel.

Chapter 10 serves as a severe warning against idolatry and presuming upon God's grace, drawing lessons from the failures of ancient Israel in the wilderness (vv. 1-13). Despite witnessing God's miracles and being under His spiritual provision, they fell into various sins, including idolatry. Verse 20, therefore, is a pivotal statement clarifying the true nature of pagan sacrifices. It elevates the issue beyond a matter of diet or "knowledge" to a matter of direct spiritual allegiance and the very identity of the recipients of pagan worship, establishing that such worship involves actual demonic forces, making participation fundamentally incompatible with Christian faith. This verse prepares for the sharp contrast with the Lord's Supper in verses 16-17 and the ultimate warning against partaking in both tables in verse 21.

1 Corinthians 10 20 Word analysis

• No (Ἀλλʼ, All')
  • This strong adversative particle introduces a direct rebuttal or correction to a previous assumption (e.g., that idols are nothing and therefore eating sacrificed meat is innocuous).
  • It indicates a pivotal clarification, shifting the Corinthians' perspective.
• but (ἀλλὰ, alla)
  • Reinforces the opposition and contrast. It underlines that what follows is the actual reality.
• the sacrifices (θυσίας, thysias)
  • Refers specifically to offerings made in a cultic context, a religious ritual.
  • Not merely a meal, but an act of devotion and worship.
• of pagans (τὰ ἔθνη, ta ethnē)
  • "Nations" or "Gentiles." In a Jewish and early Christian context, this term often designates non-Israelites and typically carries the connotation of those who practice idolatry or are outside the covenant.
• are offered (θύουσι, thuousi)
  • Present tense, indicating ongoing practice. "They sacrifice" (active verb).
  • Highlights the action of worship being directed to specific entities.
• to demons (δαιμονίοις, daimoniois)
  • Refers to malevolent spiritual beings. Not mythological gods, but actual, destructive forces in rebellion against God.
  • In the Greek Septuagint, daimonion frequently translates Hebrew terms for idols and foreign deities, implying spiritual entities behind them (e.g., Deut 32:17; Ps 106:37).
  • This is the core revelation of the verse: idols are a facade for demonic worship.
• not (οὐ, ou)
  • Absolute negation. Clearly distinguishes the true recipients.
• to God (Θεῷ, Theō)
  • Refers to the one true God, Yahweh.
  • Emphasizes the fundamental antithesis between God and demons, and their respective worship.
• and (οὐ)
  • Continues the preceding thought, connecting the consequence.
• I do not want (θέλω, thelō)
  • Strong personal desire and authoritative apostolic warning from Paul.
  • Conveys his pastoral concern and divine prohibition.
• you to be (ὑμᾶς γενέσθαι, hymas genesthai)
  • "For you to become." Emphasizes the change in spiritual status or allegiance that would occur through such participation.
• participants (κοινωνοὺς, koinōnous)
  • This is a crucial word, denoting "sharers," "partners," "fellows," or those in "communion."
  • It signifies an intimate spiritual bond or fellowship, a profound sharing in the activity and nature of the object of worship.
  • Not merely spectators or casual eaters, but actively associating with.
• with demons (δαιμονίων, daimoniōn)
  • Again, directly naming the spiritual adversaries.
  • Reiterates that the communion is with malevolent entities.

Words-group analysis:

• "No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God": This opening clarifies that the true target of pagan worship is not God, nor is it merely nothing. It is an intentional channeling of worship towards real, dark spiritual powers. Paul moves from dismissing the idol's intrinsic power (from 1 Cor 8) to revealing the spiritual reality behind it, forcing a spiritual decision.
• "I do not want you to be participants with demons": This is Paul's explicit warning and authoritative command based on the spiritual revelation. The word "participants" (koinōnous) highlights that partaking in cultic meals of idols isn't an indifferent act; it implies a fellowship, a sharing, a communion with the spiritual power to whom the sacrifice is directed. Such fellowship is utterly incompatible with the communion believers have with Christ, as later illustrated by the Lord's Supper.

1 Corinthians 10 20 Bonus section

The revelation in 1 Corinthians 10:20 provides insight into the spiritual nature of all idolatry. It suggests that any form of worship or ultimate allegiance given to anything other than the one true God opens a doorway for demonic influence, whether directly acknowledged or not. This goes beyond the specific historical context of ancient Greek and Roman temple cults, extending to any modern-day "idols" that captivate human devotion—be it wealth, power, fame, pleasure, or self. While these might not involve literal animal sacrifices, if they displace God as the object of ultimate trust and devotion, they become a conduit for spiritual darkness. Paul's warning, therefore, transcends specific historical practices and functions as an eternal principle about spiritual boundaries and the non-negotiable exclusivity of worshipping God alone. It serves as a reminder that the spiritual realm is real and active behind visible phenomena.

1 Corinthians 10 20 Commentary

1 Corinthians 10:20 serves as a critical theological and practical lynchpin in Paul's argument against participating in idol feasts. While chapter 8 dealt with the issue of "knowledge" that idols are nothing, Paul here unveils the deeper spiritual reality. He asserts that although the physical idol may be inert, the worship directed towards it is intercepted and received by genuine, malevolent spiritual entities—demons. These "gods" of the Gentiles, in truth, are demons (cf. Deut 32:17). This changes the calculus entirely; what might seem an indifferent act of eating now becomes an act of communion (koinōnia) with demonic forces.

Paul's stark declaration aims to protect the Corinthians from inadvertently forming spiritual bonds that are diametrically opposed to their fellowship with Christ (1 Cor 10:16-17, 21). Participation in pagan cultic meals implies an acknowledgement and sharing in the spiritual world that paganism represents. It is an act of spiritual compromise, making one a "sharer" or "partner" with entities that are hostile to God and humanity. This strong warning underscores the exclusivity of Christian worship and the danger of syncretism. It's not about the food, but the association; not the physical act, but the spiritual allegiance it signifies. For a Christian, such an alliance is a betrayal of their identity and commitment to the one true God.