1 Corinthians 10:18

Authorized King James Version

Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
βλέπετε
Behold
to look at (literally or figuratively)
#2
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
Ἰσραὴλ
Israel
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
#4
κατὰ
after
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#5
σάρκα·
the flesh
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
#6
οὐχὶ
not
not indeed
#7
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἐσθίοντες
which eat
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
#9
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
θυσίας
of the sacrifices
sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)
#11
κοινωνοὶ
partakers
a sharer, i.e., associate
#12
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
θυσιαστηρίου
of the altar
a place of sacrifice, i.e., an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative)
#14
εἰσίν
are
they are

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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