1 Corinthians 10:20
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλ'
But
G235
ἀλλ'
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 19
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὅτι
I say that
G3754
ὅτι
I say that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
2 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἃ
the things which
G3739
ἃ
the things which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
3 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
θύει
sacrifice
G2380
θύει
sacrifice
Strong's:
G2380
Word #:
4 of 19
properly, to rush (breathe hard, blow, smoke), i.e., (by implication) to sacrifice (properly, by fire, but genitive case); by extension to immolate (s
τά
G3588
τά
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνη,
the Gentiles
G1484
ἔθνη,
the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
6 of 19
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
θύει
sacrifice
G2380
θύει
sacrifice
Strong's:
G2380
Word #:
8 of 19
properly, to rush (breathe hard, blow, smoke), i.e., (by implication) to sacrifice (properly, by fire, but genitive case); by extension to immolate (s
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
θεῷ
to God
G2316
θεῷ
to God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 19
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
θέλω
I would
G2309
θέλω
I would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
13 of 19
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Revelation 9:20And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:2 Corinthians 4:4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.2 Chronicles 11:15And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made.Leviticus 17:7And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils, after whom they have gone a whoring. This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations.
Historical Context
Ancient temples weren't mere cultural centers—they were sites of spiritual transactions. Sacrifices, prayers, and rituals invoked spiritual powers. While participants believed they honored Zeus or Aphrodite, Paul reveals the reality: demons received the worship. Modern parallels include any religious system denying Christ's exclusive lordship—however culturally sophisticated, it ultimately serves demonic deception. Paul warns Christians to recognize and flee such spiritual danger.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern religious or spiritual practices might seem culturally neutral but actually involve fellowship with demons?
- How can you recognize when cultural engagement crosses into spiritual compromise that aligns you with God's enemies?
- Why is "fellowship with demons" such a serious concern if demons are defeated foes under Christ's authority?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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—This verse provides Paul's theological bombshell. While idols themselves are nothing (v. 19), pagan sacrifices are not offered into a spiritual vacuum—they're offered to devils (daimoniois, δαιμονίοις, "demons"). Paul likely alludes to Deuteronomy 32:17 (LXX): "They sacrificed to demons, not to God."
Daimonia in Greek culture could mean divine beings or spirits; in biblical usage, they're fallen angels who oppose God and deceive humanity. Pagan worship, however sincere, serves demons who masquerade as gods. This doesn't validate polytheism—there's still only one true God—but it recognizes that demonic powers exploit human religious instincts, receiving worship intended for deity.
Paul's urgent concern: I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils (ou thelō hymas koinōnous tōn daimoniōn ginesthai, οὐ θέλω ὑμᾶς κοινωνοὺς τῶν δαιμονίων γίνεσθαι). The same word koinōnia used for communion with Christ (v. 16) appears here—to eat at idol tables is to enter fellowship with demons. This isn't mere social impropriety; it's spiritual adultery, aligning with God's enemies. Paul's pastoral heart breaks at the prospect of beloved Christians unwittingly partnering with hell.