1 Corinthians 10:20

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀλλ'

G235

But

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ὅτι

G3754

I say that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἃ

G3739

the things which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

θύει

G2380

sacrifice

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

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔθνη,

G1484

the Gentiles

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

δαιμονίων

G1140

to devils

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

θύει

G2380

sacrifice

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

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#10

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#11

θεῷ

G2316

to God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#12

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#13

θέλω

G2309

I would

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

#14

δὲ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

#15

ὑμᾶς

G5209

that ye

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#16

κοινωνοὺς

G2844

fellowship

a sharer, i.e., associate

#17

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

δαιμονίων

G1140

to devils

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

#19

γίνεσθαι

G1096

should have

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

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 sovereignty 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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Love