1 Corinthians 10:21
Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
Original Language Analysis
οὐ
Ye cannot
G3756
οὐ
Ye cannot
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
1 of 16
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ποτήριον
the cup
G4221
ποτήριον
the cup
Strong's:
G4221
Word #:
3 of 16
a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
4 of 16
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ποτήριον
the cup
G4221
ποτήριον
the cup
Strong's:
G4221
Word #:
7 of 16
a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate
οὐ
Ye cannot
G3756
οὐ
Ye cannot
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
9 of 16
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
τραπέζης
of the table
G5132
τραπέζης
of the table
Strong's:
G5132
Word #:
11 of 16
a table or stool (as being four-legged), usually for food (figuratively, a meal); also a counter for money (figuratively, a broker's office for loans
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
12 of 16
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
μετέχειν
be partakers
G3348
μετέχειν
be partakers
Strong's:
G3348
Word #:
13 of 16
to share or participate; by implication, belong to, eat (or drink)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Matthew 6:24No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.1 Kings 18:21And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.Isaiah 65:11But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number.1 Corinthians 10:16The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?1 Corinthians 8:10For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
Historical Context
Ancient Mediterranean culture understood table fellowship as creating binding social and spiritual obligations. To share a meal was to enter mutual commitment. Corinthian Christians who attended temple banquets (for business, social, or family reasons) while also taking communion thought they could compartmentalize these spheres. Paul insists covenant fellowship is indivisible—Christ demands exclusive loyalty, making dual participation impossible without spiritual catastrophe.
Questions for Reflection
- What dual allegiances in your life might seem compatible but actually constitute spiritual adultery against Christ?
- How does the image of Christ's "table" versus demons' "table" clarify the stakes of seemingly minor compromises?
- In what areas are you tempted to compartmentalize life into "spiritual" and "secular" zones rather than offering Christ comprehensive lordship?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils—Paul draws the stark conclusion: dual participation is impossible. The verb ou dynasthe (οὐ δύνασθε, "ye cannot/are not able") indicates not just prohibition but impossibility. This isn't "you shouldn't" but "you cannot"—it's spiritually, logically, and covenantally incoherent to claim fellowship with both Christ and demons.
The cup of the Lord versus the cup of devils; the Lord's table versus the table of devils creates direct antithesis. These are mutually exclusive covenants. Just as a wife cannot be simultaneously faithful to her husband and committing adultery, Christians cannot maintain covenant loyalty to Christ while participating in demon-worship. The parallelism emphasizes totality—not just avoiding the cup or the table, but both.
The word trapezēs (τραπέζης, "table") evokes covenant meals that establish binding relationships. Ancient treaties were sealed with shared meals. To eat at someone's table meant entering their protection, loyalty, and fellowship. Christians eat at the Lord's table, establishing covenant bond with Him. To then eat at demons' table commits covenant treason—spiritual adultery that provokes divine jealousy (v. 22).