1 Corinthians 10:14
Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
Original Language Analysis
φεύγετε
flee
G5343
φεύγετε
flee
Strong's:
G5343
Word #:
4 of 7
to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
5 of 7
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
Revelation 21:8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.1 John 5:21Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.Revelation 22:15For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.2 Corinthians 6:17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,2 Corinthians 7:1Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.1 Peter 2:11Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;Revelation 13:8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.Revelation 2:14But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.1 Corinthians 10:7Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.Romans 12:19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Historical Context
Corinth had numerous temples, including the prominent temple of Aphrodite and temples to various Roman and Greek deities. Guild meetings, business relationships, and social gatherings often occurred in temple precincts with sacrificial meals. Avoiding all such contexts required social and economic sacrifice. Paul insists fidelity to Christ demands this cost—fleeing idolatry isn't negotiable for those who belong to the true God.
Questions for Reflection
- What "idols" in your life compete with undivided loyalty to Christ (money, status, comfort, relationships)?
- How can you distinguish between appropriate cultural engagement and idolatrous compromise?
- What would "fleeing" from specific idols look like practically in your daily life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry—The dioper (διόπερ, "wherefore/therefore") draws application from vv. 1-13: because Israel fell into idolatry despite covenant privileges, and because God is faithful to provide escape from temptation, the proper response is clear—flee (pheugete, φεύγετε, present imperative: "keep fleeing"). Don't linger, negotiate, or rationalize. Run from idolatry as Joseph fled Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39:12).
The tender address my dearly beloved (agapētoi mou, ἀγαπητοί μου) softens the command without diluting it. Paul loves them, which is why he warns urgently. Eidōlolatrias (εἰδωλολατρίας, "idolatry") isn't merely bowing to statues—it's any worship of created things over the Creator, any allegiance that competes with undivided loyalty to Christ.
This imperative transitions from historical examples to direct application. Flee doesn't mean merely avoid new idolatry; it means abandon current idolatrous practices. Some Corinthians were actively participating in temple banquets (8:10). Paul commands: stop immediately. Don't debate whether it's technically permissible—flee! Anything that divides your loyalty to Christ is functional idolatry requiring immediate abandonment.