1 Corinthians 10:14

Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

Wherefore {G1355}, my {G3450} dearly beloved {G27}, flee {G5343} from {G575} idolatry {G1495}.

Therefore, my dear friends, run from idolatry!

Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

Wherefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

1 Corinthians 10:14 is a direct and urgent command from the Apostle Paul to the believers in Corinth, serving as a pivotal summary of his preceding warnings. It calls for an immediate and decisive separation from anything that dishonors God.

Context

This verse comes as a strong conclusion to Paul's extensive argument in 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, where he recounts the failures of ancient Israel in the wilderness. He uses their examples of idolatry (like the golden calf incident), sexual immorality, tempting Christ, and grumbling, as solemn warnings for the Corinthian church. The immediate concern for Paul was the Corinthian believers' participation in pagan feasts and eating food offered to idols, which raised questions about spiritual compromise. Paul emphasizes that participation in pagan rites is participation with demons (1 Corinthians 10:20), contrasting it sharply with partaking in the Lord's Supper. This verse, therefore, acts as a definitive call to avoid any spiritual fellowship with idolatry.

Key Themes

  • Urgency in Spiritual Purity: The word "flee" implies a rapid, decisive escape, not a slow retreat or casual avoidance. It's a call to immediate and radical separation from anything that could lead to spiritual defilement or compromise one's relationship with God.
  • Exclusivity of God's Worship: Idolatry, whether overt worship of statues or placing anything else above God, is a direct violation of the first commandment. Paul insists on undivided loyalty and devotion to Christ alone.
  • Spiritual Danger: Paul highlights the very real spiritual peril associated with idolatry, indicating a connection to demonic influence and a rejection of God's sovereignty.

Linguistic Insights

The imperative verb "flee" (Greek: pheugo) is a powerful command, conveying a sense of urgency and necessity. It is used elsewhere by Paul to exhort believers to flee from various evils, such as youthful lusts (2 Timothy 2:22) and the love of money. It signifies an immediate, complete, and urgent withdrawal from a dangerous situation. The term "idolatry" (Greek: eidololatria) literally means "idol worship," but in a broader sense, it encompasses anything that takes the place of God in a person's life, demanding their ultimate allegiance or affection.

Practical Application

While literal idol worship might seem less prevalent in many contemporary societies, the principle of idolatry remains profoundly relevant. Modern idols can include money, career, possessions, entertainment, self-image, power, or even relationships—anything that consumes our primary affection, time, and devotion that rightly belongs to God. Paul's command to "flee" calls for active, intentional avoidance of situations, attitudes, or pursuits that could compromise our devotion to Christ. This requires spiritual discernment and a willingness to make choices that prioritize God's will above all else. Believers are called to be separate from worldly influences that would draw them away from pure worship and obedience to God, ensuring that God alone holds the supreme place in their lives, as emphasized in 1 John 5:21.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 21:8

    But 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 5:21

    Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

  • 1 Peter 2:11

    Dearly beloved, I beseech [you] as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

  • 2 Corinthians 7:1

    ¶ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

  • Revelation 22:15

    For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:17

    Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

  • 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.

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