1 Corinthians 10:18

Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

Behold {G991} Israel {G2474} after {G2596} the flesh {G4561}: are {G1526} not {G3780} they {G1526} which eat {G2068} of the sacrifices {G2378} partakers {G2844} of the altar {G2379}?

Look at physical Isra’el: don’t those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar?

Consider the people of Israel: Are not those who eat the sacrifices fellow partakers in the altar?

Behold Israel after the flesh: have not they that eat the sacrifices communion with the altar?

Commentary

1 Corinthians 10:18 serves as a crucial point in Paul's argument concerning Christian liberty, idolatry, and spiritual communion. In this verse, the Apostle Paul draws a parallel from the Old Testament sacrificial system to explain the principle of participation in worship.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's broader discussion in 1 Corinthians 10, where he warns the Corinthian believers against idolatry by drawing lessons from the failures of ancient Israel. Following his admonition about the spiritual dangers of participating in pagan feasts (1 Corinthians 10:1-13), Paul introduces the concept of spiritual communion through sacrifice. He has just spoken about the Lord's Supper as a participation in the body and blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16-17) and now contrasts it with the Old Testament sacrifices to illustrate the inherent spiritual connection established through such acts. The immediate context leads to a direct warning against being partakers with devils (1 Corinthians 10:20-21).

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Participation: The core message is that eating from a sacrifice implies a sharing or communion with the entity to whom the sacrifice is offered. Whether it's God, an idol, or a demon, participation in the ritual creates a spiritual bond.
  • Old Testament Precedent: Paul uses the Israelite sacrificial system as an undeniable example. When Israelites ate from the peace offerings, they were understood to be in fellowship with God, who received a portion of the sacrifice on the altar.
  • Warning Against Idolatry: By establishing this principle, Paul sets the stage for his strong warning against participating in pagan feasts, even if believers claimed to know that "an idol is nothing" (see 1 Corinthians 8:4). The act itself carried spiritual implications.

Linguistic Insights

The key phrase "partakers of the altar" translates the Greek word koinonoi (κοινωνοί), which means "sharers," "companions," or "those in communion." This term is highly significant as it emphasizes a deep fellowship, partnership, or spiritual sharing. It's the same root word used to describe the communion (koinonia) of the Holy Spirit or the fellowship believers have with Christ. Paul's use of koinonoi here underscores that eating sacrificial food is not merely a physical act but a spiritual one, establishing a bond with the deity or entity to whom the sacrifice is made.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 10:18 serves as a powerful reminder that our actions often carry deeper spiritual implications than we realize. It encourages us to:

  • Discern Our Associations: Just as sharing in sacrifices created a bond, our choices regarding entertainment, relationships, and even where we spend our time and resources can signify a form of "communion" or allegiance.
  • Guard Against Subtle Idolatry: Idolatry isn't just bowing down to statues. Anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives—money, career, pleasure, self—can become an idol. This verse prompts us to examine what we "partake" of and what we truly worship.
  • Value True Communion: It highlights the profound significance of the Lord's Supper, where believers truly partake of Christ's sacrifice and affirm their fellowship with Him and one another.

Ultimately, Paul's point is that you cannot simultaneously share in the table of the Lord and the table of demons (1 Corinthians 10:21). Our spiritual allegiances are revealed by what we choose to participate in.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 7:6

    Every male among the priests shall eat thereof: it shall be eaten in the holy place: it [is] most holy.

  • Philippians 3:3

    For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

  • Philippians 3:5

    Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, [of] the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

  • Galatians 6:16

    And as many as walk according to this rule, peace [be] on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

  • Leviticus 3:11

    And the priest shall burn it upon the altar: [it is] the food of the offering made by fire unto the LORD.

  • Romans 1:3

    Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

  • 2 Corinthians 11:18

    Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.
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