1 Corinthians 10:19

KJV

What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?

KJV (with Strong's)

What {G5101} say I {G5346} then {G3767}? that {G3754} the idol {G1497} is {G2076} any thing {G5100}, or {G2228} that {G3754} which is offered in sacrifice to idols {G1494} is {G2076} any thing {G5100}?

Complete Jewish Bible

So, what am I saying? That food sacrificed to idols has any significance in itself? or that an idol has significance in itself?

Berean Standard Bible

Am I suggesting, then, that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything?

American Standard Version

What say I then? that a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 10:19, the Apostle Paul employs a rhetorical question to clarify his teaching on food sacrificed to idols, anticipating a potential misunderstanding of his earlier assertion that "an idol is nothing." Far from contradicting himself, Paul uses this verse to pivot from the physical inertness of an idol to the profound spiritual reality and demonic forces that underpin idolatrous worship, setting the stage for his crucial warning against communion with demons.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal rhetorical question within Paul's extended argument (chapters 8-10) concerning Christian liberty, the conscience of weaker believers, and the perils of idolatry. Having previously stated that "an idol is nothing in the world" in [1 Corinthians 8:4](/1_corinthians/8-4 "1 Corinthians 8:4 - An Idol Is Nothing"), Paul here anticipates a logical follow-up question from the Corinthian believers: if an idol is nothing, then what's the big deal about eating food offered to it? He has just issued a strong warning to "flee from idolatry" in [1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry"), and immediately after this verse, he reveals the shocking truth that "the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God" ([1 Corinthians 10:20](/1_corinthians/10-20 "1 Corinthians 10:20 - Sacrificing to Demons")). Thus, 1 Corinthians 10:19 serves as a bridge, guiding the reader from a superficial understanding of idols to a deeper, spiritual discernment of the forces at play in pagan worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan city, home to numerous pagan temples dedicated to gods like Aphrodite, Apollo, and Poseidon. Sacrifices to these deities were a common practice, often followed by communal meals in the temple precincts or the sale of leftover meat in the public markets. For Corinthian Christians, many of whom had converted from paganism, navigating these social and culinary realities posed significant challenges. Participation in such meals, even if one intellectually dismissed the idol as "nothing," could be perceived by others as an endorsement of pagan worship or, more dangerously, as genuine communion with the demonic entities believed to inhabit these cults. Paul addresses the tension between Christian freedom (knowing idols are not real gods) and the need for spiritual purity and consideration for others' consciences, as explored throughout [1 Corinthians 8](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Sacrificed to Idols") and [1 Corinthians 10](/1_corinthians/10 "1 Corinthians 10 - Warnings from Israel's History and Idolatry").
* **Key Themes:** The verse directly contributes to the overarching themes of **idolatry and spiritual communion**. Paul's rhetorical question highlights the distinction between the physical object of an idol and the spiritual reality behind its worship. It underscores the theme of **demonic influence**, revealing that while idols themselves are inert, the worship directed towards them is ultimately directed towards malevolent spiritual forces. Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **Christian allegiance and exclusivity to God**, emphasizing that believers cannot simultaneously partake in the "table of the Lord" and the "table of devils" ([1 Corinthians 10:21](/1_corinthians/10-21 "1 Corinthians 10:21 - Two Tables")). This passage also touches upon **Christian liberty and responsibility**, urging believers to use their freedom wisely, not to cause others to stumble, and to avoid any action that might compromise their witness or spiritual purity, a principle articulated in [1 Corinthians 10:23-24](/1_corinthians/10-23-24 "1 Corinthians 10:23-24 - All Things Are Lawful, But Not All Things Are Profitable").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **idol (Greek, _eídōlon'_):** From G1497, this term refers to an image designed for worship, by implication, a heathen god, or the worship of such. In this context, Paul uses it to refer to the physical representation of a pagan deity. His earlier statement in [1 Corinthians 8:4](/1_corinthians/8-4 "1 Corinthians 8:4 - An Idol Is Nothing") that "an idol is nothing in the world" directly addresses the inert, non-divine nature of this object.
* **offered in sacrifice to idols (Greek, _eidōlóthyton'_):** From G1494, this compound word literally means "image-sacrifice" and refers to a part of an idolatrous offering, specifically meat or other items that have been consecrated to a pagan deity. This term highlights the ritualistic act of pagan worship and the food associated with it, which was a central issue for the Corinthian believers.
* **any thing (Greek, _tìs'_):** From G5100, this is an enclitic indefinite pronoun meaning "some or any person or object." When combined with the verb "is" (G2076, _estí_), as in "is any thing" (τί ἐστιν, _ti estin_), it forms a rhetorical question probing whether the idol or the sacrificed food possesses any inherent power, reality, or spiritual significance *on its own*. Paul's implied answer, in terms of the idol's intrinsic divine power, remains "no," but he immediately shifts to the *spiritual forces* behind the worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"What say I then?"**: This opening phrase (τί οὖν φημι, _ti oun phēmi_) serves as a rhetorical transition. Paul is not retracting his previous statements but is prompting his audience to consider the deeper implications of his teaching. It signals a clarification or a shift in perspective, inviting the reader to follow his line of reasoning more closely.
* **"that the idol is any thing,"**: This clause directly references the physical object of the idol. Paul's question here, in light of his earlier declaration that an idol is "nothing" ([1 Corinthians 8:4](/1_corinthians/8-4 "1 Corinthians 8:4 - An Idol Is Nothing")), is designed to confirm that he still holds to this position regarding the idol's inherent power or divinity. The idol itself is not a god and possesses no intrinsic power.
* **"or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?"**: This second clause extends the question to the food that has been consecrated to idols. Similar to the idol itself, the food, in its physical substance, is not inherently evil or imbued with demonic power simply by virtue of being offered. Paul is setting up the distinction between the physical object/food and the spiritual reality of the *act* of worship.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs a **Rhetorical Question** in 1 Corinthians 10:19. This device is not meant to elicit a direct answer from the audience, but rather to guide their thinking and prepare them for a deeper truth. By asking "What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?", Paul anticipates a common misunderstanding of his earlier teaching that idols are "nothing." He uses this question to create a moment of **Anticipation**, setting the stage for the profound revelation in the very next verse—that behind the seemingly inert idols are actual demonic powers. There's a subtle **Irony** at play; while the *idol* is nothing, the *act of idolatry* is far from nothing, as it involves communion with malevolent spiritual entities. This rhetorical strategy allows Paul to affirm his consistent theological position while simultaneously introducing a crucial, nuanced spiritual warning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's rhetorical question in 1 Corinthians 10:19 lays the groundwork for a critical theological truth: while physical idols are inert and powerless, the worship directed towards them is not empty. It is, in fact, an act of communion with spiritual entities that are not God. This passage underscores the reality of a spiritual realm, where malevolent forces seek to receive worship and allegiance that rightfully belongs only to the one true God. The danger lies not in the object itself, but in the spiritual transaction and allegiance implied by participating in idolatrous rituals. This understanding is crucial for believers to discern spiritual realities behind seemingly mundane cultural practices and to maintain an exclusive devotion to the Lord.

* [Deuteronomy 32:17](/deuteronomy/32-17 "Deuteronomy 32:17 - Sacrificing to Demons")
* [Psalm 106:37](/psalms/106-37 "Psalm 106:37 - Sacrificing Children to Demons")
* [Revelation 9:20](/revelation/9-20 "Revelation 9:20 - Worship of Demons and Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 10:19 serves as a profound reminder that our spiritual lives are not merely about avoiding physical objects, but about discerning and rejecting the spiritual forces that often lie behind them. For contemporary believers, while overt idol worship with statues may be less common, the principle remains vitally relevant. Modern idolatry often manifests in more subtle forms: anything that takes the place of God in our affections, trust, or ultimate allegiance—be it career success, financial security, relationships, personal comfort, or even self-image. This verse challenges us to examine our hearts and priorities, asking what truly commands our worship and devotion. It compels us to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing that even seemingly innocuous activities can carry spiritual implications if they draw us away from God or compromise our witness. Our ultimate calling is to live lives of undivided allegiance to Christ, ensuring that our actions, choices, and affections are always directed towards His glory, and never inadvertently to anything that serves as a conduit for spiritual darkness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "idols" in my own life or culture that might subtly compete for God's rightful place in my heart and allegiance?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize the underlying spiritual realities behind everyday choices and cultural practices?**
* **In what ways might my actions, even if seemingly harmless to me, inadvertently cause a weaker believer to stumble or misinterpret the nature of my faith?**
* **How does my understanding of spiritual warfare, as implied by this verse, impact my prayer life and my commitment to purity?**

### FAQ

**Is Paul contradicting his earlier statement that "an idol is nothing" in 1 Corinthians 8:4?**

Answer: No, Paul is not contradicting himself. In [1 Corinthians 8:4](/1_corinthians/8-4 "1 Corinthians 8:4 - An Idol Is Nothing"), he asserts that an idol has no inherent divine power or reality, as there is only one God. In [1 Corinthians 10:19](/1_corinthians/10-19 "1 Corinthians 10:19 - The Idol's True Nature"), he is clarifying that while the *physical object* of the idol is nothing, the *act of worship* directed towards it is not meaningless. He is shifting the focus from the inertness of the idol itself to the spiritual reality that pagan sacrifices are made to demons, not to God, as he explicitly states in the very next verse, [1 Corinthians 10:20](/1_corinthians/10-20 "1 Corinthians 10:20 - Sacrificing to Demons"). The danger lies not in the idol's substance, but in the communion with evil spirits that participation in idolatry implies.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 10:19, by exposing the demonic reality behind idolatry, profoundly underscores the unique and exclusive supremacy of Jesus Christ. In a world saturated with false gods and spiritual counterfeits, Christ alone is the true object of worship, the one through whom all things were created and sustained ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ's Supremacy")). Unlike the inert idols or the malevolent demons they represent, Jesus is the living God, who not only has power over all spiritual forces but has decisively triumphed over them through His death and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the ultimate sacrifice, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), rendering all other sacrifices, especially those offered to demons, utterly void and offensive to God. Through His atoning work, believers are freed from the bondage of sin and the dominion of darkness, called to partake in the true communion of His body and blood ([1 Corinthians 10:16](/1_corinthians/10-16 "1 Corinthians 10:16 - The Cup of Blessing and the Bread")). Thus, this verse implicitly calls us to turn from all forms of idolatry—whether overt or subtle—and to find our complete satisfaction, allegiance, and life in Christ alone, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus Is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 8:4

¶ As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one.

Deuteronomy 32:21

They have moved me to jealousy with [that which is] not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with [those which are] not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.

1 Corinthians 3:7

So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

Isaiah 40:17

All nations before him [are] as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.

1 Corinthians 13:2

And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

1 Corinthians 1:28

And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, [yea], and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

Isaiah 41:29

Behold, they [are] all vanity; their works [are] nothing: their molten images [are] wind and confusion.