1 Corinthians 10:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G235} I say, that {G3754} the things which {G3739} the Gentiles {G1484} sacrifice {G2380}, they sacrifice {G2380} to devils {G1140}, and {G2532} not {G3756} to God {G2316}: and {G1161} I would {G2309} not {G3756} that ye {G5209} should have {G1096} fellowship {G2844} with devils {G1140}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No, what I am saying is that the things which pagans sacrifice, they sacrifice not to God but to demons; and I don’t want you to become sharers of the demons!

Berean Standard Bible

No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons.

American Standard Version

But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have communion with demons.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 10:20, the Apostle Paul delivers a profound warning to the Corinthian believers, asserting that the sacrifices offered by Gentiles are not directed to God but to demonic entities. This declaration serves as a stark clarification of the spiritual reality behind pagan worship, emphasizing that while an idol itself may be inert, the act of worship engages malevolent spiritual forces. Paul then issues a direct prohibition, stating his resolute desire that believers should not enter into fellowship or communion with these devils, underscoring the absolute exclusivity of devotion demanded by God and the inherent danger of spiritual compromise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within Paul's broader discourse in [1 Corinthians 8-10](/1_corinthians/8-10 "1 Corinthians 8-10 - Christian Liberty and Idolatry"), which addresses the complex issue of eating food sacrificed to idols. Having established in [1 Corinthians 8](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Sacrificed to Idols") that idols are "nothing" and that Christians possess liberty, Paul immediately pivots to the critical caveat that this liberty must not cause a weaker brother to stumble or lead one into spiritual compromise. Chapter [1 Corinthians 9](/1_corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Example of Self-Denial") then illustrates Paul's own willingness to forgo rights for the sake of the gospel, setting the stage for the warnings in [1 Corinthians 10](/1_corinthians/10 "1 Corinthians 10 - Warnings from Israel's History"). Here, Paul uses the historical examples of Israel's failures in the wilderness (e.g., idolatry, grumbling, sexual immorality) to caution the Corinthians against similar pitfalls, culminating in the explicit warning of [1 Corinthians 10:20](/1_corinthians/10-20 "1 Corinthians 10:20 - Warning Against Idolatry") and the subsequent contrast between the Lord's Table and the table of demons in [1 Corinthians 10:21](/1_corinthians/10-21 "1 Corinthians 10:21 - The Lord's Table vs. The Table of Demons").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a major commercial hub, renowned for its wealth, diverse population, and numerous pagan temples dedicated to deities like Aphrodite, Apollo, and Poseidon. Public life often revolved around religious festivals, civic feasts, and guild dinners, many of which involved the consumption of meat that had been sacrificed to idols. For new converts from pagan backgrounds, navigating these social customs presented a significant challenge. While they understood the monotheistic nature of Christianity, the social pressure to participate in these events was immense. Paul's letter addresses the specific dilemma of whether Christians could participate in these feasts, buy meat from temple markets, or simply maintain social ties without compromising their faith. The cultural understanding of sacrifice was that it established a communion or fellowship between the worshiper and the deity, making Paul's warning against "fellowship with devils" particularly potent in this context.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within 1 Corinthians and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it unmasks **the spiritual reality behind idolatry**, revealing that pagan worship is not merely a misguided human endeavor but an engagement with malevolent spiritual forces, challenging the common perception of idols as inert objects (cf. [Deuteronomy 32:17](/deuteronomy/32-17 "Deuteronomy 32:17 - Sacrifices to Demons")). Secondly, it underscores the **exclusivity of true worship**, asserting that one cannot simultaneously partake in the worship of God and the worship of demons; there is an inherent incompatibility between the [Lord's Table](/1_corinthians/10-16 "1 Corinthians 10:16 - The Cup of Blessing and the Bread") and the "table of devils" ([1 Corinthians 10:21](/1_corinthians/10-21 "1 Corinthians 10:21 - The Lord's Table and the Table of Devils")). Finally, the verse highlights the **danger of spiritual compromise**, even in seemingly innocuous social settings. Paul's warning serves as a call for believers to maintain spiritual purity and unwavering allegiance to God, emphasizing that participation in practices linked to demonic worship, regardless of intent, can lead to spiritual defilement and a breach of one's covenant with God, echoing the warnings against idolatry found throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Commandment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gentiles (Greek, _éthnos'_):** This term, derived from _ethō_ (habit), refers to a race or tribe, specifically a foreign (non-Jewish) one, often implying paganism. In this context, it designates non-Israelite peoples who practiced polytheistic religions and offered sacrifices to various deities. Paul's use here highlights the contrast between the practices of those outside the covenant of God and the expected conduct of believers.
* **sacrifice (Greek, _thýō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to rush (breathe hard, blow, smoke)," which by implication refers to sacrificing, typically by fire, or generally to immolate or slaughter for any purpose. This word emphasizes the act of offering, a central component of ancient religious worship, signifying the dedication of something to a deity. Paul's use here underscores the intentionality and spiritual significance of the act, regardless of the worshiper's personal belief about the idol.
* **devils (Greek, _daimónion'_):** The neuter form of a derivative of _daimōn_, referring to a demonic being or, by extension, a deity. This term specifically denotes malevolent spiritual entities or lesser deities in the pagan pantheon, distinct from _diabolos_ (Satan). Paul's choice of _daimónion_ reveals that behind the physical idols and named gods of paganism lay actual, active, and malevolent spiritual forces.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But [I say], that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice":** Paul introduces a strong contrast ("But") to his previous discussion, asserting a definitive statement ("I say"). He refers to the offerings made by non-Jewish people, which in the Corinthian context would include public sacrifices at temples, private household rituals, and offerings made at civic or guild feasts. The emphasis is on the *act* of sacrificing, which is understood as an act of worship.
* **"they sacrifice to devils, and not to God":** This is the core revelation of the verse. Paul unequivocally states that the ultimate recipients of pagan sacrifices are not the inert idols or the named pagan gods, but actual "devils" (demonic spirits). This clarifies that pagan worship, far from being harmless or merely misguided, is a direct engagement with malevolent spiritual powers. The explicit contrast "and not to God" underscores the fundamental opposition between such worship and the worship due to the one true God.
* **"and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils":** Building on the preceding revelation, Paul expresses his strong desire and prohibition ("I would not") against believers having "fellowship" (_koinōnós_, meaning a sharer, associate, or partner) with these demonic entities. This "fellowship" implies participation, communion, or partnership. Since pagan sacrifices establish a communion with demons, participation in them is forbidden, as it would constitute a spiritual allegiance incompatible with one's allegiance to Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in [1 Corinthians 10:20](/1_corinthians/10-20 "1 Corinthians 10:20 - Warning Against Idolatry") to convey his urgent message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, directly contrasting "devils" with "God" to highlight the irreconcilable difference between pagan worship and true worship. This stark opposition serves to clarify the spiritual battle lines for the Corinthians. The verse also functions as a strong **Exhortation** or **Warning**, as Paul's "I would not that ye should have fellowship" is a direct and authoritative command, emphasizing the grave consequences of spiritual compromise. Furthermore, there is an element of **Revelation**, as Paul unveils the hidden spiritual reality behind idolatry, moving beyond the superficial appearance of inert idols to expose the demonic forces at play. This revelation serves to underscore the gravity of the Corinthian's actions and the need for spiritual discernment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration in [1 Corinthians 10:20](/1_corinthians/10-20 "1 Corinthians 10:20 - Warning Against Idolatry") is deeply rooted in Old Testament theology, particularly the consistent warnings against idolatry. It reveals that idolatry is never merely a cultural practice or a harmless superstition; it is a profound spiritual offense that involves allegiance to forces hostile to God. The Old Testament frequently portrays pagan deities as "no gods" in terms of their power and sovereignty, but also acknowledges the reality of spiritual beings behind them, often linking them to demonic entities. This verse reinforces the biblical understanding that the spiritual realm is active and that false worship is a direct affront to God, inviting demonic influence and severing true communion with the Creator. It underscores the absolute necessity of exclusive worship of the one true God and the inherent danger of any practice that compromises this allegiance.

* [Deuteronomy 32:17](/deuteronomy/32-17 "Deuteronomy 32:17 - Sacrifices to Demons"): "They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not."
* [Psalm 106:37](/psalm/106-37 "Psalm 106:37 - Sacrificing Children to Demons"): "Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils."
* [Revelation 9:20](/revelation/9-20 "Revelation 9:20 - Repentance from Idolatry"): "And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and of brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 10:20](/1_corinthians/10-20 "1 Corinthians 10:20 - Warning Against Idolatry") calls believers to a profound level of spiritual discernment and an unwavering commitment to exclusive devotion to God. While overt sacrifices to physical idols may be less common in many modern contexts, the underlying principle of idolatry remains powerfully relevant. Idolatry, at its heart, is anything that takes the place of God in our lives, demanding our ultimate allegiance, trust, and worship. This can manifest in subtle forms: the pursuit of wealth, power, status, personal comfort, or even relationships, if they become ultimate concerns that displace God. Paul's warning reminds us that behind seemingly benign worldly pursuits or philosophies, there can be spiritual forces at work that draw us away from God and into a form of "fellowship with devils." Therefore, believers must constantly examine their hearts, priorities, and practices, ensuring that their allegiance is undivided and that they are not participating, even indirectly or unknowingly, in anything that compromises their spiritual integrity or aligns them with forces contrary to God's kingdom. This requires a conscious choice to flee from every form of idolatry and to consecrate every aspect of life to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "idols" in my life or culture that subtly demand my ultimate allegiance or devotion, potentially displacing God?**
* **In what ways might I be unknowingly participating in "fellowship with devils" by compromising my Christian values for social acceptance, career advancement, or personal comfort?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize and resist the subtle influences of worldly systems that are contrary to God's will?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my worship and allegiance are exclusively directed towards God?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that all non-Christian religions are literally worshipping demons?**

Answer: Paul's statement in [1 Corinthians 10:20](/1_corinthians/10-20 "1 Corinthians 10:20 - Warning Against Idolatry") indicates that behind the physical idols and named deities of paganism, there are genuine, malevolent spiritual entities at work. He is not necessarily saying that every individual worshiper consciously intends to worship a demon, but rather that the *act* of offering sacrifices to false gods, regardless of the worshiper's subjective intent, objectively aligns them with demonic powers rather than with the one true God. This aligns with the biblical understanding that there is a spiritual reality behind all false worship, and that idolatry is a form of spiritual rebellion that opens the door to demonic influence, as seen in Old Testament passages like [Deuteronomy 32:17](/deuteronomy/32-17 "Deuteronomy 32:17 - Sacrifices to Demons"). It underscores the exclusivity of God's claim to worship and the spiritual danger of any deviation from it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 10:20](/1_corinthians/10-20 "1 Corinthians 10:20 - Warning Against Idolatry") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who decisively defeated the very "devils" to whom the Gentiles sacrificed. The Old Testament consistently warned against idolatry, revealing the spiritual emptiness and danger of worshipping anything other than the one true God. Christ, through His incarnation, sinless life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, disarmed and triumphed over all spiritual powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He became the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, fulfilling all previous sacrifices and liberating humanity from the bondage of sin and the dominion of demonic forces ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death and the Devil")). Through faith in Him, believers are brought into true fellowship with God, the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ ([1 John 1:3](/1_john/1-3 "1 John 1:3 - Fellowship with God")), and are called to separate themselves from all forms of idolatry, knowing that Christ has established His kingdom and reigns supreme over all other powers ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20-22 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Supremacy")). His victory means that believers are no longer compelled to have "fellowship with devils" but are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of exclusive devotion and worship to God alone.

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

Revelation 9:20

And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:

Deuteronomy 32:16

They provoked him to jealousy with strange [gods], with abominations provoked they him to anger.

Deuteronomy 32:17

They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new [gods that] came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.

Psalms 106:37

Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,

Psalms 106:39

Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

2 Chronicles 11:15

And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made.