TRV
1 Corinthians 10:20
Bible Versions
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.
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!
No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons.
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.
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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.
In 1 Corinthians 10:20, the Apostle Paul issues a stark warning to the Corinthian believers regarding their participation in pagan rituals and the consumption of food sacrificed to idols. This verse is a critical point in his broader discussion (spanning chapters 8-10) about Christian liberty, conscience, and avoiding spiritual compromise.
Context
The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan center filled with various pagan temples and practices. Many new converts had come directly out of idolatry. Paul had previously taught that an idol itself is "nothing" in the sense that it has no inherent divine power (1 Corinthians 8:4). However, here he clarifies that while the idol might be inert, the act of sacrificing to it is not. The issue isn't the idol's substance, but the spiritual forces behind the worship. This verse serves as a strong caution against any form of participation in pagan worship, even if done casually or ignorantly.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word translated "devils" in this verse is daimonia (δαιμόνια), which refers to demonic spirits or lesser deities, distinct from diabolos (διάβολος), which typically refers to Satan himself. Paul's use of daimonia reinforces the idea that behind the many pagan gods and idols were actual, malevolent spiritual beings. This insight underscores the gravity of engaging in idolatrous practices and the reality of spiritual warfare.
Practical Application
While modern society may not involve overt sacrifices to physical idols, the principle of fleeing from idolatry remains profoundly relevant. This verse challenges believers to consider what they truly give their allegiance and devotion to. Any pursuit, desire, or object that takes the place of God in our lives can become a form of idolatry. Paul's message calls for absolute devotion to God and a clear separation from anything that could compromise spiritual integrity or draw us into communion with spiritual forces contrary to Him. It encourages discernment in all areas of life, reminding us that there are spiritual realities behind worldly practices and philosophies.