1 Corinthians 10:21

KJV

Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye cannot {G3756}{G1410} drink {G4095} the cup {G4221} of the Lord {G2962}, and {G2532} the cup {G4221} of devils {G1140}: ye cannot {G3756}{G1410} be partakers {G3348} of the Lord's {G2962} table {G5132}, and {G2532} of the table {G5132} of devils {G1140}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You can’t drink both a cup of the Lord and a cup of demons, you can’t partake in both a meal of the Lord and a meal of demons.

Berean Standard Bible

You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons too.

American Standard Version

Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of demons: ye cannot partake of the table of the Lord, and of the table of demons.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 10:21 delivers a stark and unequivocal prohibition against divided spiritual loyalties, asserting the absolute incompatibility of participating in the Lord's Supper—a symbol of communion with Christ—with any involvement in pagan sacrificial rites. Paul uses the vivid imagery of "the cup of the Lord" and "the Lord's table" set against "the cup of devils" and "the table of devils" to underscore that fellowship with God is mutually exclusive with fellowship, even indirect, with demonic powers. This verse serves as a foundational declaration of exclusive allegiance to Christ, demanding a clear separation from all forms of idolatry and practices that honor other spiritual entities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section (1 Corinthians 8-10) where Paul addresses the complex issue of eating meat sacrificed to idols. Having previously emphasized the principle of not causing a weaker brother to stumble by exercising one's freedom (as seen in [1 Corinthians 8](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Sacrificed to Idols")), Paul shifts in [1 Corinthians 10](/1_corinthians/10 "1 Corinthians 10 - Warnings from Israel's History and Idolatry") to warn against the dangers of idolatry itself. He uses the historical examples of Israel's failures in the wilderness (e.g., the idolatry of the golden calf in [1 Corinthians 10:7](/1_corinthians/10-7 "1 Corinthians 10:7 - Israel's Idolatry")) as cautionary tales, demonstrating that spiritual privilege does not guarantee immunity from divine judgment. Verse 21, therefore, functions as a powerful theological conclusion to this argument, drawing a definitive line that participation in pagan feasts is not merely a matter of conscience or stumbling, but a direct affront to God's exclusive claim on His people. It builds on the preceding warning to "flee from idolatry" ([1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry")) and sets the stage for Paul's subsequent discussion on the practical implications for Christian conduct in the marketplace and social settings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub, renowned for its wealth, trade, and diverse religious practices. Pagan temples, such as those dedicated to Aphrodite, Apollo, and Asclepius, were central to civic and social life. Sacrificial meals, where portions of offerings were consumed by worshippers, were common occurrences, often held in temple precincts or private homes. Participation in these feasts was not merely a religious act but also a significant social and economic activity, often tied to guilds, public banquets, and community gatherings. For many Corinthian Christians, who had recently converted from paganism, navigating these social pressures and understanding the implications of their new faith for their daily lives was a significant challenge. Paul's instruction directly confronts the syncretistic tendencies that might have tempted believers to maintain ties with their former religious and social practices, emphasizing that Christian identity demanded a radical break from any form of allegiance to other deities or spiritual powers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates the theme of **Incompatible Allegiances**. Paul asserts that it is impossible to simultaneously serve God and engage in practices that honor other spiritual entities. The imagery of "the cup of the Lord" and "the Lord's table" (representing communion with Christ through His sacrifice, as detailed in [1 Corinthians 10:16-17](/1_corinthians/10-16-17 "1 Corinthians 10:16-17 - The Lord's Supper as Communion")) is directly contrasted with "the cup of devils" and "the table of devils" (representing pagan sacrificial meals). This highlights the fundamental opposition between worship of the true God and any form of idolatry or demon worship, underscoring the call for [exclusive devotion to God](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters"). Furthermore, the verse reveals the **Spiritual Reality Behind Idolatry**. Paul clarifies that pagan worship, though seemingly directed at lifeless idols, is in reality an offering to and fellowship with demons ([1 Corinthians 10:20](/1_corinthians/10-20 "1 Corinthians 10:20 - Sacrifices to Demons")). This perspective transforms what might appear to be a mere cultural practice into a grave spiritual danger, as participating in such feasts meant entering into a form of communion with malevolent spiritual entities, which is utterly incompatible with the Christian's communion with Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cannot (Greek, _dýnamai'_):** This word, often translated as "to be able" or "possible," is preceded by the absolute negative "ou" (G3756), forming a strong prohibition: "you are not able." It signifies an inherent impossibility, not merely a moral injunction. Paul is not saying it is inadvisable, but fundamentally impossible to simultaneously participate in two mutually exclusive spiritual realities. This emphasizes the radical nature of Christian commitment and the exclusive claims of God.
* **devils (Greek, _daimónion'_):** This term refers to "demonic beings" or "demons," not the singular Devil (Satan) himself. Paul's use of the plural emphasizes that behind the various pagan idols and their associated feasts are a multitude of malevolent spiritual entities. This reveals the true spiritual adversary at play in idolatrous practices, transforming what might seem like harmless cultural customs into direct engagement with forces hostile to God.
* **partakers (Greek, _metéchō'_):** Derived from "meta" (with) and "echō" (to have), this word signifies "to share," "to participate," or "to have a part in." It implies a deep, intimate fellowship and communion, not just casual attendance or observation. To be a "partaker" of the Lord's table means to share in Christ's body and blood, signifying a covenant relationship and unity. Conversely, being a "partaker" of the table of devils means entering into a similar, albeit opposing and destructive, spiritual fellowship with demonic powers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils:"** This first clause uses the metaphor of drinking from a cup, which in ancient contexts often symbolized one's destiny, portion, or participation in a covenant or shared experience. "The cup of the Lord" refers to the cup of blessing in the Lord's Supper, representing participation in Christ's atoning sacrifice and the new covenant established through His blood. The "cup of devils" refers to the libations and drinks consumed in pagan sacrificial feasts, representing communion with the demonic entities believed to be behind the idols. Paul declares that these two forms of communion are fundamentally incompatible and mutually exclusive; one cannot simultaneously pledge allegiance to Christ and partake in activities that honor demonic powers.
* **"ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils."** This second clause reinforces the first, using the parallel imagery of "tables." "The Lord's table" refers to the communal meal of the Lord's Supper, signifying fellowship with Christ and His body, the Church. "The table of devils" refers to the sacrificial meals eaten in pagan temples or homes, which Paul identifies as communion with demons. The repetition of "ye cannot be partakers" (using the Greek _metéchō_) underscores the impossibility of sharing in both spiritual realities. This is not merely a matter of physical presence but of spiritual allegiance and active participation in opposing systems of worship and fellowship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is a powerful example of **Antithesis**, directly contrasting "the cup of the Lord" and "the Lord's table" with "the cup of devils" and "the table of devils." This stark opposition highlights the absolute incompatibility of Christian worship and pagan practices. The use of "cannot" (Greek: _ou dýnamai_) functions as an emphatic **Prohibition**, not merely a suggestion, but a declaration of inherent impossibility, reinforcing the exclusive nature of allegiance to God. Furthermore, the "cup" and "table" serve as potent **Metaphors** for spiritual communion and fellowship. They represent not just physical objects or meals, but the deep, covenantal sharing of identity and destiny with either the Lord or demonic forces. The parallelism in the two clauses ("cup of the Lord... cup of devils" and "Lord's table... table of devils") adds to the rhetorical force, driving home the central message of exclusive devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the biblical principle of exclusive worship and the radical separation required of God's people from idolatry. It reveals that idolatry is not merely a misguided religious practice but a direct engagement with malevolent spiritual forces, making any compromise a betrayal of one's covenant with God. The imagery of the "Lord's table" and "cup" connects directly to the new covenant established in Christ's blood, signifying a unique and holy communion that cannot be shared with anything impure or hostile to God. This theological truth demands a clear and uncompromising stand, recognizing that divided loyalties are an affront to God's sovereignty and His demand for our wholehearted devotion.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Love the Lord Your God")
* [Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Choose Whom You Will Serve")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14-16](/2_corinthians/6-14-16 "2 Corinthians 6:14-16 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While modern Christians may not face the direct temptation of eating meat sacrificed to physical idols, the principle of 1 Corinthians 10:21 remains profoundly relevant. This verse calls believers to examine their allegiances and ensure that nothing competes with their devotion to Christ. Contemporary "tables of devils" might include anything that subtly or overtly demands our ultimate loyalty, time, resources, or affections in a way that diminishes our commitment to God. This could manifest as an excessive pursuit of wealth, power, fame, pleasure, or even self-worship, where these pursuits become functional idols. It also applies to participating in philosophies, ideologies, or social practices that contradict the teachings of Christ, attempting to blend Christian values with worldly systems that are fundamentally opposed to God's kingdom. The verse reminds us that true Christian living requires an uncompromising stand for Christ and a clear separation from anything that would draw us away from Him. Our participation in the Lord's Supper signifies our exclusive covenant with God, and this commitment must be reflected in all areas of our lives, ensuring our loyalty is undivided and our worship pure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "tables" or "cups" in my life might be subtly competing for my allegiance to Christ?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise my Christian values to fit in with cultural or social norms?**
* **How does my participation in the Lord's Supper inform my daily choices regarding what I consume, pursue, and align myself with?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean Christians cannot eat food that was once offered to idols, even if they don't participate in the ritual?**

Answer: Not necessarily. Paul's primary concern in [1 Corinthians 10:21](/1_corinthians/10-21 "1 Corinthians 10:21 - Incompatible Communions") is about active participation in the *ritual* of pagan sacrificial feasts, which he identifies as communion with demons. He distinguishes this from simply eating meat sold in the marketplace that *might* have been part of a sacrifice, but without the ritualistic context. In [1 Corinthians 10:25-27](/1_corinthians/10-25-27 "1 Corinthians 10:25-27 - Eating Meat in the Market and at a Meal"), Paul states that believers can eat whatever is sold in the meat market "asking no questions for conscience' sake," and if invited to a meal by an unbeliever, they can eat what is set before them. The key distinction is whether the act constitutes active participation in idolatry or causes a weaker brother to stumble, rather than the mere origin of the food itself. The prohibition in [1 Corinthians 10:21](/1_corinthians/10-21 "1 Corinthians 10:21 - Incompatible Communions") is against dual spiritual allegiances, not against the food itself in all contexts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Corinthians 10:21 finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "cup of the Lord" and "the Lord's table" are direct references to the new covenant established through Christ's sacrificial death. Before His crucifixion, Jesus Himself instituted the Supper, declaring the cup to be "the new covenant in my blood" ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood")). This act fundamentally redefines communion, making it exclusively centered on His finished work. Christ, as the Lamb of God, perfectly atoned for sin, thereby disarming and triumphing over the very "principalities and powers" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")) that Paul identifies as "devils" behind pagan worship. Through His single, sufficient sacrifice, Jesus offers a unique and exclusive path to fellowship with God, rendering any attempt to commune with other spiritual entities not only impossible but utterly unnecessary and offensive. His victory means that believers are no longer enslaved to the spiritual forces that once held humanity captive, but are now free to serve the one true God, having been bought with a price ([1 Corinthians 6:20](/1_corinthians/6-20 "1 Corinthians 6:20 - Bought with a Price")). Thus, the stark prohibition of 1 Corinthians 10:21 is not merely a legalistic command but a joyful declaration of the exclusive and all-sufficient communion made possible through Christ, who demands our undivided loyalty because He has already secured our complete redemption.

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

Matthew 6:24

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

1 Kings 18:21

¶ And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD [be] God, follow him: but if Baal, [then] follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

2 Corinthians 6:15

And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

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,

Isaiah 65:11

¶ But ye [are] they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number.

1 Corinthians 10:16

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

Deuteronomy 32:37

And he shall say, Where [are] their gods, [their] rock in whom they trusted,