1 Corinthians 10:22

KJV

Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

KJV (with Strong's)

Do we provoke {G2228}{G3863} the Lord {G2962} to jealousy {G3863}? are we {G2070} stronger than {G3361}{G2478} he {G846}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Or are we trying to make the Lord jealous? We aren’t stronger than he is, are we?

Berean Standard Bible

Are we trying to provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?

American Standard Version

Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 10:22, the Apostle Paul delivers a potent rhetorical challenge to the Corinthian believers, urging them to consider the profound implications of spiritual compromise and idolatry. This verse serves as the climactic warning in a passage where Paul uses the historical failures of Israel as a cautionary tale, underscoring the absolute folly and danger of attempting to serve both God and idols. It forces the Corinthians to confront the reality of God's holy jealousy and His unchallengeable power, implicitly rebuking any presumption that they could engage in pagan practices without incurring divine displeasure or withstand His judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a significant section in [1 Corinthians 10](/1_corinthians/10 "1 Corinthians 10 - Warnings from Israel's History and Idolatry"), where Paul transitions from using Israel's wilderness experiences as a negative example of disobedience and idolatry (verses 1-13) to directly addressing the Corinthian believers' participation in pagan sacrificial meals. He emphasizes the spiritual communion inherent in partaking of the Lord's Supper, contrasting it sharply with the communion one enters into with demons by participating in idolatrous feasts (verses 14-21). The preceding verses, particularly [1 Corinthians 10:20-21](/1_corinthians/10-20-21 "1 Corinthians 10:20-21 - You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons"), explicitly state the incompatibility of these two tables. Verse 22 functions as a powerful, concluding rhetorical question, designed to shock the Corinthians into recognizing the gravity of their actions and the impossibility of defying God's exclusive claim to worship. It serves as a final, unanswerable challenge to their spiritual complacency.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, a melting pot of cultures and religions, notorious for its widespread idolatry and moral laxity. Pagan temples, such as the temple of Aphrodite, dominated the city's landscape, and participation in cultic feasts was deeply interwoven with social, economic, and political life. These feasts often involved eating meat sacrificed to idols, which was then sold in the marketplace or consumed in temple dining rooms. For new converts from paganism, navigating these social pressures while maintaining Christian fidelity was a significant challenge. Paul's warning directly confronts the Corinthian Christians' temptation to maintain ties with these pagan practices, perhaps viewing them as harmless social customs or believing their Christian liberty allowed such participation. The concept of "jealousy" attributed to a deity was not alien to the pagan world, but Paul redefines it in the context of the one true God's holy and exclusive nature, contrasting it with the capricious and often immoral jealousy of pagan gods.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 10:22](/1_corinthians/10-22 "1 Corinthians 10:22 - Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?") contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader epistle and Christian theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Jealousy**, portraying God not with human envy but with a holy zeal for His own glory and the exclusive devotion of His people, a concept deeply rooted in the Old Testament, as seen in [Deuteronomy 32:21](/deuteronomy/32-21 "Deuteronomy 32:21 - God's Jealousy"). This jealousy reflects His covenant faithfulness and His absolute right to worship. Another crucial theme is **God's Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, highlighted by the rhetorical question "are we stronger than he?" This underscores the futility of challenging God's authority or defying His will, reminding believers of their utter dependence on the Almighty. The verse also reinforces the **Seriousness of Idolatry**, emphasizing that it is not a minor transgression but a direct affront to God's supremacy, carrying severe spiritual consequences, as illustrated by the judgments upon Israel in [1 Corinthians 10:6-11](/1_corinthians/10-6-11 "1 Corinthians 10:6-11 - Warnings from Israel's History"). Finally, it touches on the theme of **Spiritual Purity and Exclusive Devotion**, calling believers to an undivided loyalty to Christ, free from any compromise with pagan practices or worldly allegiances that would dilute their worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **provoke (Greek, _parazēlóō'_):** This verb (G3863) means "to stimulate alongside," specifically "to excite to rivalry" or "to arouse to jealousy." In this context, it implies an intentional act that stirs God's righteous anger because His honor or exclusive right to worship is being challenged or given to another. It suggests a deliberate offense against His unique claim.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This noun (G2962) signifies "supreme in authority" or "controller." It is a respectful title for Master, God, or Sir. Here, it refers to the one true God, Yahweh, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty and rightful dominion over all creation and His people. To "provoke the Lord" is to challenge the ultimate authority.
* **stronger (Greek, _ischyrós'_):** This adjective (G2478) means "forcible," "mighty," "powerful," or "valiant." Applied comparatively ("stronger than he"), it highlights superior might or power. Paul's question, "are we stronger than he?", is designed to elicit an obvious and resounding "no," underscoring the utter foolishness and futility of attempting to contend with God's infinite power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy?"**: This is a direct, challenging rhetorical question. Paul is not asking for information but rather forcing the Corinthians to acknowledge the profound spiritual danger of their actions. To "provoke the Lord to jealousy" means to incite His righteous indignation by giving to another (idols, demons, worldly allegiances) the honor, worship, and exclusive devotion that rightfully belongs only to Him. This jealousy is not a human flaw but a divine attribute reflecting God's holy nature and His absolute claim on His people's hearts. It implies a breach of covenant and a direct affront to His unique supremacy.
* **"are we stronger than he?"**: This second rhetorical question immediately follows and amplifies the first. It challenges any underlying assumption of human autonomy or power that might lead the Corinthians to believe they could engage in spiritual compromise without consequence. The implied answer is a resounding "No!" It highlights the immense disparity between human weakness and God's omnipotence. To attempt to defy God's will or challenge His authority by provoking His jealousy is not only foolish but utterly futile, as no human or spiritual power can withstand His judgment or overcome His might.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs a **Rhetorical Question**. Paul uses two successive questions ("Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?") not to seek information, but to make a forceful assertion and to drive home an undeniable point. The questions are designed to compel the audience to reflect on the absurdity and danger of their actions, leading them to the only logical conclusion: one cannot provoke God's jealousy and expect to escape His power. There is also an element of **Personification** in attributing "jealousy" to God. While divine jealousy is a theological concept distinct from human envy, the use of the term helps the audience grasp the intensity of God's righteous indignation when His exclusive claim to worship is violated. Finally, there is a subtle **Irony** in the second question; the very act of presuming to "provoke" God implies a false sense of strength, which is immediately shattered by the direct challenge "are we stronger than he?", revealing the utter weakness and folly of humanity in comparison to divine power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Corinthians 10:22](/1_corinthians/10-22 "1 Corinthians 10:22 - Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?") powerfully articulates the biblical truth of God's holy and exclusive nature, demanding undivided allegiance from His people. This concept of divine jealousy is not a human emotion of envy, but a righteous zeal for His own glory and the purity of His covenant relationship. When His people turn to other gods or compromise their devotion, they are, in essence, challenging His unique supremacy and inviting His just judgment. The rhetorical questions underscore the absolute futility of such a challenge, emphasizing God's omnipotence and sovereignty over all things. Believers are reminded that to trifle with God's commands or His holiness is to stand against an insurmountable power, a path that inevitably leads to severe consequences, as illustrated throughout the Old Testament narratives of Israel's disobedience. This verse serves as a timeless warning against any form of idolatry, whether overt worship of other deities or the more subtle idolatry of placing anything—be it wealth, career, relationships, or self—above God in our lives.

* [Deuteronomy 6:15](/deuteronomy/6-15 "Deuteronomy 6:15 - The Lord is a jealous God")
* [Psalm 78:58](/psalms/78-58 "Psalm 78:58 - They provoked Him to jealousy")
* [Nahum 1:2](/nahum/1-2 "Nahum 1:2 - God is jealous and avenging")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 10:22](/1_corinthians/10-22 "1 Corinthians 10:22 - Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?") remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a stark reminder of the seriousness of our spiritual allegiances. In a world saturated with distractions and competing loyalties, this verse calls us to a radical self-examination: what truly holds the preeminent place in our hearts and lives? Anything that subtly or overtly displaces God's rightful position—whether it's the pursuit of material possessions, social status, personal comfort, or even good causes that become ultimate—can become a modern idol, subtly provoking the Lord's holy jealousy. We are called to recognize God's absolute sovereignty and unchallengeable power, fostering a profound humility and reverent submission to His will. This verse urges us to take our spiritual walk with utmost seriousness, understanding that casual disregard for God's commands or a presumptuous attitude toward His grace is a perilous path. It is a call to exclusive devotion, ensuring that our lives, actions, and worship consistently honor Him alone, acknowledging that we are utterly dependent on His strength, not our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "tables" or allegiances in my life might be subtly competing with my exclusive devotion to the Lord?**
* **In what ways might I be presuming upon God's grace or underestimating His holy character?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate that I acknowledge God's ultimate strength and sovereignty, rather than my own?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my worship and loyalty to God remain undivided?**

### FAQ
**What does "provoke the Lord to jealousy" mean in this context?**

Answer: In [1 Corinthians 10:22](/1_corinthians/10-22 "1 Corinthians 10:22 - Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?"), "provoke the Lord to jealousy" refers to inciting God's righteous indignation or holy zeal. This is not human envy, but a divine attribute that reflects His absolute claim to exclusive worship and devotion from His people. When believers engage in idolatry or spiritual compromise—like participating in pagan feasts as the Corinthians were tempted to do—they are, in essence, giving to another (idols, demons) the honor and allegiance that belongs solely to God. This act is seen as a direct challenge to His unique supremacy and a breach of the covenant relationship, thus "provoking" His holy jealousy and inviting His just judgment. It underscores the seriousness of idolatry and the necessity of undivided loyalty to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 10:22](/1_corinthians/10-22 "1 Corinthians 10:22 - Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is Himself the embodiment of God's exclusive claim and the revelation of His unchallengeable power. The "Lord" whom Paul warns against provoking is none other than the pre-existent Christ, through whom all things were created and for whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ is Creator and Sustainer")). To provoke the Father's jealousy is to provoke the Son, for Jesus declared, "I and the Father are one" ([John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus and the Father are One")). His resurrection from the dead ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Christ declared Son of God by resurrection")) demonstrates His supreme power, far exceeding any human or demonic strength, definitively answering the rhetorical question, "are we stronger than he?" Christ's authority is absolute, as He has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ")). Therefore, any act of spiritual compromise or idolatry is not merely an affront to an abstract deity, but a direct challenge to the reigning King, Jesus Christ, who demands and deserves our undivided worship and allegiance. His sacrifice on the cross ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")) was the ultimate act of God's jealous love to reclaim His people from the dominion of idols and sin, bringing them into a covenant relationship secured by His own blood, ensuring that His people belong exclusively to Him ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by the Blood of Christ")).

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

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.

Deuteronomy 32:16

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

Ezekiel 22:14

Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with thee? I the LORD have spoken [it], and will do [it].

Hebrews 10:31

[It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Ecclesiastes 6:10

That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it [is] man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.

Zephaniah 1:18

Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.

Job 40:9

Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?