What does 1 Corinthians 10:20 mean?

Explanation

The verse from 1 Corinthians 10:20 is a part of Apostle Paul's instruction to the Corinthian church concerning idolatry.

Paul is emphasizing that the sacrifices made by the Gentiles (non-Jews) on the altars of idols are not actually made to God but to demons.

In the context of this verse, "devils" refers to demonic forces or the spiritual entities that Paul perceived to be behind the idols.

The warning is against inadvertently participating in the worship of demons by partaking in the sacrificial meals associated with pagan worship practices.

Historical Context

The historical context of 1 Corinthians 10:20 is the city of Corinth during the first century A.D., a cosmopolitan environment with a diverse mix of Greek, Roman, and eastern deities.

It was common for the meat sold in the marketplace to have been sacrificed to idols before being sold.

Consequently, the early Christians in Corinth faced a dilemma on whether it was permissible to eat such meat. Paul addresses these concerns by providing guidance on how to deal with food sacrificed to idols and the broader issue of idolatry.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, many Christian traditions interpret this verse as a clear denouncement of participation in any form of idolatry, as it would amount to fellowship with evil spiritual forces.

The warning against idolatry is consistent with the First Commandment in the Old Testament, which instructs the faithful to worship no other gods besides Yahweh.

The verse implies that while idols themselves are not divine, they are considered to represent real spiritual beings, which are contrary to the God of the Bible.

Practical Applications

In a modern context, the teachings of this verse can be applied as a caution against engaging in practices or rituals that are not consistent with Christian beliefs, even if they are deemed socially or culturally acceptable.

This might include avoiding participation in non-Christian religious ceremonies, or more broadly, rejecting any practices that could be seen as giving honor or authority to anything other than God.

Cross-References

• 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."
• 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:"
• Psalm 106:37 - "Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,"

Language Study

The key word in the original Greek text for the word "devils" in this verse is "δαιμόνιοις" (daimoniois), which is the dative plural form of "δαιμόνιον" (daimonion).

This term commonly referred to a spirit or divine power, often regarded as evil or morally ambiguous.

The act of sacrificing "θύσαντες" (thysantes) implies a religious ritual in offering to a deity.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Paul's distinction between sacrifices made to God and those made to demons has parallels in other ancient religions.

In the Greco-Roman world, it was common to offer sacrifices to various gods, often for favor or as part of civic religion.

This contrasted with Jewish monotheistic worship which was exclusive to Yahweh.

Ancient myths frequently feature lesser divine beings, and Paul's message can be interpreted as his effort to reorient worship solely toward the Christian God, in opposition to this pluralistic pantheon.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the concept of sacrificing to gods or demons is not something that can be readily evaluated. Science approaches phenomena from a standpoint of observable, measurable events, and supernatural claims fall outside of this realm.

Thus, modern science remains neutral on matters of faith and spiritual beliefs, acknowledging such practices as part of human cultural and psychological experiences.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians provide various insights on this verse.

Some highlight Paul's deep concern for the spiritual well-being of the Corinthians, cautioning against the corrupting influence of pagan worship.

Others may note that Paul's teaching reflects an understanding of the spiritual realm that was typical of the Jewish worldview in the Second Temple period, which acknowledged the existence of supernatural beings opposed to the God of Israel.

Commentators also often discuss how Paul's advice here fits into his broader ethical instructions in his letters to the early Christian communities.