What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?

1 CORINTHIANS 10:19KJV
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1 Corinthians 10:19 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 10:19 mean?

1 Corinthians 10:19 asks whether an idol or the food sacrificed to idols has any real significance or power. Paul is making the point that idols themselves are not truly anything, nor does the food offered to them become special or different because of the sacrifice.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, a city where idol worship and pagan sacrifices were common. He is responding to questions about whether eating food offered to idols is spiritually dangerous or meaningful. In this verse, Paul is clarifying that the physical idol and the sacrificed food have no real spiritual substance or power in themselves.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 10:19

  • εἴδωλον (eidōlon, "idol"): This word refers to a physical image or statue representing a god. Paul uses it to stress that these objects are not real gods and have no true existence or power.
  • θυσία (thusia, "sacrifice"): While not directly tagged, the phrase "that which is offered in sacrifice to idols" refers to food dedicated to idols. Paul is highlighting that such offerings do not change the nature of the food itself.
  • τί (ti, "thing"): The Greek word for "thing" here means "anything of substance or importance." Paul is asking if idols or sacrifices have any real value or reality, expecting the answer to be "no."

Why 1 Corinthians 10:19 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that Paul is not teaching that idols or their sacrifices have any real spiritual power, which would have been a concern for new Christians coming out of pagan backgrounds.
  • It sets up the argument that the real issue is not the idol or the food itself, but what participating in idol worship might mean for a believer's relationship with God.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage where Paul warns against participating in pagan rituals, not because of the objects themselves, but because of what they represent and the spiritual realities behind them.

Where else these words appear

“idols” Greek G1494 · used in 10 verses

  • Acts 15:29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:

“idol” Greek G1497 · used in 11 verses

  • Acts 7:41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

“I” Greek G5346 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
  • Luke 22:58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
  • Acts 23:5 Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.