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.

1 CORINTHIANS 10:20KJV
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1 Corinthians 10:20 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 10:20 mean?

1 Corinthians 10:20 warns that when non-Jewish people (Gentiles) offer sacrifices, they are actually offering them to evil spirits (called "devils" in the KJV) rather than to the true God. Paul urges the Christians in Corinth not to participate in these sacrifices, so they do not share any connection or partnership with these evil spirits.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, a city where idol worship and pagan sacrifices were common. He is explaining that behind these sacrifices, there is a spiritual reality that is not harmless or neutral. Paul’s main concern is that Christians should not mix their worship of God with practices that involve other spiritual beings, which he identifies as "devils" or evil spirits.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 10:20

  • "devils" (δαιμόνια, daimonia): This Greek word refers to evil spirits or demons, not just false gods or idols. Paul is emphasizing that pagan sacrifices have a real spiritual dimension, not just empty ritual.
  • "fellowship" (κοινωνός, koinōnos): This word means sharing, partnership, or participation. Paul’s warning is that joining in these sacrifices creates a real spiritual connection with evil spirits, not just a social or cultural association.
  • "Gentiles" (ἔθνη, ethnē): This term refers to non-Jewish people, often used in the New Testament to mean those outside the faith community. Paul is distinguishing between the practices of Gentiles and the worship of the one true God.

Why 1 Corinthians 10:20 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul sees idol worship as spiritually dangerous, not just a matter of cultural difference or personal preference.
  • Paul’s warning helps explain why Christians in Corinth should avoid participating in pagan rituals, even if they seem harmless or are part of social gatherings.
  • The verse connects to Paul’s larger teaching in this chapter about the importance of loyalty to God and the spiritual risks of compromising with practices rooted in other religions.

Where else these words appear

“fellowship” Greek G2844 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 23:30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
  • Hebrews 10:33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

“sacrifice” Greek G2380 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 22:4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.
  • Luke 15:30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
  • Acts 11:7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.

“devils” Greek G1140 · used in 52 verses

  • Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
  • Mark 9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
  • Luke 11:14 And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.