1 Corinthians 10:21 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 10:21 mean?

1 Corinthians 10:21 says that a person cannot truly share in both the things that belong to the Lord and the things that belong to evil spiritual powers at the same time. Paul is warning that people cannot mix worship of God with participation in practices connected to idols or demons.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, a city where idol worship and pagan feasts were common. He is addressing Christians who might have thought it was harmless to join in meals or rituals at pagan temples while also taking part in the Lord’s Supper. Paul’s point is that loyalty to God means turning away from anything tied to false gods.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 10:21

• "cannot" (οὐ δύνασθε, ou dynasthe): This phrase means "you are not able" or "it is not possible." Paul is stressing that it is not just wrong, but actually impossible to fully belong to both the Lord and to evil spiritual powers.
• "cup" (ποτήριον, potērion): The "cup" refers to the shared drink in a religious meal. For Christians, this is the cup of the Lord’s Supper, symbolizing fellowship with Christ. Sharing a "cup" in pagan temples meant joining in their spiritual fellowship.
• "devils" (δαιμόνιον, daimonion): This word refers to evil spiritual beings, not just lifeless idols. Paul is making clear that pagan worship involves real spiritual forces opposed to God.
• "partakers" (μετέχω, metechō): This means to share in or participate with. Paul is saying that joining in both the Lord’s table and pagan rituals is a real act of spiritual participation, not just a harmless meal.

Why 1 Corinthians 10:21 matters

• This verse clears up the idea that religious rituals are just empty symbols; Paul shows that participating in them has real spiritual meaning and consequences.
• Paul’s warning highlights the seriousness of loyalty to God, especially in a culture where mixing religious practices was common.
• The verse connects to Paul’s larger argument in 1 Corinthians 8–10 about how Christians should handle situations involving food offered to idols, showing that some actions cross a line from personal freedom into spiritual danger.