Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.

1 CORINTHIANS 10:21KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“partakers” Greek G3348 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 9:10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
  • Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

“table” Greek G5132 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 15:27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.
  • Luke 16:21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
  • John 2:15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;

“cup” Greek G4221 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
  • Mark 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
  • John 18:11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

“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.