King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 10:14 Mean?

1 Corinthians 10:14 in the King James Version says “Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.”

1 Corinthians 10:14 · KJV

Context

12

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. common: or, moderate

14

Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

15

I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

16

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry—The dioper (διόπερ, "wherefore/therefore") draws application from vv. 1-13: because Israel fell into idolatry despite covenant privileges, and because God is faithful to provide escape from temptation, the proper response is clear—flee (pheugete, φεύγετε, present imperative: "keep fleeing"). Don't linger, negotiate, or rationalize. Run from idolatry as Joseph fled Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39:12).

The tender address my dearly beloved (agapētoi mou, ἀγαπητοί μου) softens the command without diluting it. Paul loves them, which is why he warns urgently. Eidōlolatrias (εἰδωλολατρίας, "idolatry") isn't merely bowing to statues—it's any worship of created things over the Creator, any allegiance that competes with undivided loyalty to Christ.

This imperative transitions from historical examples to direct application. Flee doesn't mean merely avoid new idolatry; it means abandon current idolatrous practices. Some Corinthians were actively participating in temple banquets (8:10). Paul commands: stop immediately. Don't debate whether it's technically permissible—flee! Anything that divides your loyalty to Christ is functional idolatry requiring immediate abandonment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Corinth had numerous temples, including the prominent temple of Aphrodite and temples to various Roman and Greek deities. Guild meetings, business relationships, and social gatherings often occurred in temple precincts with sacrificial meals. Avoiding all such contexts required social and economic sacrifice. Paul insists fidelity to Christ demands this cost—fleeing idolatry isn't negotiable for those who belong to the true God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What "idols" in your life compete with undivided loyalty to Christ (money, status, comfort, relationships)?
  2. How can you distinguish between appropriate cultural engagement and idolatrous compromise?
  3. What would "fleeing" from specific idols look like practically in your daily life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
Διόπερ1 of 7

“Wherefore”

G1355

on which very account

ἀγαπητοί2 of 7

“dearly beloved”

G27

beloved

μου3 of 7

“my”

G3450

of me

φεύγετε4 of 7

“flee”

G5343

to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish

ἀπὸ5 of 7

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῆς6 of 7
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εἰδωλολατρείας7 of 7

“idolatry”

G1495

image-worship (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 10:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 10:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 21:81 John 5:211 Peter 2:112 Corinthians 7:1Revelation 22:152 Corinthians 6:17

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