King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 10:21 Mean?

1 Corinthians 10:21 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 10:21 · KJV

Context

19

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

20

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.

21

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.

22

Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

23

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—Paul draws the stark conclusion: dual participation is impossible. The verb ou dynasthe (οὐ δύνασθε, "ye cannot/are not able") indicates not just prohibition but impossibility. This isn't "you shouldn't" but "you cannot"—it's spiritually, logically, and covenantally incoherent to claim fellowship with both Christ and demons.

The cup of the Lord versus the cup of devils; the Lord's table versus the table of devils creates direct antithesis. These are mutually exclusive covenants. Just as a wife cannot be simultaneously faithful to her husband and committing adultery, Christians cannot maintain covenant loyalty to Christ while participating in demon-worship. The parallelism emphasizes totality—not just avoiding the cup or the table, but both.

The word trapezēs (τραπέζης, "table") evokes covenant meals that establish binding relationships. Ancient treaties were sealed with shared meals. To eat at someone's table meant entering their protection, loyalty, and fellowship. Christians eat at the Lord's table, establishing covenant bond with Him. To then eat at demons' table commits covenant treason—spiritual adultery that provokes divine jealousy (v. 22).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Mediterranean culture understood table fellowship as creating binding social and spiritual obligations. To share a meal was to enter mutual commitment. Corinthian Christians who attended temple banquets (for business, social, or family reasons) while also taking communion thought they could compartmentalize these spheres. Paul insists covenant fellowship is indivisible—Christ demands exclusive loyalty, making dual participation impossible without spiritual catastrophe.

Reflection Questions

  1. What dual allegiances in your life might seem compatible but actually constitute spiritual adultery against Christ?
  2. How does the image of Christ's "table" versus demons' "table" clarify the stakes of seemingly minor compromises?
  3. In what areas are you tempted to compartmentalize life into "spiritual" and "secular" zones rather than offering Christ comprehensive lordship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
οὐ1 of 16

“Ye cannot”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δύνασθε2 of 16
G1410

to be able or possible

ποτήριον3 of 16

“the cup”

G4221

a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate

κυρίου4 of 16

“of the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

πίνειν5 of 16

“drink”

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

καὶ6 of 16

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ποτήριον7 of 16

“the cup”

G4221

a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate

δαιμονίων8 of 16

“of devils”

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

οὐ9 of 16

“Ye cannot”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δύνασθε10 of 16
G1410

to be able or possible

τραπέζης11 of 16

“of the table”

G5132

a table or stool (as being four-legged), usually for food (figuratively, a meal); also a counter for money (figuratively, a broker's office for loans

κυρίου12 of 16

“of the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

μετέχειν13 of 16

“be partakers”

G3348

to share or participate; by implication, belong to, eat (or drink)

καὶ14 of 16

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τραπέζης15 of 16

“of the table”

G5132

a table or stool (as being four-legged), usually for food (figuratively, a meal); also a counter for money (figuratively, a broker's office for loans

δαιμονίων16 of 16

“of devils”

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

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 10:21 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 10:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 6:241 Kings 18:212 Corinthians 6:15-17Isaiah 65:111 Corinthians 10:16Deuteronomy 32:37-38

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