Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 10:14

What does 1 Corinthians 10:14 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 10:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 10:14 means

“Wherefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” The only wise response to a spiritual danger that entangles the heart is not debate but flight. Love motivates the command: Paul speaks tenderly because idolatry destroys fellowship with God and harms the church. Fleeing means refusing contexts and practices that celebrate rival allegiances, even if the food or setting seems harmless. True freedom runs from what enslaves. For Corinth, this meant declining invitations that placed them at pagan tables and avoiding any action that signaled participation in false worship. The path of escape in temptation is often distance. Fleeing idolatry preserves joy, purity, and unity under the Lord Jesus.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Wherefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Wherefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For this cause, my dear brothers, give no worship to false gods.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Wherefore, my beloved, flee from the idolatry;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Wherefore, my dearly beloved, fly from the service of idols.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Wherefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

Context

With warnings and promises established, Paul states the practical directive. The “wherefore” connects the command to the examples of Israel and God’s faithfulness in verse 13. From here, verses 15–22 will supply theological reasoning: an appeal to the Corinthians’ wisdom, the meaning of the Lord’s Supper, Israel’s altar, and the demonic reality behind pagan sacrifices. This reasoning shows why fleeing is necessary—not just for appearances, but because of true spiritual communion at stake.

v.13There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it.

v.14This passage

v.15I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 John 5:21

    My little children, guard yourselves from idols.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:1

    Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

  • Philippians 4:1

    Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved.

  • Revelation 13:8

    And all that dwell on the earth shall worship him, every one whose name hath not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb that hath been slain.

  • Revelation 21:8

    But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.

  • Revelation 2:14

    But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there some that hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication.

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