Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 10:15

What does 1 Corinthians 10:15 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 10:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 10:15 means

Paul treats the Corinthians as capable of discernment: “I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.” He invites them to weigh his argument, not as children, but as those taught by the gospel. True wisdom recognizes realities beneath outward forms. Eating and drinking seem ordinary, but when attached to worship, they signify and effect participation. Paul’s appeal honors their minds and seeks their agreement, not mere compliance. He wants them to see that sharing in sacred meals unites them with the altar or deity they honor. If they judge fairly, they will conclude that idolatrous feasts cannot coexist with faithful communion with Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

What I am saying is for wise men, do you be the judges of it.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

as to wise men I speak--judge ye what I say:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I speak as to wise men: judge ye yourselves what I say.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I speak as to intelligent [persons]: do ye judge what I say.

Context

This verse introduces the explanatory section that follows the command to flee idolatry. Rather than coercing, Paul calls for thoughtful evaluation. He will present three illustrations: the Lord’s Supper (vv.16–17), Israel’s sacrificial meals (v.18), and pagan sacrifices (vv.19–21). This structure allows the Corinthians to compare forms of communion and perceive the spiritual incompatibility of mixing them. Verse 16 begins with the meaning of the Christian cup and bread.

v.14Wherefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

v.15This passage

v.16The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a communion of the body of Christ?

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 14:20

    Brethren, be not children in mind: yet in malice be ye babes, but in mind be men.

  • Job 34:2

    Hear my words, ye wise men; And give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:10

    We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye have glory, but we have dishonor.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:5

    I say this to move you to shame. What, cannot there be found among you one wise man who shall be able to decide between his brethren,

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:21

    prove all things; hold fast that which is good;

  • 1 Corinthians 8:1

    Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth.

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