1 Corinthians 10:22
What does 1 Corinthians 10:22 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 10:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 10:22 means
“Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?” Paul uses covenant language: the Lord’s jealousy is His holy zeal to guard His people’s exclusive devotion. To flirt with other tables is to arouse His righteous response. The rhetorical question exposes the folly of challenging God’s power, as if we could withstand Him. It is better to submit to His wise commands than to test the limits of His patience. The Corinthians must see that idolatry is not just unwise; it is an affront to the Lord who bought them. Reverent fear and grateful love should keep them from any practice that stirs His jealousy.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Or may we be the cause of envy to the Lord? are we stronger than he?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862do we arouse the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than He?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? All things are lawful for me: but all things are not expedient.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
Context
Having declared the impossibility of dual communion, Paul concludes the idolatry section with a sobering covenant warning. This caps the theological case against participating in pagan feasts. From here, verses 23–33 outline broader principles for exercising Christian liberty in daily eating and social situations, shifting from temple banquets to marketplace meat and private hospitality, always with the goals of edification, neighbor-love, and God’s glory.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Job 9:4
He iswise in heart, and mighty in strength: Who hath hardened himself against him, and prospered?—
- Joshua 24:19
And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve Jehovah; for he is a holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgression nor your sins.
- Zephaniah 1:18
Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of Jehovah’s wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he will make an end, yea, a terrible end, of all them that dwell in the land.
- Ecclesiastes 6:10
Whatsoever hath been, the name thereof was given long ago; and it is known what man is; neither can he contend with him that is mightier than he.
- Deuteronomy 4:24
For Jehovah thy God is a devouring fire, a jealous God.
- Hebrews 10:31
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Corinthians 10
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Corinthians 10.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
Topic
Bible Verses About Complaining
The Bible consistently warns against complaining, portraying it as a sign of distrust in God and a hindrance to joy and spiritual growth
Topic
Bible Verses About Faithfulness
Faithfulness describes a person’s loyal and steadfast devotion to God, and also God’s unchanging, unfailing character.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You're Struggling With Addiction
When the cycle won't break — verses for the long road home.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Your Marriage Is Falling Apart
When the silence at home is louder than the words — verses to pray for your marriage.