Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY
Watchtower
ONLINE LIBRARY
English
  • BIBLE
  • PUBLICATIONS
  • MEETINGS
  • 1 Corinthians 10
  • New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

No video available for this selection.

Sorry, there was an error loading the video.

Overview of 1 Corinthians

    • E. CONSIDERATION FOR THE SPIRITUAL WELFARE OF FELLOW BELIEVERS (8:1–11:1)

      • 1. About food offered to idols (8:1-13)

        • Love superior to knowledge (8:1-3)

        • Avoid stumbling others over the eating of food offered to idols (8:4-13)

      • 2. Paul’s example as an apostle (9:1-27)

        • Right of ministers to receive material help (9:1-18)

        • Becoming all things to people of all sorts (9:19-23)

        • Self-control needed in the race for life (9:24-27)

      • 3. Warning examples from Israel’s history (10:1-22)

        • The Israelites in the wilderness (10:1-5)

        • Warnings against greediness, idolatry, immorality, and other evil things (10:6-11)

        • No one tempted beyond what he can bear (10:12, 13)

        • “Flee from idolatry”; reject the table of demons (10:14-22)

      • 4. Using Christian freedom in a considerate way (10:23–11:1)

        • “All things are lawful, but not all things build up” (10:23, 24)

        • Showing consideration for the conscience of others (10:25-30)

        • Doing all things for God’s glory; imitating Paul and Christ (10:31–11:1)

1 Corinthians 10:1

  • were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea: Paul here refers to a great miracle that took place during the Exodus in Moses’ day. Jehovah made the waters of the Red Sea stand up like walls on either side of the Israelites so that they could cross the seabed on dry ground. (Ex 14:21, 22, 29) The pillar of cloud signifying Jehovah’s protective care was above and behind them. (Ex 14:19, 24) The Israelites were thus “under the cloud” as they “passed through the sea.”

Marginal References

  • +Ex 13:21
  • +Ex 14:21, 22

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, p. 781

    Insight, Volume 2, pp. 436-437

    The Watchtower,

    6/15/2001, p. 14

    10/1/1959, pp. 581-583

    11/15/1951, pp. 681-683

  • Publications Index

    it-1 781; it-2 436-437; w01 6/15 14;

    ad 1181; li 111; g63 3/22 28; ns 97, 99; w59 582; sr55 124; nh 310; w51 682; w42 300; s 271

1 Corinthians 10:2

  • baptized into Moses: Or “immersed into Moses.” Paul here speaks about a symbolic baptism, or immersion, of the congregation of Israel. In this case, the Greek word ba·ptiʹzo signifies that the Israelite forefathers were being entrusted to Moses as their God-given leader. Jehovah did the baptizing by means of his angel. As the Israelites moved eastward on the bed of the Red Sea, they were surrounded by the waters and hidden from the pursuing army of Pharaoh by the cloud. God then figuratively lifted them out of these waters by bringing them onto the eastern shores as a free nation. (Ex 14:19, 22, 24, 25) To experience this baptism, the Israelites had to unite themselves with Moses and follow him through the sea. So this symbolic baptism was “into Moses” in that the people had to follow his leadership.

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, pp. 252-253, 483-484, 781

    Insight, Volume 2, pp. 436-437

    The Watchtower,

    6/15/2001, p. 14

    2/15/1982, p. 25

    10/1/1959, pp. 581-583

    11/15/1951, pp. 681-683

    Survival, p. 69

  • Publications Index

    it-1 252-253, 484, 781; it-2 436-437; w01 6/15 14;

    su 69; w82 2/15 25; ad 188, 1181; li 111; g66 5/22 28; ns 97, 99; w59 582; sr55 124; nh 310; w51 682; w48 106; w46 75; w42 300; s 271; ff 41; w34 103, 105

1 Corinthians 10:3

Marginal References

  • +Ex 16:14, 15

Indexes

  • Publications Index

    nh 310; w48 106

1 Corinthians 10:4

  • rock: The Greek word peʹtra in the feminine gender is rendered “rock,” and it may denote bedrock, a cliff, or a mass of rock. This Greek word also occurs at Mt 7:24, 25; 16:18; 27:60; Lu 6:48; 8:6; Ro 9:33; 1Pe 2:8. (See study note on Mt 16:18.) On at least two occasions and in two different locations, the Israelites received a miraculous provision of water from a rock. (Ex 17:5-7; Nu 20:1-11) Therefore, the rock as a source of water, in effect, followed them. The rock itself was symbolic, picturing the Christ, who said to the Jews: “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.”​—Joh 7:37.

    meant: Or “was.” Here the form of the Greek verb for “to be” has the sense of “to signify; to mean.”​—Compare study note on Mt 26:26.

Marginal References

  • +Ex 17:6; Ps 78:15
  • +Nu 20:11; Joh 4:10, 25; 7:37

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 2, p. 816

    Choosing, pp. 52-53

    Awake!,

    3/8/1977, p. 28

    Holy Spirit, p. 107

    The Watchtower,

    10/15/1968, pp. 639-640

    12/1/1963, pp. 735-736

    4/1/1963, pp. 214-215

    6/15/1959, pp. 378-379

    3/1/1953, pp. 156-158

    2/15/1952, pp. 104-106

  • Publications Index

    it-2 816;

    bw 52-53; g77 3/8 28; hs 107; ad 1416; w68 639; im 247; w63 215, 736; bf 428; g63 1/8 28; w59 378; yw 146; w53 157; nh 27, 310; w52 105; w49 13; w48 106; rw 40

1 Corinthians 10:5

Marginal References

  • +Nu 14:29, 35; Heb 3:17; Jude 5

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    6/15/2001, p. 14

    10/1/1965, pp. 587-589

    7/1/1952, pp. 391-392

  • Publications Index

    w01 6/15 14;

    w65 588; w52 392

1 Corinthians 10:6

  • examples: The plural form of the Greek word tyʹpos could in this context also be rendered “warning examples” or “lessons.” In this verse and in the following verses, Paul mentions several events in the history of God’s ancient people that can serve as powerful warning examples for Christians.

    not to desire injurious things: The Israelites began “to desire injurious things,” or “evil things,” as some Bibles render this expression, in part because of failing to appreciate the good things that Jehovah provided. For example, the Israelites repeatedly showed that they viewed the miraculously provided manna with contempt. (Nu 11:4-6; 21:5) Their unappreciative spirit manifested itself in a disgraceful display of greed when Jehovah provided them with an ample supply of quail to eat. The quail were not in themselves “injurious things,” any more than were the leeks, onions, and cucumbers that the Israelites were longing for. (Nu 11:19, 20, 31-34) It was the Israelites’ greedy, selfish longing that made these things “injurious” and “evil,” as Paul expressed it.

Marginal References

  • +Nu 11:4, 34; Ps 106:14

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    11/15/2010, p. 27

    6/15/2001, pp. 14-15

    5/15/1999, pp. 16-17

    3/1/1995, pp. 15-16

    1/15/1974, p. 63

    11/15/1972, p. 685

    10/1/1967, pp. 579-580

    9/15/1958, pp. 553-554

    11/1/1951, pp. 661-663

    “All Scripture,” p. 30

    Paradise Restored, p. 44

    ‘Know Jehovah’, p. 237

  • Publications Index

    w10 11/15 27; w01 6/15 14-15; w99 5/15 16-17; w95 3/1 15-16; si 30;

    w74 63; w72 685; pm 44; kj 237; w67 579; ns 132; w58 553; sr55 38; w51 662

1 Corinthians 10:7

  • Neither become idolaters, as some of them did: Paul here refers to the occasion when the Israelites worshipped a golden calf at the foot of Mount Sinai. (Ex 32:1-6) They directly violated Jehovah’s command against that wicked practice, a law that they had agreed to obey just a few weeks earlier. (Ex 20:4-6; 24:3) They apparently did not intend to reject Jehovah as their God; Aaron even called their idolatrous celebration “a festival to Jehovah.” However, the Israelites fell into the trap of trying to mix the worship of Jehovah with idolatry.

Marginal References

  • +Ex 32:4, 6

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    11/15/2010, p. 27

    6/15/2001, pp. 15-16

    5/15/1999, pp. 16-17

    3/1/1995, p. 16

    1/15/1974, p. 63

    10/1/1965, pp. 587-589

    1/15/1963, pp. 53-54

    ‘Know Jehovah’, p. 237

  • Publications Index

    w10 11/15 27; w01 6/15 15-16; w99 5/15 16-17; w95 3/1 16;

    w74 63; kj 237; g66 7/22 6; w65 588; w63 53

1 Corinthians 10:8

  • practice sexual immorality . . . committed sexual immorality: Just before the Israelites were to enter the Promised Land, Moabite women enticed thousands of them to commit sexual immorality and engage in the unclean worship of the Baal of Peor in Shittim on the Plains of Moab.​—Nu 25:1-3, 9; see study note on 1Co 5:1.

    23,000 of them in one day: Paul is apparently referring to the event described at Nu 25:9 as a strong warning against getting involved in sexual immorality. (See study note on 1Co 5:9.) Because Nu 25:9 says that “those who died from the scourge amounted to 24,000,” some have pointed to a seeming contradiction between that account and the figure that Paul gives here. However, Paul clearly specifies that the number here listed died “in one day,” likely meaning that 23,000 were directly killed by the scourge. The “leaders” of those people died at the hands of the judges after the initial scourge. (Nu 25:4, 5) It may be that the figure in Numbers is the total of all who died, including the leaders whom God held responsible for the sins of the people.

Marginal References

  • +Nu 25:1, 9

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, pp. 233, 863

    “God’s Love,” pp. 97-98

    The Watchtower,

    11/15/2010, p. 27

    4/1/2004, p. 29

    6/15/2001, pp. 16-17

    5/15/1999, pp. 16-17

    3/1/1995, pp. 16-17

    7/15/1992, pp. 4-5

    12/1/1977, pp. 717-718

    1/15/1974, p. 63

    10/1/1973, p. 588

    11/15/1972, p. 684

    4/1/1966, pp. 222-224

    10/1/1963, pp. 583-584

    ‘Know Jehovah’, p. 237

  • Publications Index

    it-1 233, 863; lv 98; w10 11/15 27; w04 4/1 29; w01 6/15 16-17; w99 5/15 16-17; w95 3/1 16-17; w92 7/15 4-5;

    w77 717-718; w74 63; w73 588; w72 684; ad 174, 602; kj 237; w66 223; w63 584

1 Corinthians 10:9

  • Neither let us put Jehovah to the test: Paul apparently had in mind different times when the Israelites put Jehovah to the test in the wilderness, such as on the occasions mentioned at Ex 16:2, 3; 17:2, 3, 7; and Nu 14:22. Paul alludes to a specific time in the second part of this verse by saying as some of them put him to the test, only to perish by the serpents. This event is described at Nu 21:5, 6, where the record says that “the people kept speaking against God and Moses” and that “Jehovah sent poisonous serpents among the people.” Paul may also be alluding to Ps 78:18, where the psalmist says that the Israelites “challenged [lit., “tested”] God in their heart.”​—See App. C3 introduction; 1Co 10:9.

Marginal References

  • +De 6:16
  • +Nu 21:5, 6; Mt 4:7

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    11/15/2010, p. 27

    6/15/2001, p. 17

    3/1/1995, p. 17

    1/15/1974, p. 63

    8/15/1951, p. 501

    ‘Know Jehovah’, p. 237

  • Publications Index

    w10 11/15 27; w01 6/15 17; w95 3/1 17;

    w74 63; kj 237; w51 501

1 Corinthians 10:10

  • Neither be murmurers, as some of them murmured: The Israelites murmured, complaining against Jehovah on several occasions. For example, they strongly criticized Moses and Aaron when 10 of the 12 spies sent out to inspect the land of Canaan brought back negative reports. They even proposed appointing a new leader instead of Moses and felt that it might be better to go back to Egypt. (Nu 14:1-4) Later, “the whole assembly . . . began to murmur” about the execution of the rebels Korah, Dathan, and Abiram and those who sided with them. The murmurers apparently thought that the execution was unjust, and their complaining spirit affected many others. Jehovah responded by sending a scourge that took the lives of 14,700 Israelites. (Nu 16:41, 49) Jehovah regarded such murmuring against his representatives as murmuring against him personally.​—Nu 17:5.

Marginal References

  • +Jude 16
  • +Nu 14:2; 16:41
  • +Nu 14:36, 37

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    11/15/2010, p. 27

    6/15/2001, p. 17

    3/1/1995, pp. 17-18

    1/15/1979, pp. 23-24

    1/15/1974, p. 63

    3/15/1955, pp. 180-182

    ‘Know Jehovah’, p. 237

  • Publications Index

    w10 11/15 27; w01 6/15 17; w95 3/1 17-18;

    w79 1/15 23-24; w74 63; kj 237; w55 181

1 Corinthians 10:11

  • examples: Or “warning examples.”​—See study note on 1Co 10:6.

    upon whom the ends of the systems of things have come: The apostle Paul had related a number of events in Israel’s history (1Co 10:1-10) leading up to the ends of the systems of things, or the prevailing states of affairs, of his time. (See Glossary, “System[s] of things.”) Those “systems of things” were closely related to the Law covenant and included such elements as the following: a priesthood, a system of sacrifices and dietary regulations, a system of tabernacle and temple worship with festivals and sabbaths, and a national system that came to involve human kings. Many of the distinguishing features of the Israelite or Jewish age, or epoch, did not come to their complete end until 70 C.E. At that time, Jerusalem and its temple were destroyed, permanently ending the Jewish priesthood, sacrifices, and temple worship as prescribed in the Law. Also, the Jewish people, once God’s chosen nation, were scattered among the nations, fulfilling Jesus’ prophecy at Lu 21:24 as well as Paul’s words here about “the ends of the [Jewish] systems of things.”

Marginal References

  • +Ro 15:4; 2Ti 3:16
  • +Heb 9:26

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, p. 1082

    Insight, Volume 2, p. 1055

    The Watchtower,

    6/15/1996, pp. 17-22

    3/1/1980, p. 14

    9/1/1978, p. 26

    7/15/1975, pp. 427-428

    3/1/1975, p. 145

    11/15/1972, p. 685

    10/15/1972, p. 635

    8/15/1972, pp. 502-503

    12/1/1970, p. 714

    12/15/1968, pp. 746-747

    9/1/1967, pp. 528-529

    7/15/1964, pp. 435-436

    10/1/1963, pp. 581-584

    9/1/1963, pp. 524-526

    6/15/1963, pp. 368-370

    4/15/1962, pp. 234-235

    2/15/1961, pp. 122-123

    10/15/1960, pp. 613-614

    9/15/1958, pp. 553-554

    6/1/1957, pp. 337-338

    3/15/1955, pp. 180-182

    9/1/1952, pp. 528-529

    11/1/1951, pp. 661-663

    11/1/1950, pp. 405-407

    “All Scripture,” p. 213

    God’s Kingdom Has Approached, pp. 295-296

    Paradise Restored, p. 44

    ‘Know Jehovah’, p. 237

    Awake!,

    11/8/1971, pp. 27-28

  • Publications Index

    it-1 1082; it-2 1055; w96 6/15 17-22; si 213;

    w80 3/1 14; w78 9/1 26; w75 145; w75 427-428; ka 295-296; w72 502-503, 635, 685; pm 44; ad 1567; kj 237; g71 11/8 28; w70 714; w68 747; w67 529; w64 435; g64 6/8 7; g64 11/22 28; w63 369, 525, 582, 584; w62 234; w61 123; ns 99, 132, 164; g61 1/8 4; w60 613; w58 553; pa 63; w57 337; w55 181; sr55 38; nh 187; w52 528; w51 662; w50 406; ep 12; w44 171; ci 85; w39 56; w37 266; w33 149

1 Corinthians 10:12

Marginal References

  • +Pr 28:14; Lu 22:33, 34; Ro 11:20; Ga 6:1

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    3/15/2001, p. 11

    7/15/1989, p. 11

    12/15/1976, p. 759

    6/15/1976, p. 371

    3/15/1974, p. 181

    2/15/1974, p. 112

    9/1/1972, pp. 530-531

    7/15/1972, p. 436

    8/15/1964, pp. 497-499

    10/1/1963, pp. 583-584

    2/15/1963, pp. 109-111

    4/15/1962, pp. 234-235

    3/15/1962, pp. 170-171

    5/1/1961, pp. 274-275

    3/15/1959, p. 163

    8/15/1951, pp. 502-504

    ‘Know Jehovah’, p. 237

    Awake!,

    11/8/1971, p. 28

  • Publications Index

    w01 3/15 11; w89 7/15 11;

    w76 371; w76 759; w74 112; w74 181; w72 436, 530-531; kj 237; g71 11/8 28; g65 8/22 28; w64 498; w63 110, 584; w62 170, 234; w61 275; w59 163; w51 503; v-2 213

1 Corinthians 10:13

Marginal References

  • +1Pe 5:8, 9
  • +Lu 22:31, 32; 2Pe 2:9
  • +Isa 40:29; Php 4:13

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Life and Ministry Meeting Workbook,

    4/2019, p. 3

    Insight, Volume 1, p. 725

    The Watchtower (Study),

    2/2017, pp. 29-30

    The Watchtower (Study),

    4/2016, p. 14

    The Watchtower,

    4/15/2015, p. 26

    4/15/2014, p. 21

    4/15/2012, p. 27

    11/15/2010, pp. 27-28

    5/15/2009, p. 22

    3/15/2008, p. 13

    3/15/2001, pp. 11-12, 13-14

    6/15/1996, p. 11

    10/1/1991, pp. 10-11

    3/15/1987, p. 25

    8/1/1983, p. 6

    5/1/1983, pp. 20-21

    12/1/1980, p. 21

    9/1/1976, p. 516

    8/1/1976, p. 474

    4/1/1974, p. 203

    1/15/1974, pp. 63-64

    1/15/1973, pp. 41-42

    9/1/1972, pp. 529-530

    3/1/1972, pp. 138-139

    2/15/1972, pp. 123-124

    2/15/1971, pp. 114, 116

    9/15/1970, p. 569

    7/15/1969, pp. 427-429

    9/15/1967, pp. 558-560

    6/15/1963, pp. 369-370

    6/1/1963, p. 348

    3/15/1963, pp. 166-167

    5/15/1962, pp. 300-302

    3/15/1962, pp. 184-186

    9/1/1961, pp. 529-531

    3/15/1959, p. 163

    9/15/1952, pp. 563-565

    8/15/1951, pp. 502-504

    Watch!, p. 26

  • Publications Index

    w23.01 12; mwb19.04 3; it-1 725; w17.02 29-30; w16.04 14; w15 4/15 26; w14 4/15 21; w12 4/15 27; w10 11/15 27-28; w09 5/15 22; w08 3/15 13; kp 26; w01 3/15 11-14; w96 6/15 11; w91 10/1 10-11; w87 3/15 25;

    w83 5/1 20-21; w83 8/1 6; w80 12/1 21; w76 474; w76 516; w74 63-64; w74 203; w73 41; w72 123-124, 138; w72 529-530; w71 114, 116; w70 569; w69 428; w67 559; g64 11/8 4; w63 167, 348, 370; w62 185, 301; w61 530; w59 163; w52 564; w51 503

1 Corinthians 10:14

Marginal References

  • +De 4:25, 26; 2Co 6:17; 1Jo 5:21

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Reasoning, p. 92

    The Watchtower,

    10/15/1983, p. 14

    10/15/1978, pp. 30-31

    7/1/1978, p. 15

    7/1/1974, p. 395

    9/1/1972, p. 530

    5/15/1972, p. 295

    1/15/1965, pp. 60-61

    6/15/1964, pp. 377-378

    1/15/1963, pp. 53-54

    11/15/1962, pp. 700-701

    Good News, p. 177

    Awake!,

    11/8/1972, p. 28

    8/8/1970, p. 27

  • Publications Index

    rs 92;

    w83 10/15 14; w78 7/1 15; w78 10/15 30-31; gh 177; w74 395; w72 295, 530; g72 11/8 28; g70 8/8 27; w65 61; w64 377; w63 53; g63 8/8 18; w62 700; lg 148; w43 76

1 Corinthians 10:16

Marginal References

  • +Mt 26:27, 28; Lu 22:17
  • +Mt 26:26; Lu 22:19; 1Co 12:18

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, p. 341

    The Watchtower,

    2/15/2006, pp. 23-24

    3/1/1978, p. 11

    5/1/1970, p. 286

    3/1/1962, pp. 144-146

    11/1/1959, pp. 648-650

    7/1/1959, pp. 408-410

    1/15/1956, pp. 47-49, 53-55

    3/1/1953, pp. 153-154

    1/15/1951, pp. 48-49, 52-56

  • Publications Index

    it-1 341; w06 2/15 23-24;

    w78 3/1 11; ad 241; w70 286; li 144; w62 145; w59 409, 649; yw 152; w56 48, 54; w53 153; w51 49, 53, 55; g51 3/22 25; w49 75; w48 43; w43 72; w39 93; w34 93; jh 118; w33 89

1 Corinthians 10:17

Marginal References

  • +Ro 12:5; Eph 4:4

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    3/1/1962, pp. 144-146

    10/15/1959, pp. 638-640

    7/1/1959, pp. 408-410

    1/15/1956, pp. 55-57

    3/1/1953, pp. 153-154

    1/15/1951, pp. 48-49

  • Publications Index

    li 144; w62 145; w59 409, 639; yw 152; w56 56; w53 153; w51 49; w48 43; w43 77; w39 93; w34 93; jh 118; w33 89

1 Corinthians 10:18

Marginal References

  • +Le 7:15

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 2, p. 270

    The Watchtower,

    2/15/1982, pp. 24-25

    3/1/1962, pp. 144-146

    11/1/1961, pp. 669-670

    1/15/1956, pp. 45-47

    1/15/1951, p. 50

  • Publications Index

    it-2 270;

    w82 2/15 24-25; w62 145; w61 669; w56 46; w51 50

1 Corinthians 10:19

Marginal References

  • +1Co 8:4

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    3/1/1974, pp. 145-146

    11/1/1961, pp. 669-670

    12/15/1956, pp. 753-754

  • Publications Index

    w74 145-146; w61 669; w56 754; w43 77

1 Corinthians 10:20

  • what the nations sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons: In the preceding verse, Paul made it clear that an idol is nothing. But the real danger of idol worship is the power behind it. Paul is apparently quoting from or alluding to De 32:17. A similar thought is expressed at Ps 106:36, 37. Jesus said that the power behind all such idol worship is Satan, who is “the ruler of the demons.” (Mt 12:24-26) Thus, when people of the nations were making sacrifices to idols or to false gods, they were in reality worshipping demons. Moreover, as part of the ceremony, the worshippers would often eat some of the sacrificed meat. They were, in effect, sharing a meal with their gods and thereby having fellowship with the demons.

Marginal References

  • +De 32:17
  • +Jude 6

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, p. 973

    The Watchtower,

    2/15/2004, p. 5

    1/15/1993, pp. 22-24

    12/1/1990, p. 5

    4/1/1980, pp. 29-31

    7/1/1974, p. 396

    3/1/1974, pp. 145-146

    10/1/1973, p. 606

    8/15/1973, p. 486

    3/15/1973, p. 181

    12/15/1972, pp. 753-754

    8/15/1971, p. 510

    3/15/1965, pp. 183-184

    4/1/1964, pp. 202-203

    10/1/1962, pp. 601-602

    11/1/1961, pp. 669-670

    5/1/1961, pp. 281-282

    12/15/1956, pp. 753-754

    1/15/1956, pp. 45-47

    1/15/1951, p. 50

    Mankind’s Search for God, pp. 93-94

    Unseen Spirits, p. 55

    Awake!,

    5/22/1973, p. 28

  • Publications Index

    it-1 973; w04 2/15 5; w93 1/15 23-24; w90 12/1 5; sh 94;

    w80 4/1 29-31; us 55; w74 145-146; w74 396; w73 181; w73 486; w73 606; g73 5/22 28; w72 754; w71 510; w65 183; im 30, 152; w64 203; w62 601; wr 58; w61 281, 669; w56 46, 754; w51 50; rm 120; w31 218

1 Corinthians 10:21

  • the cup of Jehovah: Five verses earlier, Paul speaks about the cup of wine symbolizing Christ’s blood at the Lord’s Evening Meal. (1Co 10:16) There he calls the cup used at this observance “the cup of blessing that we bless.” When Jesus instituted this observance, he said a blessing, or prayer, before passing the cup to his disciples. (Mt 26:27, 28; Lu 22:19, 20) Following this pattern, a blessing, or prayer, is said before drinking from the cup. However, it was Jehovah who made all provisions for Christians, including Jesus’ ransom sacrifice; it was to Jehovah that Jesus offered the merit of his sacrifice; it was the will of Jehovah that governed how that sacrifice would be used; and it was Jehovah who foretold and instituted the new covenant. (Jer 31:31-34) So it is proper to speak of “the cup of Jehovah.”​—See App. C3 introduction; 1Co 10:21a.

    the cup of demons . . . the table of demons: Just as the Lord’s Evening Meal is a communion meal​—in certain respects similar to the communion sacrifices in ancient Israel (Le 3:1-16; 7:28-36; 1Co 10:16)​—so sharing in sacrificial meals of idol worshippers would make Christians partakers together with demons. A Christian could not share in the Lord’s Evening Meal and also in the meals of pagans worshipping false gods.

    the table of Jehovah: This expression is understood to be a quote from or an allusion to Mal 1:7, 12, where the altar in Jehovah’s temple is called “the table of Jehovah.” It is called a “table” because the sacrifices offered on it are compared to “food [lit., “bread”].” (Mal 1:7; ftn.; Eze 41:22) When the Israelites ate part of the communion sacrifices to God, they became sharers with him, as if partaking of a meal together, for God was represented by the altar.​—See study note on the cup of Jehovah in this verse and App. C3 introduction; 1Co 10:21b.

Marginal References

  • +Eze 41:22; Mal 1:7, 12

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Enjoy Life Forever!, lesson 24

    The Watchtower (Study),

    10/2019, p. 30

    Insight, Volume 2, p. 269

    The Watchtower,

    7/1/1994, pp. 8-13

    1/15/1985, p. 26

    6/15/1980, p. 7

    4/1/1980, p. 30

    11/15/1973, p. 700

    3/15/1973, p. 181

    9/15/1968, pp. 571-574

    4/1/1964, pp. 202-203

    10/1/1962, pp. 601-602

    3/1/1962, pp. 144-146

    5/1/1961, pp. 281-282

    7/1/1959, pp. 409-411

    4/1/1957, p. 222

    1/15/1956, pp. 45-47

    2/15/1952, pp. 126-127

    1/15/1951, pp. 51-52

    Reasoning, p. 389

    Unseen Spirits, pp. 40-41

  • Publications Index

    lff lesson 24; w19.10 30; it-2 269; w94 7/1 8-13; rs 389;

    w85 1/15 26; w80 4/1 30; w80 6/15 7; us 41; w73 181; w73 700; w68 572-573; im 30; w64 203; w62 145, 601; wr 58; w61 281; w59 410; yw 154; w57 222; w56 46; w52 126; w51 51; w43 77; w41 281; ch 79

1 Corinthians 10:22

  • Or ‘are we inciting Jehovah to jealousy’?: Paul is warning Christians not to provoke Jehovah to jealous anger by engaging in any form of idolatry. Paul alludes to De 32:21 but does not use a direct quote. The context, De 32:19-21, shows that Jehovah is the one saying: “They have incited me to fury [or “jealousy,” ftn.] with what is not a god.”​—For a discussion of the use of the divine name in this verse, see App. C3 introduction; 1Co 10:22.

Marginal References

  • +Ex 34:14; De 32:21

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    8/15/1986, pp. 8-9

    11/15/1973, p. 700

    3/15/1973, p. 181

    6/15/1963, pp. 357-359

    8/15/1962, pp. 487-488

    1/15/1956, pp. 54-56

    11/1/1951, pp. 662-664

  • Publications Index

    w86 8/15 8-9;

    w73 181; w73 700; w63 358; w62 488; g62 8/22 27; w56 55; w51 663; w43 77

1 Corinthians 10:23

  • lawful: Or “permissible.”​—See study note on 1Co 6:12.

Marginal References

  • +1Co 6:12
  • +Ro 14:19; 15:2

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Enjoy Life Forever!, lesson 35

    Remain in God’s Love, pp. 84-85

    “God’s Love,” pp. 72-73

    The Watchtower,

    3/15/1998, pp. 19-20

    3/15/1978, p. 16

    5/1/1975, p. 268

    3/1/1973, pp. 145-146

    5/15/1965, pp. 306-308

    8/15/1964, pp. 498-500

    11/15/1963, pp. 675-676

    6/1/1961, pp. 332-334

    1/1/1960, pp. 8-10

    8/15/1954, pp. 507-509

    Kingdom Ministry,

    9/1976, p. 6

  • Publications Index

    lff lesson 35; lvs 84-85; lv 72-73; w98 3/15 19-20;

    w78 3/15 16; km 9/76 6; w75 268; w73 145; w65 307; w64 499; g64 2/22 23; w63 676; w61 333; w60 9; w54 508

1 Corinthians 10:24

Marginal References

  • +1Co 10:32, 33; 13:4, 5; Php 2:4, 20, 21

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Enjoy Life Forever!, lesson 35

    Remain in God’s Love, pp. 84-85

    The Watchtower (Study),

    10/2017, p. 11

    “God’s Love,” pp. 72-73

    Worship God, pp. 140-141

    United in Worship, pp. 129-130

    The Watchtower,

    9/1/1977, pp. 515-516

    3/1/1973, p. 144

    6/1/1970, pp. 323-324

    12/15/1969, pp. 742-744

    5/15/1965, pp. 305-307

    9/15/1964, p. 548

    9/1/1964, p. 519

    8/15/1964, pp. 498-500

    7/1/1962, pp. 412-413

    12/1/1961, pp. 707-708

    10/15/1961, p. 638

    6/1/1961, pp. 332-334

    5/15/1961, pp. 299-301

    1/1/1960, pp. 8-10

  • Publications Index

    lff lessons 35, 49, 52; lvs 84-85; w17.10 11; lv 72-73; wt 140-141;

    uw 129-130; w77 515-516; w73 144; w70 323-324; w69 743; w65 306; w64 499, 519, 548; g63 3/22 7; w62 412; g62 3/8 20; g62 7/22 5; g62 11/8 19; w61 300, 333, 638, 708; w60 9

1 Corinthians 10:25

  • Eat whatever is sold in a meat market: “A meat market” (Greek, maʹkel·lon) sold not only meat and fish but other foods as well. Temples sometimes sold excess meat to merchants who might sell it in their stores. Meat sold at a market no longer had any “sacred” significance and was just as good as any other meat. Christians did not need to view meat that originated from a temple as bad in itself or as contaminated. They could simply buy it if it had been suitably drained of blood.​—See study notes on 1Co 8:1, 4.

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, pp. 508, 1173

    The Watchtower,

    10/1/2010, p. 12

    10/15/1992, p. 30

    7/15/1982, p. 24

    6/15/1978, p. 31

    11/1/1961, pp. 669-670

    10/15/1961, p. 638

    1/15/1956, pp. 45-47

    2/15/1952, pp. 126-127

    Awake!,

    1/22/1991, pp. 17-18

  • Publications Index

    it-1 508, 1173; w10 10/1 12; w92 10/15 30; g91 1/22 17-18;

    w82 7/15 24; w78 6/15 31; ad 379; w61 638, 669; w56 46; w52 126; w47 342

1 Corinthians 10:26

  • Jehovah: In this quote from Ps 24:1, the divine name, represented by four Hebrew consonants (transliterated YHWH), occurs in the original Hebrew text.​—See App. C1 and C2.

Marginal References

  • +Ps 24:1; 1Ti 4:4

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    “All Scripture,” p. 213

    Awake!,

    12/22/1977, p. 28

    Kingdom Ministry,

    9/1976, p. 4

  • Publications Index

    si 213;

    g77 12/22 28; km 9/76 4; w47 342

1 Corinthians 10:27

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    The Watchtower,

    1/15/1956, pp. 45-47

    9/15/1952, pp. 574-576

  • Publications Index

    w56 46; w52 575; w47 342

1 Corinthians 10:28

  • because of conscience: Some later Greek manuscripts and ancient translations into other languages add the following: “For the earth belongs to the Lord, and so does its fullness.” This reading is reflected in a few modern translations. However, many early and reliable manuscripts do not include this sentence in verse 28. Apparently, it was not part of the original text. A similar statement appears at 1Co 10:26, where there is no uncertainty regarding the Greek text.​—See App. A3; see study note on 1Co 10:26.

Marginal References

  • +1Co 8:7, 10

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Awake!,

    4/22/1979, p. 27

    8/22/1972, p. 7

    The Watchtower,

    9/15/1976, p. 574

    8/15/1964, pp. 498-500

    4/15/1963, pp. 244-246

    8/15/1961, pp. 487-488

    1/15/1956, pp. 45-47

    9/15/1952, pp. 574-576

  • Publications Index

    g79 4/22 27; w76 574; g72 8/22 7; w64 499; w63 245; w61 488; w56 46; w52 575; w47 342

1 Corinthians 10:29

Marginal References

  • +Ro 14:15, 16; 1Co 8:12

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, pp. 501, 872

    The Watchtower,

    7/15/1982, p. 24

    9/15/1976, p. 574

    8/15/1961, pp. 487-488

    9/15/1952, pp. 574-576

    2/15/1952, pp. 99-101

    Awake!,

    4/22/1979, p. 27

  • Publications Index

    it-1 501, 872;

    w82 7/15 24; g79 4/22 27; w76 574; ad 609; w61 488; w52 100, 575; w47 342

1 Corinthians 10:30

Marginal References

  • +Ro 14:6; 1Ti 4:3

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Insight, Volume 1, pp. 501, 872

  • Publications Index

    it-1 501, 872;

    ad 609; g65 11/22 27; w47 342

1 Corinthians 10:31

Marginal References

  • +Mt 5:16; Col 3:17, 23; 1Pe 2:12

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Enjoy Life Forever!, lesson 43

    Insight, Volume 1, p. 964

    The Watchtower,

    8/15/1980, pp. 23-24

    3/15/1978, p. 21

    9/1/1977, pp. 524-525

    6/1/1976, p. 327

    5/15/1975, pp. 300-302

    2/1/1974, p. 84

    10/1/1972, p. 591

    7/1/1972, p. 400

    3/15/1972, p. 179

    5/15/1971, p. 311

    8/1/1969, pp. 460-461

    1/1/1965, pp. 31-32

    8/1/1962, pp. 469-471

    7/1/1962, pp. 413-415

    2/1/1962, pp. 79-81

    6/15/1961, pp. 361-363

    6/1/1961, pp. 332-334

    4/1/1961, p. 215

    1/1/1960, pp. 8-11

    8/1/1959, pp. 478-479

    12/15/1953, pp. 749-751

    5/15/1951, pp. 299-301

    Youth, p. 50

    Kingdom Ministry,

    7/1974, p. 3

  • Publications Index

    lff lessons 43, 52; it-1 964;

    w80 8/15 23-24; w78 3/15 21; w77 524; w76 327; yy 50; w75 300-302; w74 84; km 7/74 3; w72 179, 400, 591; w71 311; w69 461; w65 32; w62 80, 414, 470; w61 215, 333, 362; w60 8, 10; w59 479; w53 750; w51 300; w47 342

1 Corinthians 10:32

  • the congregation of God: The Greek word ek·kle·siʹa, usually rendered “congregation,” is applied in a number of ways in the Christian Greek Scriptures. (See Glossary, “Congregation.”) At times, the word may apply to the entire group of spirit-anointed Christians. (Mt 16:18; Heb 2:12; 12:23) In this context, however, Paul uses the term in a more limited sense, urging Christians to avoid “becoming causes for stumbling” to members of the “congregation of God,” that is, Christians who lived at that particular time and who would be affected by their actions.

Marginal References

  • +Ro 14:13; 1Co 8:13; 2Co 6:3

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Enjoy Life Forever!, lesson 43

    The Watchtower,

    4/15/2007, p. 22

    9/1/1992, pp. 21-22

    12/1/1973, p. 736

    9/15/1972, p. 570

    5/15/1965, pp. 305-307

    9/1/1963, pp. 537-539

    8/1/1962, pp. 469-471

    7/1/1962, pp. 412-413

    9/1/1961, pp. 541-542

    6/1/1961, pp. 332-334

    1/1/1960, pp. 8-9

    Worship God, pp. 140-141

  • Publications Index

    lff lessons 43, 52; w07 4/15 22; wt 140-141; w92 9/1 21-22;

    w73 736; w72 570; w65 306; w63 538; w62 412, 470; w61 333, 541; w60 8; w47 342

1 Corinthians 10:33

Marginal References

  • +Ro 15:2; Php 2:4
  • +1Co 9:22

Indexes

  • Research Guide

    Enjoy Life Forever!, lesson 52

    Insight, Volume 1, p. 872

    The Watchtower,

    12/1/1973, p. 736

    5/15/1965, pp. 306-308

    8/1/1962, pp. 469-471

    6/1/1961, pp. 332-334

    1/1/1960, pp. 8-9

  • Publications Index

    lff lesson 52; it-1 872;

    w73 736; ad 609; w65 307; w62 470; w61 333; w60 8; w47 342

Parallel Translations

Click a verse number to display parallel Bible verses.

Quotation

1 Cor. 10:7Ex 32:6
1 Cor. 10:21Mal 1:12
1 Cor. 10:22De 32:21
1 Cor. 10:26Ps 24:1

General

1 Cor. 10:1Ex 13:21
1 Cor. 10:1Ex 14:21, 22
1 Cor. 10:3Ex 16:14, 15
1 Cor. 10:4Ex 17:6; Ps 78:15
1 Cor. 10:4Nu 20:11; Joh 4:10, 25; 7:37
1 Cor. 10:5Nu 14:29, 35; Heb 3:17; Jude 5
1 Cor. 10:6Nu 11:4, 34; Ps 106:14
1 Cor. 10:7Ex 32:4
1 Cor. 10:8Nu 25:1, 9
1 Cor. 10:9De 6:16
1 Cor. 10:9Nu 21:5, 6; Mt 4:7
1 Cor. 10:10Jude 16
1 Cor. 10:10Nu 14:2; 16:41
1 Cor. 10:10Nu 14:36, 37
1 Cor. 10:11Ro 15:4; 2Ti 3:16
1 Cor. 10:11Heb 9:26
1 Cor. 10:12Pr 28:14; Lu 22:33, 34; Ro 11:20; Ga 6:1
1 Cor. 10:131Pe 5:8, 9
1 Cor. 10:13Lu 22:31, 32; 2Pe 2:9
1 Cor. 10:13Isa 40:29; Php 4:13
1 Cor. 10:14De 4:25, 26; 2Co 6:17; 1Jo 5:21
1 Cor. 10:16Mt 26:27, 28; Lu 22:17
1 Cor. 10:16Mt 26:26; Lu 22:19; 1Co 12:18
1 Cor. 10:17Ro 12:5; Eph 4:4
1 Cor. 10:18Le 7:15
1 Cor. 10:191Co 8:4
1 Cor. 10:20De 32:17
1 Cor. 10:20Jude 6
1 Cor. 10:21Eze 41:22; Mal 1:7
1 Cor. 10:22Ex 34:14
1 Cor. 10:231Co 6:12
1 Cor. 10:23Ro 14:19; 15:2
1 Cor. 10:241Co 10:32, 33; 13:4, 5; Php 2:4, 20, 21
1 Cor. 10:261Ti 4:4
1 Cor. 10:281Co 8:7, 10
1 Cor. 10:29Ro 14:15, 16; 1Co 8:12
1 Cor. 10:30Ro 14:6; 1Ti 4:3
1 Cor. 10:31Mt 5:16; Col 3:17, 23; 1Pe 2:12
1 Cor. 10:32Ro 14:13; 1Co 8:13; 2Co 6:3
1 Cor. 10:33Ro 15:2; Php 2:4
1 Cor. 10:331Co 9:22
  • New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)
  • Read in New World Translation (nwt)
  • Read in Kingdom Interlinear (int)
  • Read in Reference Bible (Rbi8)
  • Read in Byington (by)
  • Read in American Standard Version (bi22)
  • Read in Rotherham (rh)
  • Read in King James Version (bi10)
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31
  • 32
  • 33
New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)
1 Corinthians 10:1-33

The First to the Corinthians

10 Now I want you to know, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud+ and all passed through the sea+ 2 and all got baptized into Moses by means of the cloud and of the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food+ 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink.+ For they used to drink from the spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock meant the Christ.+ 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them, for they were struck down in the wilderness.+

6 Now these things became examples for us, in order for us not to desire injurious things, as they desired them.+ 7 Neither become idolaters, as some of them did; just as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink. Then they got up to have a good time.”+ 8 Neither let us practice sexual immorality, as some of them committed sexual immorality, only to fall, 23,000 of them in one day.+ 9 Neither let us put Jehovah to the test,+ as some of them put him to the test, only to perish by the serpents.+ 10 Neither be murmurers,+ as some of them murmured,+ only to perish by the destroyer.+ 11 Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for a warning to us+ upon whom the ends of the systems of things have come.+

12 So let the one who thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall.+ 13 No temptation has come upon you except what is common to men.+ But God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear,+ but along with the temptation he will also make the way out so that you may be able to endure it.+

14 Therefore, my beloved ones, flee from idolatry.+ 15 I speak as to men with discernment; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of the Christ?+ The loaf that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of the Christ?+ 17 Because there is one loaf, we, although many, are one body,+ for we are all partaking of that one loaf.

18 Look at Israel in the fleshly sense: Are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers with the altar?+ 19 What, then, am I saying? That what is sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything?+ 20 No; but I say that what the nations sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God;+ and I do not want you to become sharers with the demons.+ 21 You cannot be drinking the cup of Jehovah and the cup of demons; you cannot be partaking of “the table of Jehovah”+ and the table of demons. 22 Or ‘are we inciting Jehovah to jealousy’?+ We are not stronger than he is, are we?

23 All things are lawful, but not all things are advantageous.+ All things are lawful, but not all things build up.+ 24 Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person.+

25 Eat whatever is sold in a meat market, making no inquiry because of your conscience, 26 for “to Jehovah belong the earth and everything in it.”+ 27 If an unbeliever invites you and you want to go, eat whatever is set before you, making no inquiry on account of your conscience. 28 But if anyone says to you, “This is something offered in sacrifice,” do not eat because of the one who told you and because of conscience.+ 29 I do not mean your own conscience, but that of the other person. For why should my freedom be judged by another person’s conscience?+ 30 If I am partaking with thanks, why am I to be spoken of abusively over that for which I give thanks?+

31 Therefore, whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory.+ 32 Keep from becoming causes for stumbling to Jews as well as Greeks and to the congregation of God,+ 33 just as I am trying to please all people in all things, not seeking my own advantage,+ but that of the many, so that they may be saved.+

English Publications (1950-2023)
Log Out
Log In
  • English
  • Share
  • Preferences
  • Copyright © 2023 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Settings
  • JW.ORG
  • Log In
Share