Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Corinthians 10:18
What does 1 Corinthians 10:18 mean?
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1 Corinthians 10:18
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This verse isn't just about ancient rituals; it's pointing out that participating in a sacrifice, even just by eating from it, meant you were bound to the altar and, by extension, to the God it represented. In our own lives, the things we "consume" or participate in socially and spiritually have a way of aligning us with the altars they serve.
Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing the Corinthians' struggles with participating in meals that might involve idolatry. He uses Israel's sacrificial system as an illustration, showing that eating from a sacrifice signified a deep communion and participation with the altar and, by extension, with the deity it represented. This sets up his argument that participating in meals dedicated to idols in Corinth would similarly signify a communion with demonic powers, not with the Lord.
The Old Testament sacrificial system wasn't just about appeasing God; it created real community. Paul uses this to make a powerful point.
The Shared Meal
In ancient Israel, when a sacrifice was offered, a portion was often set aside for the priests and the offerer to eat. This wasn't just a casual snack – it was a sacred act.
Paul’s question about Israel points toward a deeper reality: sacrifice inherently links people to what that sacrifice represents. What happens when we apply this to Christ?
Beyond the Physical
Paul uses the Old Testament practice to draw a crucial distinction for the Corinthian believers who are struggling with participating in pagan feasts.
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Understand the original words
thysiastērion · Greek Noun
A structure for offering sacrifices to God, serving as the meeting place between the human and the divine. To be a participant in the altar is to share in the efficacy and the consequences of the offerings made upon it.
Paul uses the analogy of the Old Testament sacrificial system, where sharing in the sacrifices meant sharing in the altar and the covenant represented by it, to argue that participating in pagan feasts means participating in the demons they honor.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, establishing them as His covenant people. This event is foundational to their identity and relationship with God.
c. 1445-1444 BC
Giving of the Law at Sinai
God gives the Mosaic Law, including detailed instructions for sacrifices and worship at the tabernacle. These laws define how the people are to approach God and maintain their covenant relationship.
c. 1444 BC
Construction of the Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where sacrifices were offered according to God's design. It served as the center of Israel's worship and God's dwelling place among them.
Throughout the Old Testament Period— this verse
Regular Sacrificial System
The Israelites regularly offered various sacrifices (burnt offerings, sin offerings, fellowship offerings) as prescribed by the Law. These acts were central to their religious life and communal worship.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and the First Temple, ending the central sacrificial system for a period. This marked a crisis in worship and God's presence.
c. 516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The Temple is rebuilt and rededicated, allowing for the resumption of sacrifices. However, this period is marked by different political circumstances and prophetic critique.
This passage from Leviticus details how the priests were to receive portions of the sacrificial offerings, showing a direct participation in what was offered to God.
Deuteronomy 12:17-18Here, the people are instructed to eat from their sacrifices in the presence of the Lord, illustrating the communal aspect and shared blessing that came from these offerings.
1 Corinthians 8:10This verse directly contrasts the participation in pagan sacrifices with participation in the Lord's sacrifice, highlighting the spiritual implications of 'eating' from them.
Hebrews 13:10This passage makes a powerful connection between Christians and an altar, stating that 'we have an altar' from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat, echoing the idea of participation.
This verse isn't just about ancient rituals; it's pointing out that participating in a sacrifice, even just by eating from it, meant you were bound to the altar and, by extension, to the God it represented. In our own lives, the things we "consume" or participate in socially and spiritually have a way of aligning us with the altars they serve.
Paul is addressing the Corinthians' struggles with participating in meals that might involve idolatry. He uses Israel's sacrificial system as an illustration, showing that eating from a sacrifice signified a deep communion and participation with the altar and, by extension, with the deity it represented. This sets up his argument that participating in meals dedicated to idols in Corinth would similarly signify a communion with demonic powers, not with the Lord.
Paul is addressing the Corinthians' struggles with participating in meals that might involve idolatry. He uses Israel's sacrificial system as an illustration, showing that eating from a sacrifice signified a deep communion and participation with the altar and, by extension, with the deity it represented. This sets up his argument that participating in meals dedicated to idols in Corinth would similarly signify a communion with demonic powers, not with the Lord.
"Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar?" — This verse isn't just about ancient rituals; it's pointing out that participating in a sacrifice, even just by eating from it, meant you were bound to the altar and, by extension, to the God it repre…
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Last reviewed October 2026