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Book of 1 Corinthians - Chapter 10 - Verse 21

10:21
Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.

Meaning

This verse from 1 Corinthians 10:21 serves as a warning to believers about the dangers of trying to serve both God and worldly desires. The verse talks about the impossibility of being involved in both the practices of the Lord and those of evil. By referencing the idea of drinking from two different cups and partaking in two different tables, the verse symbolizes the idea of being divided in loyalty and worship. It highlights the importance of making a choice and committing fully to either following the teachings of the Lord or succumbing to the temptations of evil. The verse emphasizes the need for believers to stay true to their faith and not engage in practices that are contrary to the teachings of God. By trying to mix the two, believers risk diluting their faith and opening themselves up to spiritual dangers. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder for believers to stay strong in their faith and avoid being swayed by worldly desires.

Theological Overview

This verse from 1 Corinthians 10:21 highlights the importance of spiritual discernment and the need for believers to choose the path of righteousness over the ways of evil. The theological interpretation of this verse reveals the concept of spiritual allegiance and the impossibility of serving both God and Satan. The reference to "the cup of the Lord" symbolizes the communion with Christ and the participation in His sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. On the other hand, "the cup of devils" represents the indulgence in sinful practices and the worship of false idols. Similarly, partaking in the Lord's table signifies fellowship with believers and participation in the body of Christ, while engaging in the table of devils signifies fellowship with the ungodly and aligning with the forces of darkness. This verse emphasizes the need for believers to choose their allegiances wisely and to stay true to their commitment to God, avoiding any form of compromise with evil.

American Standard Version

Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of demons: ye cannot partake of the table of the Lord, and of the table of demons.
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