1 Corinthians 10
Wycliffe Bible
10 Brethren, I will not, that ye not know [Soothly, brethren, I will not you to unknow], that all our fathers were under [a] cloud, and all passed the sea;
2 and all were baptized in Moses, in the cloud and in the sea;
3 and all ate the same spiritual meat,
4 and all drank the same spiritual drink; and they drank of the spiritual stone following them [forsooth they drank of the spiritual stone following them]; and the stone was Christ.
5 But not in full many of them it was well pleasant to God; for why they were cast down in [the] desert.
6 But these things were done in figure of us, that we be not coveters of evil things, as [and] they coveted.
7 Neither be ye made idolaters, as some of them; as it is written, The people sat to eat and drink, and they rose up to play [and they have risen up to play].
8 Neither do we fornication, as some of them did fornication, and three and twenty thousand were dead in one day [and three and twenty thousand fell, or died, in one day].
9 Neither tempt we Christ, as some of them tempted, and perished of serpents.
10 Neither grumble ye, as some of them grumbled, and they perished of a destroyer. [Neither grutch ye, as some of them grutched, and they perished of the waster, or destroyer.]
11 And all these things fell to them in figure; but they be written to our amending, into whom the ends of the worlds be come [soothly they be written to our correction, or amending, into whom the ends of the world have come].
12 Therefore he that guesseth him(self), that he standeth, see he, that he fall not. [And so he that guesseth him to stand, see, that he fall not.]
13 Temptation take not you, but man's temptation; for God is true, which shall not suffer you to be tempted above that that ye be able; but he shall make with temptation also purveyance, that ye be able to suffer [that ye may sustain].
14 Wherefore, ye most dear-worthy to me, flee ye from the worshipping of maumets [flee from worshipping of idols].
15 As to prudent men I speak, deem ye yourselves that thing that I say.
16 Whether the cup of blessing which we bless, is not the communing of Christ's blood? and whether the bread which we break, is not the part taking of the body of the Lord? [The cup of blessing which we bless, whether it is not the communing of Christ's blood? and the bread which we break, whether it is not the dealing, or part taking, of the body of the Lord?]
17 For we many be one bread and one body, all we that take part of one bread and of one cup.
18 See ye Israel after the flesh, whether they that eat sacrifices, be not partners of the altar?
19 What therefore say I, that a thing that is offered to idols is any thing, or that the idol is any thing?
20 But those things that heathen men offer, they offer to devils, and not to God. But I will not, that ye be made fellows of fiends;
21 for ye be not able to drink the cup of the Lord [for ye may not drink the cup of the Lord], and the cup of fiends; ye be not able to be partners of the board of the Lord [ye may not be partners of the board of the Lord], and of the board of fiends.
22 Whether we have envy to the Lord? whether we be stronger than he?
23 All things be leaveful to me, but not all things be speedful. All things be leaveful to me, but not all things edify.
24 No man seek that thing that is his own, but that thing that is of another.
25 All thing that is sold in the butchery, eat ye, asking nothing for conscience.
26 The earth and the plenty of it, is the Lord's.
27 If any of heathen men call you to supper [Forsooth if any of unfaithful, or heathen men, calleth you to supper], and ye will go, all thing that is set to you, eat ye, asking nothing for conscience.
28 But if any man saith [If any man soothly say to you], This thing is offered to idols, do not ye eat, for him that showed [this thing], and for conscience;
29 and I say not, thy conscience, but of another [man's]. But whereto is my freedom deemed of another man's conscience [Soothly whereto is my liberty, or freedom, deemed of another man's conscience]?
30 Therefore if I take part with grace, what am I blasphemed, for that that I do thankings [for that that I do graces, or thankings]?
31 Therefore whether ye eat, or drink, or do any other thing, do ye all things to the glory of God.
32 Be ye without offence to Jews, and to heathen men, and to the church of God;
33 as [and] I by all things please to all men, not seeking that that is profitable to me [not seeking what is profitable to me], but that that is profitable to many men, that they be made safe.
1 Corinthians 10
New Matthew Bible
He puts them in fear with examples from the Old Testament, and exhorts them to lead godly lives. Of the Lord’s Supper.
10 Brethren, I would not want you to be ignorant of this: that our fathers were all under a cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and were all baptized under Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and did all eat of the same spiritual food, 4 and did all drink of the same spiritual drink. And they drank of that spiritual rock that followed them, which rock was Christ. 5 But in many of them, God had no delight. For they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 These are examples for us, so that we will not lust after evil things like they did.
7 Neither be worshippers of images like some of them were, as it is written: The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up again to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed fornication, and in one day 23,000 were destroyed. 9 Neither let us tempt Christ as some of them did, and were destroyed by serpents. 10 Neither murmur as some of them murmured, and were destroyed by the destroyer.
11 All these things happened to them for examples, and were written to make us mindful – we upon whom the ends of the world have come. 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall.
13 No trial has taken you but such as follows the nature of man. But God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tried above your strength, but will in the midst of the trial make a way to escape out.
14 And so, my dear beloveds, flee from the worshipping of idols. 15 I speak as to people who have discernment. Judge what I say. 16 Is not the cup of blessing that we bless, partaking of the blood of Christ? Is not the bread that we break, partaking of the body of Christ? 17 Because we, though we be many, yet are one bread and one body, inasmuch as we are all partakers of one bread. 18 Observe Israel which walks carnally; are not those who eat of the sacrifice, partakers of the altar?
19 What am I saying then? That the idol is anything? or that what is offered to idols is anything? 20 No, but I say that these things that the Gentiles offer, they offer to devils, and not to God. And I do not want you to have fellowship with the devils. 21 You cannot drink of the cup of the Lord and of the cup of the devils. You cannot be partakers of the Lord’s Table and of the table of devils. 22 Or shall we provoke the Lord? Are we stronger than he?
All things are lawful to me, but all things are not helpful. 23 All things are lawful to me, but all things do not edify. 24 Let no one seek his own profit, but let each seek the welfare of the other. 25 Whatever is sold in the market, eat it, and ask no questions for conscience’ sake. 26 For the earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it. 27 If any unbelievers invite you to a feast and if you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake. 28 But if anyone says to you, This is dedicated to idols, then do not eat of it – for the sake of the one who told you and for injury of conscience.
The earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it.
29 Conscience, I say: not yours, but the conscience of that other. For why should my liberty be judged by another man’s conscience? 30 For if I share in the meal with thanks, why am I ill spoken of for the thing I give thanks for? 31 Whether therefore you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 See that you give no occasion of evil, neither to the Jews nor yet to the Gentiles, nor to the congregation of God – 33 even as I please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of many, so that they might be saved.
1 Corinthians 10
1599 Geneva Bible
10 1 If God spared not the Jews, neither will he spare those who are of like condition, 3, 4 touching the outward signs of his grace. 14 That it is absurd, that such should be partakers of the table of the devils, who are partakers of the Lord’s Supper. 24 To have consideration of our neighbor in things indifferent.
1 Moreover, [a]brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, that all our [b]fathers were under (A)that cloud, and all passed through that (B)sea,
2 [c]And were all [d]baptized unto [e]Moses, in that cloud, and in that sea,
3 (C)And did all eat the [f]same spiritual [g]meat,
4 (D)And did all drink the same spiritual drink (for they drank of the spiritual Rock that [h]followed them: and the Rock was [i]Christ.)
5 But with many of them God was not pleased: for they were (E)overthrown in the wilderness.
6 [j]Now these things are our [k]examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things (F)as they also lusted.
7 Neither be ye idolaters as were some of them, as it is written, (G)The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed fornication, and fell in one (H)day three and twenty thousand.
9 Neither let us tempt [l]Christ, as some of them also tempted him, and (I)were destroyed of serpents.
10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them (J)also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
11 Now all these things came unto them for examples, and were written to admonish us, upon whom the [m]ends of the world are come.
12 [n]Wherefore, let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall.
13 There hath no temptation taken you, but such as appertaineth to [o]man: and God is faithful, which will not suffer you to be tempted above that you be able, but will even [p]give the issue with the temptation, that ye may be able to bear it.
14 Wherefore my beloved, flee from idolatry.
15 [q]I speak as unto them which have understanding: judge ye what I say.
16 The cup of [r]blessing which we bless, is it not the [s]communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
17 For we that are many, are one bread and one body, because we all are partakers of one bread.
18 Behold Israel, which is after the [t]flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices [u]partakers of the Altar?
19 What say I then? that the idol is anything? or that that which is sacrificed to idols, is anything?
20 Nay, but that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not unto God: and I would not that ye should have [v]fellowship with the devils.
21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the [w]cup of the devils. Ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of the devils.
22 Do we provoke the Lord to anger? are we stronger than he?
23 (K)[x][y]All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.
25 [z]Whatsoever is sold in the [aa]shambles, eat ye, and ask no question for conscience sake.
26 (L)For the earth is the Lord’s, and [ab]all that therein is.
27 If any of them which believe not, call you to a feast, and if ye will go, whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
28 But if any man say unto you, This is sacrificed unto idols, eat it not, because of him that showed it, and for the conscience (for the earth is the Lord’s, and all that therein is.)
29 And the conscience, I say, not thine, but of that other: [ac]for why should my liberty be condemned of another man’s conscience?
30 For if I through God’s [ad]benefit be partaker, why am I evil spoken of, for that wherefore I give thanks?
31 (M)[ae]Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Grecians, nor to the Church of God:
33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they might be saved.
Footnotes
- 1 Corinthians 10:1 He setteth out that which he said, laying before them an example of the horrible judgment of God against them which had in effect the selfsame pledges, of the same adoption and salvation that we have: and yet notwithstanding when they gave themselves to idols’ feasts, perished in the wilderness, being horribly and manifoldly punished. Now, moreover and besides that these things are fitly spoken against them which frequented idols’ feasts, the same also seems to be alleged to this end and purpose, because many men are thus minded, that those things are not of such great weight, that God will be angry with them if they use them, so that they frequent Christian assemblies and be baptized, and receive the Communion, and confess Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 10:1 Paul speaketh thus in respect of the covenant, and not in respect of the persons, saving in general.
- 1 Corinthians 10:2 In effect the Sacrament of the old fathers were all one with ours, for they respected Christ only who offered himself unto them in divers shadows.
- 1 Corinthians 10:2 All of them were baptized with the outward sign, but not in deed, wherewith God cannot be charged, but they themselves.
- 1 Corinthians 10:2 Moses being their guide.
- 1 Corinthians 10:3 The same that we do.
- 1 Corinthians 10:3 Manna, which was a spiritual meat to the believers, which in faith lay hold upon Christ who is the true meat.
- 1 Corinthians 10:4 Of the river and running Rock, which followed the people.
- 1 Corinthians 10:4 Did sacramentally signify Christ, so that together with the sign, there was the thing signified, and the truth itself: for God doth not offer a bare sign, but the thing signifieth by the sign, together with it which is to be received with faith.
- 1 Corinthians 10:6 An amplifying of the example against them which are carried away with their lusts beyond the bounds which God has measured out. For this is the beginning of all evil, as of idolatry (which hath gluttony a companion unto it) fornication, rebelling against Christ, murmuring, and such like, which God punished most sharply in that old people, to the end that we which succeed them, and have a more full declaration of the will of God, might by that means take better heed.
- 1 Corinthians 10:6 Some read figures: which signified our sacraments: for circumcision was to the Jews a seal of righteousness, and to us a lively pattern of Baptism, and so in the other Sacraments.
- 1 Corinthians 10:9 To tempt Christ, is to provoke him to a combat as it were which those men do, who abuse the knowledge that he hath given them, and make it to serve for a cloak for their lusts and wickedness.
- 1 Corinthians 10:11 This our age is called the end, for it is the shutting up of all ages.
- 1 Corinthians 10:12 In conclusion, he descendeth to the Corinthians themselves, warning them that they please not themselves, but rather that they prevent the subtleties of Satan. Yet he useth an insinuation, and comforteth them, that he may not seem to make them altogether like to those wicked idolaters and contemners of Christ, which perished in the wilderness.
- 1 Corinthians 10:13 Which cometh of weakness.
- 1 Corinthians 10:13 He that would have you tempted for your profit’s sake, will give you an issue to escape out of the temptation.
- 1 Corinthians 10:15 Now returning to those idols’ feasts, that he may not seem to dally at all, first he promiseth that he will use no other reasons than such as they knew very well themselves. And he useth an induction borrowed of the agreement that is the things themselves. The holy banquets of the Christians are pledges, first of all of the community that they have with Christ, and next, one with another. The Israelites also do ratify in the sacrifices, their mutual conjunction in one selfsame religion: therefore so do the idolaters also join themselves with their idols or devils rather (for idols are nothing) in those solemn banquets, whereupon it followeth, that that table is a table of devils, and therefore you must eschew it: for you cannot be partakers of the Lord and of idols together, much less may such banquets be accounted for things indifferent. Will ye then strive with God? and if you do, think you that you shall get the upper hand?
- 1 Corinthians 10:16 Of thanksgiving: whereupon, that holy banquet was called Eucharist, that is, a thanksgiving.
- 1 Corinthians 10:16 A most effectual pledge and note of our knitting together with Christ, and ingrafting to him.
- 1 Corinthians 10:18 That is, as yet observe their ceremonies.
- 1 Corinthians 10:18 Are consenting and guilty, both of that worship and sacrifice.
- 1 Corinthians 10:20 Have anything to do with the devils, or enter into that society which is begun on the devil’s name.
- 1 Corinthians 10:21 The heathen and profane people were wont to shut up and make an end of their feasts which they kept to the honor of their gods, in offering meat offerings and drink offerings to them, with banquets and feastings.
- 1 Corinthians 10:23 Coming to another kind of things offered to idols, he repeateth that general rule, that in the use of things indifferent we ought to have consideration not of ourselves only, but of our neighbors, and therefore these are many things which of themselves are lawful, which may be evil done of us, because of offense to our neighbor.
- 1 Corinthians 10:23 See 1 Cor. 6:13.
- 1 Corinthians 10:25 An applying of the rule to the present matter: Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, you may indifferently buy it as it were at the Lord’s hand, and eat it either at home with the faithful, or being called home to the unfaithful, to wit, in a private banquet: but yet with this exception, unless any man is present which is weak, whose conscience may be offended, by setting meats offered to idols before them: for then you ought to have consideration of their weakness.
- 1 Corinthians 10:25 The flesh that was sacrificed, was used to be sold in the shambles, and the price returned to the priests.
- 1 Corinthians 10:26 All those things whereof it is full.
- 1 Corinthians 10:29 A reason: for we must take heed that our liberty be not evil spoken of, and that the benefit of God which we ought to use with thanksgiving be not changed into impiety, and that through our fault, if we choose rather to offend the conscience of the weak, than to yield a little of our liberty in a matter of no importance, and so give occasion to the weak to judge in such sort of us, and of Christian liberty. And the Apostle taketh these things upon his own person, that the Corinthians may have so much the less occasion to oppose anything against him.
- 1 Corinthians 10:30 If I may through God’s benefits eat this meat, or that meat, why should I through my fault, cause that benefit of God to turn to my blame?
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 The conclusion: We must order our lives in such sort, that we seek not ourselves, but God’s glory, and so the salvation of as many as we may, wherein the Apostle flicketh not to propound himself to the Corinthians (even his own flock) as an example, but so that he calleth them back to Christ, unto whom he himself hath regard.
1 Corinthians 10
Authorized (King James) Version
10 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 and did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. 16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? 19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? 20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 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. 22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.
25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: 26 for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.
27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. 28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof: 29 conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? 30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 33 even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
2001 by Terence P. Noble
Copyright © 2016 by Ruth Magnusson (Davis). Includes emendations to February 2022. All rights reserved.
Geneva Bible, 1599 Edition. Published by Tolle Lege Press. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in articles, reviews, and broadcasts.
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