1 CORINTHIANS 10:19 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?”
Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? — Paul retreats slightly: is idol food truly meaningful? Is the idol real? The questions presume negative answers. Theologically, the idol is akathartos (unclean, powerless), not a deity.
Church Fathers on 1 Corinthians 10:19
“What say I then? That an idol is anything? Or that a thing sacrificed to idols is anything?” As if he had said, “Now these things I affirm, and try to withdraw you from the idols, not as though they could do any injury or had any power: for an idol is nothing; but I wish you to despise them.” “And if you will have us despise them,” says one, “wherefore do you carefully withdraw us from them?” Because they are not offered to your Lord.
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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