1 CORINTHIANS 10:22 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?”
Are we trying to arouse the Lord's jealousy? Are we not stronger than he? — The rhetorical questions expose the Corinthians' presumption: by flirting with demons through idol meals, are they provoking the Lord's zēlos (jealousy, passionate concern for covenant)? The phrase 'stronger than he' is sarcastic: do they imagine themselves more powerful than God? The comparison is absurd.
Church Fathers on 1 Corinthians 10:22
“Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than He?” i.e., “Are we tempting Him, whether He is able to punish us, and irritating Him by going over to the adversaries and taking our stand with His enemies?” And this he said, reminding them of an ancient history and of their fathers' transgression. Wherefore also he makes use of this expression, which Moses likewise of old used against the Jews, accusing them of idolatry in the person of God. “For they,” says He,…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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