βλεπετε 991 5720 V-PAM-2P τον 3588 T-ASM ισραηλ 2474 N-PRI κατα 2596 PREP σαρκα 4561 N-ASF ουχι 3780 PRT-I οι 3588 T-NPM εσθιοντες 2068 5723 V-PAP-NPM τας 3588 T-APF θυσιας 2378 N-APF κοινωνοι 2844 A-NPM του 3588 T-GSN θυσιαστηριου 2379 N-GSN εισιν 1526 5748 V-PXI-3P
Vincent's NT Word Studies
18. Showing that partaking of the idol-feasts is idolatry, by the analogy of the Israelite who, by partaking of the sacrifices puts himself in communion with Jehovah's altar.Partakers of the altar (koinwnoi tou qusiasthriou). An awkward phrase. Rev., better, bringing out the force of koinwnoi communers: have not they - communion with the altar? The Israelite who partook of the sacrifices (Lev. viii. 31) united himself with the altar of God. Paul says with the altar rather than with God, in order to emphasize the communion through the specific act of worship or sacrifice; since, in a larger sense, Israel after the flesh, Israel regarded as a nation, was, in virtue of that fact, in fellowship with God, apart from his partaking of the sacrifices.
Possibly, also, to suggest the external character of the Jewish worship in contrast with the spiritual worship of Christians. Philo calls the Jewish priest koinwnov tou bwmou partaker of the altar.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
10:18 {After the flesh} (kata sarka). The literal Israel, the Jewish people, not the spiritual Israel (israel kata pneuma) composed of both Jews and Gentiles, the true children of faith (#Ro 2:28; 9:8; Gal 3:7). {Communion with the altar} (koinwnoi tou qusiasteriou). Same idea in koinwnoi participators in, partners in, sharers in (with objective genitive). The word qusiasterion is from late verb qusiazw, to offer sacrifice, and that from qusia, sacrifice, and that from quw, common verb to slay, to sacrifice (verse #20). The Israelites who offer sacrifices have a spiritual participation in the altar.
