1 Corinthians 10:10

KJV

Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither {G3366} murmur ye {G1111}, as {G2531} some {G5100} of them {G846} also {G2532} murmured {G1111}, and {G2532} were destroyed {G622} of {G5259} the destroyer {G3644}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And don’t grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the Destroying Angel.

Berean Standard Bible

And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel.

American Standard Version

Neither murmur ye, as some of them murmured, and perished by the destroyer.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 10:10 serves as a solemn warning to the Corinthian believers, urging them to avoid the sin of murmuring or complaining, drawing a direct parallel to the Israelites in the wilderness who, despite God's miraculous provision, grumbled against Him and His appointed leaders. Paul highlights that such discontent is not trivial but a grave act of rebellion that incurred severe divine judgment, leading to destruction at the hand of "the destroyer," an agent of God's righteous wrath. This verse underscores the seriousness of a complaining spirit and the historical consequences of distrust and ingratitude toward God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's broader argument in [1 Corinthians 10](/1-corinthians/10 "1 Corinthians 10 - Warnings from Israel's History"), where he uses the historical failures of ancient Israel as a cautionary tale for the Corinthian church. Having established in [1 Corinthians 10:1-5](/1-corinthians/10-1-5 "1 Corinthians 10:1-5 - Israel's Spiritual Privileges and Failures") that the Israelites enjoyed significant spiritual privileges (baptism in the cloud and sea, spiritual food and drink), Paul immediately pivots to their subsequent disobedience and God's displeasure. He then lists specific sins that led to their downfall—idolatry, sexual immorality, testing Christ, and murmuring—explicitly stating that "these things happened to them as examples, but they were written down for our instruction" ([1 Corinthians 10:6](/1-corinthians/10-6 "1 Corinthians 10:6 - Written for Our Instruction")). Thus, [1 Corinthians 10:10](/1-corinthians/10-10 "1 Corinthians 10:10 - Do Not Murmur") directly addresses the sin of complaining, placing it alongside other grave offenses that incurred divine judgment, reinforcing the urgency of his warning against such attitudes within the Corinthian community.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was plagued by various issues, including divisions, immorality, and a tendency towards spiritual pride and idolatry, as evidenced throughout Paul's letter. Paul's appeal to Israel's wilderness experience would have resonated with his Jewish-Christian readers and provided a powerful, universally understood narrative for Gentile converts familiar with the Septuagint. The Israelites' murmuring was a recurring motif in the Old Testament, often signifying a deep-seated distrust in God's provision and leadership, despite overwhelming evidence of His faithfulness (e.g., manna, water from the rock). Instances like the rebellion of Korah in [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion") or the complaints about the lack of meat in [Numbers 11](/numbers/11 "Numbers 11 - The People Complain") illustrate how murmuring was not merely a minor grievance but a direct challenge to God's authority, often leading to immediate and severe judgment, including plagues and destruction by "the destroyer" or "angel of death" ([Exodus 12:23](/exodus/12-23 "Exodus 12:23 - The Destroyer at Passover")). Paul uses these historical precedents to impress upon the Corinthians the gravity of their own potential for discontent and rebellion against God's will.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 10:10](/1-corinthians/10-10 "1 Corinthians 10:10 - The Danger of Murmuring") contributes significantly to several key themes within the chapter and the broader epistle. Firstly, it underscores the **danger of complaining**, revealing it not as a minor annoyance but as a serious act of rebellion against God's sovereignty and provision. This theme is intricately linked to **divine judgment**, as God's response to Israel's murmuring was swift and destructive, serving as a stark warning that God takes such attitudes seriously. Secondly, the verse reinforces the theme of **lessons from history**, emphasizing that the Old Testament narratives are not mere historical accounts but divinely inspired examples "written down for our instruction" ([1 Corinthians 10:11](/1-corinthians/10-11 "1 Corinthians 10:11 - Examples for Our Admonition")). Finally, the mention of "the destroyer" introduces the theme of **God's instruments of judgment**, often understood as an angelic agent or a plague, highlighting the direct and often immediate consequences of God's wrath against persistent rebellion and ingratitude, echoing the Passover narrative in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **murmur (Greek, _gongýzō'_):** This word describes a low, muttering sound, expressing discontent, grumbling, or complaining. It signifies more than just verbal complaint; it reflects an inner attitude of dissatisfaction, often directed against authority or divine providence. The repeated use in the verse emphasizes the persistent and widespread nature of this sin among the Israelites.
* **destroyed (Greek, _apóllymi'_):** Meaning "to destroy fully," "to perish," or "to lose," this term indicates a complete and utter ruin, whether literally or figuratively. In this context, it refers to the physical perishing of the Israelites in the wilderness due to divine judgment, highlighting the severe consequences of their sin.
* **destroyer (Greek, _olothreutḗs'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to ruin," this noun refers to a "ruiner," an "exterminator," or specifically, an agent of destruction. In the Septuagint, this term is used to describe the angel responsible for executing judgment on the firstborn in Egypt during the Passover ([Exodus 12:23](/exodus/12-23 "Exodus 12:23 - The Angel of Death")). Its use here signifies a direct, divinely appointed agent of judgment, underscoring the directness of God's wrath against the murmurers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither murmur ye":** This is a direct command, an imperative negative, instructing the Corinthian believers not to engage in the act of complaining or grumbling. The "neither" (Greek: _mēdé_) connects this prohibition to the preceding warnings against idolatry, sexual immorality, and testing Christ, emphasizing that murmuring is equally serious and to be avoided.
* **"as some of them also murmured":** This clause draws a clear parallel to the Israelites in the wilderness. The phrase "some of them" refers to those among the Exodus generation who repeatedly grumbled against Moses, Aaron, and ultimately, against God Himself, demonstrating a lack of faith and gratitude despite His miraculous provision. The repetition of "murmured" reinforces the persistent nature of their sin.
* **"and were destroyed of the destroyer":** This final clause states the severe consequence of their murmuring. The Israelites who complained were "destroyed," meaning they perished in the wilderness, failing to enter the Promised Land. The agent of this destruction is identified as "the destroyer," an instrument of divine judgment, often understood as a plague or an angelic agent of death, linking their fate directly to God's righteous wrath.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several **literary devices** to convey its urgent message. Foremost is **Allusion**, as Paul directly references the historical events of the Israelite wilderness journey, particularly the numerous instances of their murmuring and the subsequent divine judgment. This allusion serves as a powerful cautionary tale, leveraging shared biblical knowledge to impress upon the Corinthians the gravity of their potential sins. The phrase "the destroyer" functions as a form of **Metonymy** or **Personification**, representing God's active judgment through an agent. While "the destroyer" is a specific entity (often identified as an angel of death or a plague), it stands in for the direct, destructive power of God's wrath against disobedience. Finally, the entire verse acts as a **Warning** or **Exhortation**, a direct imperative ("Neither murmur ye") followed by a historical precedent and its dire consequences, designed to deter the audience from similar sinful behavior.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The warning against murmuring in 1 Corinthians 10:10 is deeply theological, revealing God's character and the nature of human sin. Murmuring is not merely an expression of discontent but a profound manifestation of distrust in God's sovereign plan and provision. It signifies a heart that questions God's goodness, wisdom, and faithfulness, akin to the Israelites' rebellion against the One who had miraculously delivered them from slavery. Such an attitude is an affront to God's authority and a rejection of His grace, which is why it incurred such severe judgment. The "destroyer" highlights that God is not passive in the face of persistent rebellion but actively intervenes to uphold His holiness and justice, using various means to bring about consequences for sin. This serves as a timeless reminder that while God is gracious, He is also just, and our attitudes of gratitude and trust are paramount to a right relationship with Him.

* [Numbers 14:26-30](/numbers/14-26-30 "Numbers 14:26-30 - The Consequences of Murmuring")
* [Philippians 2:14](/philippians/2-14 "Philippians 2:14 - Do All Things Without Grumbling")
* [Jude 1:16](/jude/1-16 "Jude 1:16 - Grumblers and Complainers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 10:10 challenges believers to deeply examine their hearts and the words that flow from them. In a world often characterized by complaint, critique, and dissatisfaction, this verse stands as a stark reminder that a murmuring spirit is profoundly offensive to God. It calls us to cultivate a radical posture of gratitude and trust, recognizing that every circumstance, whether joyful or challenging, is filtered through the loving, sovereign hand of God. When we murmur, we implicitly accuse God of being unfaithful, unjust, or uncaring, mirroring the Israelites' lack of faith despite witnessing His miracles. Instead, we are called to embrace a spirit of contentment, finding our satisfaction in Christ alone, and to express thanksgiving in all things, knowing that God is working all things for our good and His glory. This not only honors God but also fosters unity and peace within the body of Christ, as complaining often breeds discord and division. Learning from Israel's tragic example, we are urged to walk in humility, acknowledging God's perfect plan even when we don't understand it, and to respond with praise rather than protest.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are common areas in my life where I tend to murmur or complain, and what does this reveal about my trust in God's sovereignty?**
* **How can I intentionally cultivate a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving, even in difficult circumstances, as an antidote to murmuring?**
* **In what ways might my complaining affect the spiritual atmosphere of my home, church, or workplace?**
* **What specific steps can I take to replace negative thoughts and words with expressions of faith and praise?**

### FAQ

**Who is "the destroyer" mentioned in 1 Corinthians 10:10?**

Answer: The "destroyer" (Greek: _olothreutḗs_) refers to an agent of divine judgment. While not explicitly named, the term strongly alludes to the "angel of death" or "destroying angel" mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the Passover narrative where the Lord sent a destroyer to strike down the firstborn in Egypt ([Exodus 12:23](/exodus/12-23 "Exodus 12:23 - The Destroyer in Egypt")). This same concept appears when God sends a plague or an angel to execute judgment, as seen in [2 Samuel 24:16](/2-samuel/24-16 "2 Samuel 24:16 - The Angel of the Lord's Judgment") and [1 Chronicles 21:15](/1-chronicles/21-15 "1 Chronicles 21:15 - The Destroying Angel"). Thus, "the destroyer" in [1 Corinthians 10:10](/1-corinthians/10-10 "1 Corinthians 10:10 - The Destroyer") is understood as a direct instrument of God's righteous wrath, sent to bring about the consequences of Israel's persistent murmuring and rebellion.

**Why is murmuring considered such a serious sin by God?**

Answer: Murmuring, or complaining, is considered a serious sin because it fundamentally reveals a lack of faith and a deep-seated distrust in God's character and provision. When the Israelites murmured, they were not just complaining about their circumstances or human leaders; they were implicitly, and often explicitly, complaining against God Himself, questioning His wisdom, goodness, and ability to care for them despite His miraculous interventions. This attitude of discontent and ingratitude is a direct affront to God's sovereignty and His covenant faithfulness. It signifies a rebellious heart that refuses to submit to God's will and instead expresses dissatisfaction with His perfect plan. As such, it is viewed as a form of rebellion and idolatry of self, which God, in His holiness, cannot tolerate, leading to severe consequences as seen throughout the Old Testament and warned against in [1 Corinthians 10:10](/1-corinthians/10-10 "1 Corinthians 10:10 - The Seriousness of Murmuring").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 10:10 serves as a stark warning from Old Testament history, its ultimate fulfillment and antidote are found in Christ. The Israelites' murmuring stemmed from their distrust and rebellion against God's provision and leadership, a reflection of fallen humanity's inherent discontent. In contrast, Jesus Christ perfectly exemplified a life utterly devoid of murmuring or complaint. He consistently submitted to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")). He is the true spiritual food and drink that the Israelites' manna and water foreshadowed, providing ultimate satisfaction and removing any legitimate cause for complaint ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). For believers, freedom from the destructive cycle of murmuring is found in union with Christ. Through His atoning sacrifice, our rebellious hearts are transformed, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to live lives of gratitude and contentment, trusting in God's perfect plan and provision. Christ bore the judgment for our sins, including our complaining, offering us not destruction but eternal life and peace, allowing us to "do all things without grumbling or questioning" ([Philippians 2:14](/philippians/2-14 "Philippians 2:14 - Do All Things Without Grumbling")) as a testament to His transformative power.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 14:2

And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!

Numbers 16:41

¶ But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD.

Numbers 14:37

Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the LORD.

1 Chronicles 21:15

And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

Philippians 2:14

¶ Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

2 Samuel 24:16

And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite.

Psalms 106:25

But murmured in their tents, [and] hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD.