1 Corinthians 10:6

KJV

¶ Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} these things {G5023} were {G1096} our {G2257} examples {G5179}, to the intent {G1519} we {G2248} should {G1511} not {G3361} lust after evil {G2556} things {G1938}, as {G2531} they also {G2548} lusted {G1937}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now these things took place as prefigurative historical events, warning us not to set our hearts on evil things as they did.

Berean Standard Bible

These things took place as examples to keep us from craving evil things as they did.

American Standard Version

Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 10:6, draws a profound lesson from the historical failures of ancient Israel, presenting their experiences in the wilderness as cautionary "examples" for the Corinthian believers and all subsequent generations of Christians. This verse serves as a critical warning, urging believers not to yield to the same sinful desires and cravings for "evil things" that led to Israel's downfall and divine judgment, thereby emphasizing the enduring relevance of Old Testament history for New Testament spiritual formation and vigilance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a larger section (1 Corinthians 10:1-13) where Paul uses the wilderness experiences of Israel as a powerful object lesson for the Corinthian church. Immediately preceding this verse, in [1 Corinthians 10:1-5](/1_corinthians/10-1-5 "1 Corinthians 10:1-5 - Israel's Spiritual Privileges and Failure"), Paul recounts how the Israelites, despite receiving extraordinary spiritual privileges—being "under the cloud," passing through the Red Sea, eating "spiritual meat" (manna), and drinking "spiritual drink" from the rock (which Paul explicitly identifies with Christ)—still provoked God's wrath due to their disobedience and idolatry. Verse 6 then introduces the purpose of this historical recounting, explicitly stating that "these things were our examples" to prevent similar sin. The passage continues to detail specific sins of Israel (idolatry, sexual immorality, testing Christ, grumbling) and their consequences, culminating in a general warning against pride and a promise of God's faithfulness in [1 Corinthians 10:11-13](/1_corinthians/10-11-13 "1 Corinthians 10:11-13 - Warnings and God's Faithfulness").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, a bustling, cosmopolitan, and morally lax port city in Greece. The Corinthian believers faced significant temptations related to idolatry (participation in pagan temple feasts), sexual immorality (prevalent in Corinthian society), and internal divisions. Paul's use of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings would have resonated with his Jewish-Christian readers, who were familiar with the Old Testament narratives, and served as a stark warning to Gentile converts who might have underestimated the seriousness of God's judgment. The specific "lusting after evil things" directly addresses issues like the Corinthians' potential participation in idol feasts, which often involved gluttony and sexual immorality, and their general self-indulgence, mirroring Israel's craving for meat and other desires during their journey from Egypt. The geographical setting of the wilderness wanderings, a harsh and demanding environment, underscores the Israelites' ingratitude and lack of trust despite miraculous provision.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [1 Corinthians 10](/1_corinthians/10 "1 Corinthians 10 - Warnings from Israel's History") is the **danger of spiritual complacency and the necessity of vigilance**. Paul emphasizes that spiritual privileges do not guarantee immunity from sin or judgment. The Israelites, despite their unique relationship with God and miraculous sustenance, failed due to their **disobedience and idolatry**. The verse specifically highlights the theme of **the danger of lust and sinful desires**, drawing a direct parallel between Israel's cravings for the "flesh pots of Egypt" ([Numbers 11:4-6](/numbers/11-4-6 "Numbers 11:4-6 - Israel's Craving for Meat")) and the temptations faced by the Corinthians. This historical account serves as a **type or example** (Greek: _typos_) for the church, demonstrating that God's character and principles of judgment remain consistent across dispensations. The passage also subtly introduces the theme of **Christ's pre-existence and involvement** in Israel's journey, as He is identified as the "spiritual rock" in [1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ as the Spiritual Rock"), further deepening the theological connection between the Old and New Covenants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **examples (Greek, _týpos'_):** From G5179, this term signifies more than just a historical event; it denotes a "pattern," "model," or "instance for warning." Paul uses Israel's history not merely as an anecdote but as a divinely ordained template, a blueprint of consequences that demonstrates universal spiritual principles. Their experiences serve as a cautionary tale, showing what happens when God's people, despite receiving immense grace and privilege, succumb to temptation and disobedience. The "type" is a pre-figurement or a parallel that offers instruction.
* **lust after evil things (Greek, _epithymētḗs kakós'_):** G1938 (_epithymētḗs_) refers to a "craver" or one who has strong desires, while G2556 (_kakós_) denotes something "worthless," "depraved," or "injurious." Combined, this phrase points to a strong, ungodly craving for things that are morally corrupt, harmful, or contrary to God's will. This is not merely a passing thought but a deep-seated, often passionate, desire for what is forbidden or destructive, reflecting the internal disposition that leads to outward sin.
* **lusted (Greek, _epithyméō'_):** From G1937, this verb means "to set the heart upon," "to long for," or "to desire strongly." While it can be used neutrally or even positively (e.g., desiring good things), in this context, paired with "evil things" and referring to Israel's historical failures, it unequivocally carries a negative connotation of sinful, covetous, or rebellious desire. It highlights the active engagement of the will and affections in pursuing what is contrary to God's commands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now these things were our examples":** Paul transitions from recounting Israel's history to applying it directly to the Corinthian church. "These things" refers to the specific events and failures of the Israelites detailed in the preceding verses (1 Corinthians 10:1-5). They "were" (became, served as) "our examples," meaning they are divinely intended patterns or warnings for believers in the New Covenant, illustrating principles of God's character, human sinfulness, and the consequences of disobedience.
* **"to the intent we should not lust after evil things":** This clause reveals the specific purpose of the Old Testament examples. The phrase "to the intent" signifies a clear divine intention and warning. Believers are exhorted not to develop strong, ungodly desires for things that are morally corrupt, detrimental to spiritual life, or in opposition to God's will. This directly addresses the heart's inclinations, which, if unchecked, lead to outward sin.
* **"as they also lusted":** This final clause draws a direct, emphatic comparison between the potential sin of the Corinthians and the actual sin of the Israelites. The Israelites' "lusting" refers to their repeated cravings for forbidden food, idolatry, and other forms of rebellion that led to their destruction in the wilderness. Paul warns the Corinthians that they are susceptible to the same sinful desires and can expect similar consequences if they follow Israel's pattern of disobedience.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this verse. **Analogy** and **Typology** are central, as he uses the historical events of Israel's wilderness wanderings as a direct parallel and prophetic pattern for the experiences and temptations of the New Testament church. The Israelites' failures serve as a **warning** or **admonition**, a didactic tool to instruct and caution the Corinthians. There is also an implicit **contrast** between the spiritual privileges Israel received and their subsequent moral failures, highlighting that divine favor does not negate the need for personal obedience. The repetition of the concept of "lust" (through "lust after evil things" and "lusted") serves as a form of **emphasis**, underscoring the specific sin Paul wishes to highlight and guard against.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 10:6 powerfully articulates the theological principle of **continuity in God's moral governance** across dispensations. It demonstrates that God's character, His holiness, and His standards for His people remain consistent. The Old Testament narratives are not mere historical accounts but divinely inspired object lessons, revealing timeless truths about human sinfulness, the dangers of idolatry and covetousness, and the certainty of divine judgment for persistent disobedience. This verse underscores the critical importance of learning from the past, recognizing that spiritual privileges do not confer immunity from temptation or its consequences. It calls believers to a posture of humility, vigilance, and self-examination, constantly guarding their hearts against the seductive power of sinful desires, just as Israel failed to do.

* [Numbers 11:4](/numbers/11-4 "Numbers 11:4 - The Rabble's Craving")
* [Psalm 106:14-15](/psalms/106-14-15 "Psalm 106:14-15 - Israel's Lust and God's Judgment")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14-15 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Sin from Lust")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 10:6 serves as a timeless mirror for every believer, prompting deep introspection into the nature of our desires. It challenges the notion that spiritual blessings or church affiliation automatically protect us from sin's allure. Just as Israel, despite miraculous provision and divine presence, succumbed to covetousness and idolatry, so too can modern Christians, surrounded by grace and truth, fall prey to the "lust after evil things." This verse calls us to cultivate a profound awareness of our own susceptibility to sinful cravings—whether for material possessions, illicit pleasures, worldly status, or anything that competes with our devotion to Christ. It is a powerful reminder that the battle against sin begins in the heart, with the desires we entertain. Therefore, genuine spiritual growth necessitates a vigilant guarding of our inner lives, a constant turning away from the enticements of the world, and a deliberate pursuit of God-honoring desires. We are called to learn not only from our own mistakes but profoundly from the historical record of those who came before us, allowing their failures to sharpen our spiritual discernment and fortify our resolve to walk in obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "evil things" that I am most prone to lust after in my own life, and how do these cravings manifest?**
* **How does learning from the historical failures of others, particularly biblical figures, help me to avoid similar pitfalls?**
* **In what ways might I be taking my spiritual privileges for granted, assuming they shield me from temptation or judgment?**
* **What practical steps can I take to guard my heart against sinful desires and cultivate desires that honor God?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "examples" when referring to Israel's experiences?**

Answer: When Paul states that "these things were our examples," he uses the Greek word _typos_ (G5179), which means more than just a historical account. It signifies a "pattern," "model," or "warning." The experiences of the Israelites in the wilderness, including their sins and God's judgments, are presented as divinely intended object lessons. They serve as a template or blueprint for believers in the New Covenant, demonstrating universal spiritual principles about God's character, the nature of human sin, and the consequences of disobedience. Paul intends for the Corinthian church, and by extension all Christians, to learn from Israel's failures so they do not repeat the same mistakes, particularly regarding idolatry and sinful desires, as seen in [1 Corinthians 10:7-10](/1_corinthians/10-7-10 "1 Corinthians 10:7-10 - Specific Sins of Israel").

**What specific "evil things" is Paul referring to when he warns against "lusting after evil things"?**

Answer: The phrase "lust after evil things" (Greek: _epithymētḗs kakós_) refers to strong, ungodly cravings for anything that is morally corrupt, harmful, or contrary to God's will. In the immediate context of [1 Corinthians 10](/1_corinthians/10 "1 Corinthians 10 - Warnings from Israel's History"), Paul is likely referencing the specific sins of Israel that he details in the subsequent verses:
* **Idolatry:** Israel lusted after false gods, as seen with the golden calf in [Exodus 32:6](/exodus/32-6 "Exodus 32:6 - The Golden Calf").
* **Sexual Immorality:** They engaged in immorality, as recounted in [Numbers 25:1-9](/numbers/25-1-9 "Numbers 25:1-9 - Israel's Immorality with Moabite Women").
* **Testing Christ:** They "tempted Christ" through their complaints and rebellion ([Numbers 21:5-6](/numbers/21-5-6 "Numbers 21:5-6 - Israel Complains and is Punished")).
* **Grumbling/Complaining:** Their constant murmuring against God and Moses ([Numbers 14:27](/numbers/14-27 "Numbers 14:27 - God Hears Israel's Grumbling")).
More broadly, "lust after evil things" encompasses any strong desire that leads one away from God, such as covetousness, greed, gluttony, or any form of self-indulgence that prioritizes personal gratification over obedience to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 10:6 highlights Israel's failures and serves as a warning, it implicitly points to the necessity of Christ for true spiritual victory. Israel's repeated "lusting after evil things" underscores humanity's inherent inability to consistently obey God and overcome sin through their own strength, even with divine provision. This persistent failure demonstrates the profound need for a perfect Savior who could fulfill the law and provide a new way of living. Christ is the ultimate "spiritual rock" ([1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ as the Spiritual Rock")) from whom true spiritual sustenance flows, unlike the temporary manna and water Israel received. He is the one who perfectly resisted temptation, even when "lusted" after by Satan in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")), providing the ultimate example of faithful obedience. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ provides forgiveness for our past "lusting after evil things" and, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, empowers believers to "walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh" ([Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit")). Thus, Israel's cautionary tale ultimately magnifies the grace and power of Christ, who enables His followers to overcome the very desires that led to the downfall of God's people in the past, offering not just a warning but a path to genuine spiritual flourishing and perseverance.

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

Jude 1:7

Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

1 Corinthians 10:11

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.

Hebrews 4:11

¶ Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Numbers 11:4

¶ And the mixt multitude that [was] among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?

Numbers 11:31

¶ And there went forth a wind from the LORD, and brought quails from the sea, and let [them] fall by the camp, as it were a day's journey on this side, and as it were a day's journey on the other side, round about the camp, and as it were two cubits [high] upon the face of the earth.

Numbers 11:34

And he called the name of that place Kibrothhattaavah: because there they buried the people that lusted.

Zephaniah 3:6

I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant.