1 Corinthians 10:7

Neither be ye idolaters, as [were] some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

Neither {G3366} be ye {G1096} idolaters {G1496}, as {G2531} were some {G5100} of them {G846}; as {G5613} it is written {G1125}, The people {G2992} sat down {G2523} to eat {G5315} and {G2532} drink {G4095}, and {G2532} rose up {G450} to play {G3815}.

Don’t be idolaters, as some of them were — as the Tanakh puts it, “The people sat down to eat and drink, then got up to indulge in revelry.”

Do not be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written: “The people sat down to eat and to drink, and got up to indulge in revelry.”

Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

Context

In 1 Corinthians chapter 10, the Apostle Paul continues his warning to the Corinthian believers against participating in pagan idolatry and immorality, drawing crucial lessons from the history of ancient Israel. He recounts how God's people, despite experiencing divine provision and miraculous deliverance (like passing through the Red Sea and eating manna), fell into sin and faced severe consequences. Verse 7 specifically references the infamous golden calf incident described in Exodus 32:6, where the Israelites, impatient with Moses' absence on Mount Sinai, pressured Aaron to make an idol. This historical event serves as a stark reminder for the Corinthians, who were living in a city steeped in pagan worship, that spiritual privileges do not guarantee immunity from temptation or judgment.

Key Themes

  • Warning Against Idolatry: The primary message is a direct admonition to avoid idolatry in all its forms. Paul highlights that idolatry is not merely worshipping statues but can encompass any object, desire, or pursuit that takes the place of God in one's life.
  • Learning from History: The verse underscores the importance of studying past failures, particularly those of God's chosen people, as a cautionary tale for present believers. The experiences of Israel serve as "examples" (1 Corinthians 10:6) for Christians.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, the reference to the golden calf incident implies the severe judgment that followed (e.g., the plague mentioned in Exodus 32:35). This reinforces the seriousness of spiritual rebellion.
  • Spiritual Purity and Exclusive Devotion: The command "Neither be ye idolaters" calls believers to maintain an exclusive and undivided devotion to the one true God, echoing the first commandment (Exodus 20:3: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me").

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "rose up to play" translates the Greek word paizein (παίζειν). While it can mean innocent play, in this context, especially when linked to the revelry surrounding idol worship, it carries a strong connotation of riotous, sensual, and often immoral activities. The Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) uses this word in Exodus 32:6, implying not just recreation but the loose and often sexually immoral behavior that accompanied pagan feasts and idolatrous worship. This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the Israelites' sin, which went beyond simply bowing to an idol to include a complete breakdown of moral conduct.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 10:7 serves as a vital warning. While literal idol worship may be less common in many societies, the principle of idolatry remains highly relevant. Modern forms of idolatry can include:

  • Materialism: Placing wealth, possessions, or career success above God.
  • Self-Worship: Prioritizing one's own desires, comfort, or reputation above God's will.
  • Relationships: Elevating human relationships to a position of ultimate devotion.
  • Entertainment or Hobbies: Allowing leisure pursuits to consume time and affection that rightly belong to God.

The verse calls us to examine our hearts and priorities, ensuring that God alone holds the supreme place in our lives. We must learn from the past, recognizing that even those who have experienced God's grace can fall if they do not remain vigilant and wholeheartedly devoted to Him. Paul's exhortation to "flee from idolatry" in 1 Corinthians 10:14 is a timeless call to spiritual integrity and purity.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Exodus 32:6

    And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.

  • Exodus 32:8

    They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These [be] thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

  • Psalms 106:19

    They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image.

  • Psalms 106:20

    Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:9

    ¶ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

  • 1 Corinthians 10:14

    Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

  • Deuteronomy 9:12

    And the LORD said unto me, Arise, get thee down quickly from hence; for thy people which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt have corrupted [themselves]; they are quickly turned aside out of the way which I commanded them; they have made them a molten image.

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