1 Corinthians 10:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.”

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 10:7, the Apostle Paul issues a stern warning against idolatry, drawing a direct parallel between the Corinthian believers and ancient Israel's catastrophic failure at Mount Sinai. By quoting from Exodus 32:6, Paul vividly reminds his audience that spiritual privileges do not confer immunity from sin or divine judgment, emphasizing that the seemingly innocent acts of eating, drinking, and "playing" in an idolatrous context are, in fact, grievous offenses against God, serving as a cautionary tale for all who claim to follow Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger section of 1 Corinthians (chapters 8-10) where Paul addresses the complex issue of "food sacrificed to idols." Having previously discussed the principle of Christian liberty and the importance of not causing a weaker brother to stumble (chapter 8), Paul shifts in chapter 9 to his own example of self-sacrifice for the sake of the gospel. In chapter 10, he pivots to a series of negative examples from Israel's wilderness history, beginning in [1 Corinthians 10:1](/1_corinthians/10-1 "1 Corinthians 10:1 - Israel's Spiritual Privileges") by recounting Israel's spiritual privileges (baptism in the cloud and sea, spiritual food and drink) and their subsequent failures. Verse 7 specifically highlights idolatry, one of several sins (idolatry, sexual immorality, testing Christ, grumbling) that led to divine judgment. Paul's aim is to warn the Corinthians against participating in pagan feasts, which, though seemingly harmless social events, could lead them into genuine idolatry and compromise their faith. He concludes this section with a strong exhortation to [flee from idolatry](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry") and to do all things for God's glory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, renowned for its wealth, trade, and pervasive pagan worship. Numerous temples dedicated to gods like Aphrodite, Apollo, and Poseidon dotted the landscape, and temple feasts were a common part of civic and religious life. These feasts often involved communal meals, revelry, and sometimes sexual immorality, all in honor of a pagan deity. For the Corinthian Christians, many of whom were converts from paganism, the temptation to participate in these social events was significant. Paul's reference to the golden calf incident in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf") directly addresses this context. The Israelites, having just been miraculously delivered from Egypt and given the Law at Sinai, quickly turned to idolatry, creating a golden calf and engaging in revelry that included eating, drinking, and "playing" (often interpreted as licentious behavior). This historical event served as a powerful, tangible warning to the Corinthians, illustrating that even those who have experienced God's grace can fall into grievous sin if they do not remain vigilant against the allure of false worship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Corinthians and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **danger of idolatry**, not merely as overt worship of statues, but as any act or devotion that displaces God from His rightful, supreme position. Paul highlights that even seemingly innocuous social participation in pagan rituals can lead to spiritual compromise and judgment. Secondly, the passage emphasizes the **importance of learning from history**, particularly the failures of God's people. Israel's experiences serve as "examples" ([1 Corinthians 10:6](/1_corinthians/10-6 "1 Corinthians 10:6 - Israel as Examples")) and "warnings" ([1 Corinthians 10:11](/1_corinthians/10-11 "1 Corinthians 10:11 - Written for Our Instruction")) for believers today, demonstrating that spiritual privilege does not guarantee immunity from temptation or consequences. Thirdly, it reinforces the **seriousness of disobedience and its consequences**, as the golden calf incident led to a severe plague and divine wrath ([Exodus 32:35](/exodus/32-35 "Exodus 32:35 - The Plague on Israel")). Finally, the verse implicitly calls for **exclusive devotion and spiritual purity**, echoing the foundational Old Testament command against having "other gods before" the Lord ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **idolaters (Greek, _eidōlolátrēs'_):** This compound word, derived from "idol" (εἴδωλον) and "worshipper" (λατρεύω), signifies one who serves or worships an image. In this context, it directly refers to those who engage in the worship of false gods, whether literally bowing to statues or participating in rituals dedicated to them. Paul uses this term to directly label the Israelites' actions at Sinai and to warn the Corinthians against becoming such. It carries the weight of spiritual treason against the one true God.
* **sat down (Greek, _kathízō'_):** While literally meaning "to sit down," in this context, especially when paired with "to eat and drink," it conveys the sense of settling in for a feast or a prolonged period of revelry. It implies a deliberate and communal engagement in the activities that followed, indicating a willing participation in the idolatrous celebration rather than a casual or accidental presence.
* **to play (Greek, _paízō'_):** This word, derived from the Greek word for "child" (παῖς), can mean innocent play or sport. However, in the context of the Septuagint's use in [Exodus 32:6](/exodus/32-6 "Exodus 32:6 - The Golden Calf Incident") and its association with idolatrous feasts, it takes on a much darker connotation. It refers to a riotous, uninhibited, and often sexually immoral revelry that accompanied pagan worship. It implies loose, licentious behavior, a complete breakdown of moral boundaries, and a rejection of divine standards.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither be ye idolaters":** This is a direct, imperative command from Paul to the Corinthian believers. The Greek negative particle (G3366, _mēdé_) emphasizes a strong prohibition, urging them not to become or behave like idolaters. It serves as the central admonition of the verse, setting the stage for the historical example that follows.
* **"as [were] some of them":** Paul immediately draws a parallel to the Israelites, specifically referring to "some" of them, indicating that not all were equally guilty, but a significant portion participated in the sin. This comparison highlights that even God's chosen people, despite their unique covenant relationship, fell into this grievous sin.
* **"as it is written":** This phrase introduces a direct quotation from Scripture, specifically [Exodus 32:6](/exodus/32-6 "Exodus 32:6 - The Golden Calf Incident") (from the Septuagint). By citing the Old Testament, Paul grounds his warning in divine authority and historical precedent, showing that this is not a new problem but a recurring human failing.
* **"The people sat down to eat and drink":** This part of the quotation describes the initial actions of the Israelites after the golden calf was made. "Sitting down to eat and drink" refers to the feasting associated with the idolatrous sacrifice, a communal meal that was part of the pagan ritual. It signifies a deliberate act of participation in the worship of the idol.
* **"and rose up to play":** This final clause describes the subsequent behavior. As discussed in the key word analysis, "to play" in this context refers to uninhibited, often licentious and immoral revelry, a direct consequence and expression of their idolatrous worship. It illustrates the comprehensive nature of their sin, encompassing both religious apostasy and moral depravity.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in this verse to convey his urgent warning. The most prominent is **Allusion**, specifically to the narrative of the golden calf in [Exodus 32:6](/exodus/32-6 "Exodus 32:6 - The Golden Calf Incident"). By quoting this specific phrase, Paul immediately evokes the entire tragic story of Israel's apostasy, their rapid descent into idolatry after receiving the Law, and the severe divine judgment that followed. This serves as a powerful **Exemplum** or cautionary tale, providing a historical precedent that the Corinthians, living in a pagan-saturated environment, must learn from. The structure of the verse itself also utilizes **Juxtaposition**, placing the direct command "Neither be ye idolaters" immediately alongside the historical example of Israel's failure. This stark contrast highlights the potential for similar spiritual pitfalls and underscores the gravity of the warning. Furthermore, the seemingly innocuous phrase "eat and drink, and rose up to play" functions as a **Euphemism** or understatement for the full extent of the Israelites' revelry, which included debauchery and immorality. Paul uses the Septuagint's phrasing, which, in its original context, already carried these darker connotations, to subtly imply the comprehensive nature of the sin without needing to explicitly detail the licentiousness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The warning in 1 Corinthians 10:7 against idolatry, rooted in the historical failure of Israel, profoundly connects to the biblical emphasis on God's absolute sovereignty and His demand for exclusive worship. Idolatry, in its essence, is a usurpation of God's unique glory and a betrayal of the covenant relationship. It is a fundamental violation of the first commandment, which establishes the Lord as the one true God to be worshipped above all else. Paul's use of Israel's history underscores the continuity of God's character and His unchanging standards for holiness and devotion across dispensations. The consequences faced by Israel serve as a timeless reminder that spiritual privileges do not negate the need for vigilance, obedience, and a singular focus on God. This principle extends beyond literal idol worship to encompass any pursuit, desire, or object that takes precedence over God in one's life, whether it be materialism, self-worship, or even human relationships.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")
* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema")
* [Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death Earthly Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 10:7 serves as a powerful and timeless mirror for believers today, challenging us to scrutinize the objects of our deepest affections and allegiances. While overt idol worship may not be prevalent in many contemporary contexts, the principle of idolatry remains profoundly relevant. Anything that consumes our primary time, energy, thoughts, and devotion, displacing God from His rightful place of supremacy in our lives, functions as an idol. This could manifest as an insatiable pursuit of wealth, status, comfort, or pleasure; an unhealthy obsession with self-image or personal achievement; or even an over-reliance on human relationships or institutions. Paul's warning, rooted in Israel's tragic history, reminds us that spiritual blessings and knowledge do not automatically inoculate us against temptation. Vigilance, self-examination, and a constant re-centering on Christ are essential for maintaining a pure and undivided heart. We are called to learn from the past, recognizing that the subtle allure of worldly enticements can lead to spiritual compromise and, ultimately, separation from God's favor. Our application must extend beyond outward acts to the inner disposition of our hearts, ensuring that our worship and devotion are exclusively directed towards the one true God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "golden calves" in my life that compete for my ultimate devotion and attention?**
* **How might seemingly innocent activities or pursuits subtly lead me away from a singular focus on God?**
* **In what ways can I proactively guard my heart and mind against modern forms of idolatry?**
* **What lessons from Israel's history am I personally applying to my walk with Christ today?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "rose up to play" in this context?**

Answer: In 1 Corinthians 10:7, when Paul quotes from [Exodus 32:6](/exodus/32-6 "Exodus 32:6 - The Golden Calf Incident") that the people "rose up to play," he is referring to the riotous and often licentious revelry that accompanied the Israelites' worship of the golden calf. While the Greek word (_paízō_) can mean innocent play, in the context of pagan feasts and idolatrous worship, it carries a strong connotation of uninhibited, sensual, and even sexually immoral behavior. The Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) uses this same word in [Exodus 32:6](/exodus/32-6 "Exodus 32:6 - The Golden Calf Incident"), implying that the "play" was not mere recreation but a breakdown of moral conduct, consistent with the debauchery often associated with ancient pagan rituals. Paul uses this to highlight the comprehensive nature of the Israelites' sin, which was not just religious apostasy but also moral depravity.

**Why does Paul use Israel's history as an example for the Corinthians?**

Answer: Paul uses Israel's history, particularly their failures in the wilderness, as a series of cautionary "examples" ([1 Corinthians 10:6](/1_corinthians/10-6 "1 Corinthians 10:6 - Israel as Examples")) and "warnings" ([1 Corinthians 10:11](/1_corinthians/10-11 "1 Corinthians 10:11 - Written for Our Instruction")) for the Corinthian believers. His primary reason is to demonstrate that spiritual privileges (like Israel's miraculous deliverance, manna, and water from the rock, which Paul likens to Christian baptism and communion in [1 Corinthians 10:1-4](/1_corinthians/10-1-4 "1 Corinthians 10:1-4 - Israel's Spiritual Privileges")) do not guarantee immunity from sin or divine judgment. The Corinthians, living in a city steeped in paganism, faced temptations to compromise their faith, particularly regarding participation in temple feasts. By recounting Israel's falls into idolatry, sexual immorality, testing God, and grumbling, Paul warns them against similar spiritual pitfalls, emphasizing that God's judgment is real and that vigilance is required to stand firm in faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 10:7 serves as a stark warning against idolatry rooted in Old Testament history, it finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Israelites' failure to maintain exclusive devotion to Yahweh, culminating in the golden calf incident, underscores humanity's inherent propensity to turn from the true God and worship created things. This deep-seated idolatry, the very essence of sin, necessitated a perfect sacrifice and a new covenant. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfilled the Law and offered Himself as the ultimate atonement for our idolatrous hearts. He is the [true God and eternal life](/1_john/5-20 "1 John 5:20 - The True God"), the one to whom all worship and devotion are due. In Christ, believers are freed from the bondage of idolatry, not merely by external restraint, but by the indwelling Holy Spirit who empowers them to [walk in newness of life](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life") and to [worship God in spirit and truth](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"). The warning against idolatry in this verse thus points us to the absolute necessity of Christ, who alone can reorient our hearts to God, enabling us to [love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength](/mark/12-30 "Mark 12:30 - The Greatest Commandment"), and to [flee from every form of idolatry](/1_john/5-21 "1 John 5:21 - Keep Yourselves from Idols") by fixing our eyes on Him, the [author and perfecter of our faith](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus").

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

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.