TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Corinthians 10:6–14. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The apostle, having recited their privileges, proceeds here to an account of their faults and punishments, their sins and plagues, which are left upon record for an example to us, a warning against the like sins, if we would escape the like punishments. We must not do as they did, lest we suffer as they suffered.
I.Several of their sins are specified as cautions to us; as,
1.We should shun inordinate desires after carnal objects: Not lust after evil things, as they lusted, Co1 10:6. God fed them with manna, but they must have flesh, Num 11:4. They had food for their supply, but, not content with this, they asked meat for their lusts, Psa 106:14. Carnal desires get head by indulgence, and therefore should be observed and checked in their first rise: if once they prevail, and bear sway in us, we know not whither they will carry us. This caution stands first, because carnal appetites indulged are the root and source of much sin.
2.He warns against idolatry (Co1 10:7): Neither be you idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. The sin of the golden calf is referred to, Exo 32:6. They first sacrificed to their idol, then feasted on the sacrifices, and then danced before it. Though only eating and drinking are mentioned here, yet the sacrifice is supposed. The apostle is speaking to the case of the Corinthians, who were tempted to feast on the heathen sacrifices, things offered to idols, though they do not seem to have been under any temptation to offer sacrifice themselves. Even eating and drinking of the sacrifices before the idol, and as things sacrificed, was idolatry, which, by the example of the Israelites, they should be warned to avoid.
3.He cautions against fornication, a sin to which the inhabitants of Corinth were in a peculiar manner addicted. They had a temple among them dedicated to Venus (that is, to lust), with above a thousand priestesses belonging to it, all common prostitutes. How needful was a caution against fornication to those who lived in so corrupt a city, and had been used to such dissolute manners, especially when they were under temptations to idolatry too! and spiritual whoredom did in many cases lead to bodily prostitution. Most of the gods whom the heathens served were represented as patterns of lewdness; and much lewdness was committed in the very worship of many of them. Many of the Jewish writers, and many Christians after them, think that such worship was paid to Baal-Peor; and that fornication was committed with the daughters of Moab in the worship of that idol. They were enticed by these women both to spiritual and corporal whoredom; first to feast on the sacrifice, if not to do more beastly acts, in honour of the idol, and then to defile themselves with strange flesh (Num. 25), which brought on a plague, that in one day slew twenty-three thousand, besides those who fell by the hand of public justice. Note, Whoremongers and adulterers God will judge, in whatever external relation they may stand to him, and whatever outward privileges he may bestow upon them. Let us fear the sins of Israel, if we would shun their plagues.
4.He warns us against tempting Christ (as some of them tempted, and were destroyed of serpents, Co1 10:9), or provoking him to jealousy, Co1 10:22. He was with the church in the wilderness; he was the angel of the covenant, who went before them. But he was greatly grieved and provoked by them in many ways: They spoke against him and Moses, Wherefore have you brought us out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for which reason God sent fiery serpents among them (Num 21:5, Num 21:6), by which many of them were stung mortally. And it is but just to fear that such as tempt Christ under the present dispensation will be left by him in the power of the old serpent.
5.He warns against murmuring: Neither murmur you as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer (Co1 10:10), by a destroying angel, an executioner of divine vengeance. They quarrelled with God, and murmured against Moses his minister, when any difficulties pressed them. When they met with discouragements in the way to Canaan, they were very apt to fly in the face of their leaders, were for displacing them, and going back to Egypt under the conduct of others of their own choosing. Something like this seems to have been the case of the Corinthians; they murmured against Paul, and in him against Christ, and seem to have set up other teachers, who would indulge and soothe them in their inclinations, and particularly in a revolt to idolatry. Rather let them feast on idol sacrifices than bear the reproach, or expose themselves to the ill-will, of heathen neighbours. Such conduct was very provoking to God, and was likely to bring upon them swift destruction, as it did on the Israelites, Num 14:37. Note, Murmuring against divine disposals and commands is a sin that greatly provokes, especially when it grows to such a head as to issue in apostasy, and a revolt from him and his good ways.
II.The apostle subjoins to these particular cautions a more general one (Co1 10:11):
All these things happened to them for ensamples, and were written for our admonition. Not only the laws and ordinances of the Jews, but the providences of God towards them, were typical. Their sins against God, and backslidings from him, were typical of the infidelity of many under the gospel. God's judgments on them were types of spiritual judgments now. Their exclusion from the earthly Canaan typified the exclusion of many under the gospel out of the heavenly Canaan, for their unbelief. Their history was written, to be a standing monitor to the church, even under the last and most perfect dispensation: To us, on whom the end of the world is come, the concluding period of God's gracious government over men. Note, Nothing in scripture is written in vain. God had wise and gracious purposes towards us in leaving the Jewish history upon record; and it is our wisdom and duty to receive instruction from it. Upon this hint the apostle grounds a caution (Co1 10:12): Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. Note, The harms sustained by others should be cautious to us. He that thinks he stands should not be confident and secure, but upon his guard. Others have fallen, and so may we. And then we are most likely to fall when we are most confident of our own strength, and thereupon most apt to be secure, and off our guard. Distrust of himself, putting him at once upon vigilance and dependence on God, is the Christian's best security against all sin. Note, He who thinks he stands is not likely to keep his footing, if he fears no fall, nor guards against it. God has not promised to keep us from falling, if we do not look to ourselves: his protection supposes our own care and caution.
III.But to this word of caution he adds a word of comfort, Co1 10:13.
Though it is displeasing to God for us to presume, it is not pleasing to him for us to despair. If the former be a great sin, the latter is far from being innocent. Though we must fear and take heed lest we fall, yet should we not be terrified and amazed; for either our trials will be proportioned to our strength, or strength will be supplied in proportion to our temptations. We live indeed in a tempting world, where we are compassed about with snares. Every place, condition, relation, employment, and enjoyment, abounds with them; yet what comfort may we fetch from such a passage! For, 1. "No temptation," says the apostle, "hath yet taken you, but such as is common to man, what is human; that is, such as you may expect from men of such principles as heathens, and such power; or else such as is common to mankind in the present state; or else such as the spirit and resolution of mere men may bear you through." Note, The trials of common Christians are but common trials: others have the like burdens and the like temptations; what they bear up under, and break through, we may also. 2. God is faithful. Though Satan be a deceiver, God is true. Men may be false, and the world may be false; but God is faithful, and our strength and security are in him. He keepeth his covenant, and will never disappoint the filial hope and trust of his children. 3. He is wise as well as faithful, and will proportion our burden to our strength. He will not suffer us to be tempted above what we are able. He knows what we can bear, and what we can bear up against; and he will, in his wise providence, either proportion our temptations to our strength or make us able to grapple with them. He will take care that we be not overcome, if we rely upon him, and resolve to approve ourselves faithful to him. We need not perplex ourselves with the difficulties in our way when God will take care that they shall not be too great for us to encounter, especially. 4. When he will make them to issue well. He will make a way to escape, either the trial itself, or at least the mischief of it. There is no valley so dark but he can find a way through it, no affliction so grievous but he can prevent, or remove, or enable us to support it, and in the end overrule it to our advantage.
IV.And upon this argument he grounds another caution against idolatry: Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. Observe,
1.How he addresses them: My dearly beloved. It is out of tender affection to them that he presses this advice upon them.
2.The matter of his advice: "Flee idolatry; shun it, and all approaches towards it." Idolatry is the most heinous injury and affront to the true God; it is transferring his worship and honour to a rival.
3.The ground of this advice: "Seeing you have such encouragement to trust God, and to be faithful, do you approve yourselves men, be not shaken by any discouragements your heathen enemies may lay before you. God will succour and assist, help you in your trials, and help you out of them; and therefore be not guilty of any idolatrous compliances." Note, We have all the encouragement in the world to flee sin and prove faithful to God. We cannot fall by a temptation if we cleave fast to him.
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
7 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
For the law is the training of refractory children. "Having feasted to the full "accordingly, it is said, "they rose up to play; "
Nature herself will plainly tell with what qualities she is ever wont to find us endowed when she sets us, before taking food and drink, with our saliva still in a virgin state, to the transaction of matters, by the sense especially whereby things divine are, handled; whether (it be not) with a mind much more vigorous, with a heart much more alive, than when that whole habitation of our interior man, stuffed with meats, inundated with wines, fermenting for the purpose of excremental secretion, is already being turned into a premeditatory of privies, (a premeditatory) where, plainly, nothing is so proximately supersequent as the savouring of lasciviousness. "The people did eat and drink, and they arose to play." Understand the modest language of Holy Scripture: "play," unless it had been immodest, it would not have reprehended.
And when the gold out of the necklaces of the women and the rings of the men had been wholly smelted by fire, and there had come forth a calf-like head, to this figment Israel with one consent (abandoning God) gave honour, saying, "These are the gods who brought us from the land of Egypt." For thus, in the later times in which kings were governing them, did they again, in conjunction with Jeroboam, worship golden kine, and groves, and enslave themselves to Baal.
Will his antagonist make me better disposed to him? Should I now commit the same sins as the people, shall I have to suffer the same penalties, or not? But if not the same, how vainly does he propose to me terrors which I shall not have to endure! From whom, again, shall I have to endure them? If from the Creator, What evils does it appertain to Him to inflict? And how will it happen that, jealous God as He is, He shall punish the man who offends His rival, instead of rather encouraging him.
Hence also, every artificer of an idol is guilty of one and the same crime, unless, the People which consecrated for itself the likeness of a calf, and not of a man, fell short of incurring the guilt of idolatry.
"Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, 'the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.'"
Do you hear how he even calls them "idolaters?" here indeed making the declaration, but afterwards bringing the proof. And he assigned the cause too wherefore they ran to those tables; and this was gluttony. Wherefore having said, "to the intent that we should not lust after evil things," and having added, nor "be idolaters," he names the cause of such transgression; and this was gluttony. "For the people sat down," saith he, "to eat and to drink," and he adds the end thereof, "they rose up to play." "For even as they," saith he, "from sensuality passed into idolatry; so there is a fear lest ye also may fall from the one into the other." Do you see how he signifies that these, perfect men forsooth, were more imperfect than the others whom they censured? Not in this respect only, their not bearing with their brethren throughout, but also in that the one sin from ignorance, but the others from gluttony. And from the ruin of the former he reckons the punishment to these, but allows not these to lay upon another the cause of their own sin but pronounces them responsible both for their injury, and for their own.
What is as similar to the play of children as the worshiping of idols?
Continue studying 1 Corinthians 10:7 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
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 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 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 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) and "warnings" (1 Corinthians 10:11) 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). 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).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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 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 (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. 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.
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
FAQ
What does Paul mean by "rose up to play" in this context?
In 1 Corinthians 10:7, when Paul quotes from Exodus 32:6 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, 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?
Paul uses Israel's history, particularly their failures in the wilderness, as a series of cautionary "examples" (1 Corinthians 10:6) and "warnings" (1 Corinthians 10:11) 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) 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, perfectly fulfilled the Law and offered Himself as the ultimate atonement for our idolatrous hearts. He is the true God and eternal life, 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 and to worship God 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, and to flee from every form of idolatry by fixing our eyes on Him, the author and perfecter of our faith.