1 Corinthians 10:8

KJV

Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither {G3366} let us commit fornication {G4203}, as {G2531} some {G5100} of them {G846} committed {G4203}, and {G2532} fell {G4098} in {G1722} one {G3391} day {G2250} three {G5140} and twenty {G1501} thousand {G5505}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And let us not engage in sexual immorality, as some of them did, with the consequence that 23,000 died in a single day.

Berean Standard Bible

We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died.

American Standard Version

Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 10:8 serves as a stark admonition against sexual immorality, drawing a direct parallel to a specific incident of sin and judgment in ancient Israel's history. Paul employs this vivid historical example to caution the Corinthian believers, and by extension all subsequent generations of Christians, about the severe consequences of succumbing to temptation and disobedience, emphasizing the unwavering holiness of God and the seriousness with which He regards sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's extended argument in [1 Corinthians 10:1-13](/1_corinthians/10-1-13 "1 Corinthians 10:1-13 - Warnings from Israel's History"), where he strategically uses the wilderness journey of the Israelites as a series of cautionary examples for the New Testament church. Following his discussion on Christian liberty and the dangers of idolatry in [1 Corinthians 8-9](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Sacrificed to Idols") and his personal example of self-discipline, Paul pivots to historical precedents. Despite their spiritual privileges—being led by the cloud, passing through the Red Sea, and receiving spiritual food and drink—many Israelites fell due to various sins. Verse 8 specifically highlights the sin of sexual immorality, linking it to the broader theme of idolatry and the need for vigilance, culminating in the warning that anyone who thinks they stand firm should be careful not to fall ([1 Corinthians 10:12](/1_corinthians/10-12 "1 Corinthians 10:12 - Warning Against Overconfidence")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The specific incident referenced in [1 Corinthians 10:8](/1_corinthians/10-8 "1 Corinthians 10:8 - Warning Against Fornication") is the grievous sin at Baal-Peor, meticulously recorded in [Numbers 25:1-9](/numbers/25-1-9 "Numbers 25:1-9 - The Sin at Baal-Peor"). During their encampment in Shittim, Israelite men engaged in sexual immorality with Moabite women, who then enticed them to participate in their idolatrous worship of Baal of Peor. This syncretistic act, combining illicit sexual relations with the worship of false gods, provoked the Lord's wrath, leading to a devastating plague that claimed the lives of 24,000 people. For the Corinthian church, this historical account carried particular weight, as Corinth itself was notorious for its rampant sexual immorality and the presence of temple prostitution associated with the worship of Aphrodite, making Paul's warning profoundly relevant to their immediate cultural environment.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 10:8](/1_corinthians/10-8 "1 Corinthians 10:8 - Warning Against Fornication") contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the broader book. Firstly, it underscores the **Warning Against Sexual Immorality**, a pervasive concern for Paul, who consistently emphasizes the sanctity of sexual purity, reminding believers that their bodies are a [temple of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body, A Temple") and urging them to [flee from sexual immorality](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee from Sexual Immorality"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Judgment and Consequences**, demonstrating God's absolute holiness and the gravity with which He views sin, particularly when it involves both immorality and idolatry. The swift and severe judgment, though the precise number differs slightly from the Old Testament account, serves as a powerful reminder of God's justice. Lastly, it reinforces the theme of **Learning from History**, establishing that past events serve as vital lessons for future generations. Israel's failures are not mere historical footnotes but [examples written for our admonition](/1_corinthians/10-11 "1 Corinthians 10:11 - Examples for Our Admonition"), demonstrating that spiritual blessings do not exempt individuals from the need for vigilance, obedience, and self-control.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fornication (Greek, _porneúō'_):** Derived from _pornē_ (harlot), this verb means "to act the harlot," encompassing all forms of illicit sexual activity. In the biblical context, _porneia_ (the noun form) is a broad term for sexual sin outside of marriage, including prostitution, adultery, incest, and even metaphorical idolatry. Paul's use here explicitly links the physical act of sexual immorality to the spiritual act of idolatry, as seen in the Baal-Peor incident where sexual sin was intertwined with the worship of false gods. This word underscores the comprehensive nature of the sin being warned against.
* **fell (Greek, _píptō'_):** This verb means "to fall," either literally or figuratively. In this context, it signifies a catastrophic collapse or demise, referring to the death of the Israelites due to the plague. It conveys the idea of a spiritual and physical downfall, emphasizing the severe and immediate consequences of their disobedience. The term highlights the sudden and widespread nature of God's judgment.
* **thousand (Greek, _chiliás'_):** This noun denotes "one thousand" or a "chiliad." Its use here, in conjunction with "three and twenty," specifies the immense number of lives lost—23,000. While [Numbers 25:9](/numbers/25-9 "Numbers 25:9 - The Plague at Baal-Peor") records 24,000, Paul's figure of 23,000 may represent a specific count, such as those who died directly from the plague (excluding those executed by sword), or a rounded figure common in ancient numerical references. Regardless of the precise discrepancy, the large number powerfully conveys the scale and severity of God's judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither let us commit fornication,"**: This opening clause is a direct, imperative admonition from Paul to the Corinthian believers. The negative command ("Neither let us") emphasizes the absolute prohibition against engaging in any form of illicit sexual activity. This reflects Paul's consistent teaching on sexual purity, urging Christians to live distinctively from the prevalent immorality of the Greco-Roman world, particularly in a city like Corinth, which was infamous for its sexual licentiousness. The "us" indicates a collective responsibility for the Christian community to maintain holiness.
* **"as some of them committed,"**: This phrase introduces the historical parallel, drawing a direct comparison between the potential sin of the Corinthians and the actual transgression of the Israelites. "Some of them" refers specifically to the Israelites who engaged in sexual immorality with the Moabite women at Baal-Peor, as detailed in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-Peor"). The use of "as" highlights the exemplary nature of the Old Testament event, serving as a cautionary tale to prevent similar failures in the New Covenant community. It underscores the continuity of God's moral standards across dispensations.
* **"and fell in one day three and twenty thousand."**: This concluding clause reveals the devastating consequence of the Israelites' sin. "Fell" signifies their death due to the divine plague. The phrase "in one day" emphasizes the swiftness and immediacy of God's judgment, demonstrating that His wrath is not delayed but can be meted out suddenly and decisively. The specific number "three and twenty thousand" (23,000) underscores the immense scale of the judgment, serving as a chilling reminder of the severe penalties for disobedience. This figure, though slightly different from the 24,000 in [Numbers 25:9](/numbers/25-9 "Numbers 25:9 - The Plague at Baal-Peor"), powerfully conveys the magnitude of the divine wrath and the gravity of the sin.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's communication in [1 Corinthians 10:8](/1_corinthians/10-8 "1 Corinthians 10:8 - Warning Against Fornication") employs several potent literary devices to convey his warning. The primary device is **Allusion**, specifically to the historical event recorded in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-Peor"). By referencing the Baal-Peor incident, Paul leverages the shared knowledge of his audience regarding Israel's past failures and God's subsequent judgment. This allusion functions as an **Exemplum**, presenting the Israelites' experience as a negative example or warning for the Corinthian believers. The phrase "as some of them committed" explicitly frames the past event as a pattern to be avoided. Furthermore, the precise numerical detail, "three and twenty thousand," while possibly a rounded figure or referring to a specific subset of the casualties (a form of **Synecdoche** or **Merism** if it represents part of the whole 24,000), serves to emphasize the sheer scale and suddenness of the divine judgment, adding a stark realism to the warning. The overall tone of the verse is one of **Admonition**, a serious and urgent warning against a specific sin that carries severe consequences, designed to prevent the Corinthian church from repeating the mistakes of their spiritual ancestors.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Corinthians 10:8 profoundly connects to the enduring biblical themes of God's holiness, the pervasive nature of sin, and the principle of divine judgment. It underscores that God's moral standards are immutable, and His covenant people are held to a high standard of purity, both spiritual and physical. Sexual immorality, as exemplified by the Baal-Peor incident, is not merely a social transgression but a profound offense against a holy God, often intertwined with idolatry as a spiritual "fornication" against Him. This verse reminds believers that spiritual privileges do not grant immunity from the consequences of sin, compelling them to vigilance and self-control in their walk with God. The swift and severe judgment on Israel serves as a timeless warning that God takes sin, particularly that which defiles His people and dishonors His name, with utmost seriousness.

* [Numbers 25:9](/numbers/25-9 "Numbers 25:9 - The Plague")
* [Jude 1:7](/jude/1-7 "Jude 1:7 - Sodom and Gomorrah as an Example")
* [Revelation 2:14](/revelation/2-14 "Revelation 2:14 - The Teaching of Balaam")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 10:8 offers a timeless and crucial call to spiritual discipline and moral purity for believers today. In a world saturated with sexual temptation and increasingly normalized immorality, Paul's warning from ancient history remains profoundly relevant. It reminds us that God's standards for purity are unwavering and that sexual sin is a grave offense that carries serious consequences, not only spiritually but often physically and relationally. We must actively guard our hearts and minds against the pervasive influences that lead to compromise and sin, recognizing that no one is immune to temptation, regardless of their spiritual standing or past experiences with God's grace. The Israelites' fall, despite witnessing God's miracles, serves as a powerful warning against spiritual complacency and overconfidence. Wisdom dictates that we learn from the errors of those who came before us, understanding the causes and consequences of past failures so we can navigate contemporary challenges and avoid similar pitfalls in our own lives, striving for holiness and peace in every aspect of our being.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you most susceptible to temptation, particularly regarding sexual purity or spiritual compromise?**
* **How does understanding the severity of God's judgment on Israel's past sins impact your view of personal holiness and accountability today?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "flee from sexual immorality" and actively cultivate a lifestyle of purity and self-control?**
* **How can the church community better support its members in resisting the cultural pressures that normalize sexual sin?**

### FAQ

**Why does Paul mention 23,000 deaths when Numbers 25:9 states 24,000?**

Answer: The slight discrepancy between Paul's figure of 23,000 in [1 Corinthians 10:8](/1_corinthians/10-8 "1 Corinthians 10:8 - Warning Against Fornication") and the 24,000 recorded in [Numbers 25:9](/numbers/25-9 "Numbers 25:9 - The Plague") is a minor textual variation common in ancient writings and does not undermine the theological point. Several explanations are plausible: Paul may have been citing a different tradition or a slightly rounded figure, which was common in ancient numerical references. Alternatively, the 23,000 might refer specifically to those who died directly from the plague, while the 24,000 in Numbers includes those who were executed by the sword by the tribal leaders before the plague was stopped. Regardless of the precise number, Paul's central message remains clear and powerful: a vast multitude perished swiftly due to their sin, serving as a severe warning to the Corinthians.

**What is the significance of sexual immorality being linked to idolatry in this context?**

Answer: In the biblical worldview, sexual immorality is often deeply intertwined with idolatry, and this connection is particularly evident in the Baal-Peor incident referenced in [1 Corinthians 10:8](/1_corinthians/10-8 "1 Corinthians 10:8 - Warning Against Fornication"). The Moabite women enticed the Israelite men not only into sexual relations but also into participating in the worship of their god, Baal of Peor. This highlights that illicit sexual activity frequently involves a turning away from God and a devotion to self-gratification or false gods, making it a form of spiritual "fornication" against the one true God. Paul consistently teaches that our bodies are [temples of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body, A Temple") and are meant to glorify God ([1 Corinthians 6:20](/1_corinthians/6-20 "1 Corinthians 6:20 - Glorify God in Your Body")). Therefore, engaging in sexual immorality is a desecration of God's temple and a betrayal of one's covenant with Him, akin to worshipping an idol.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Corinthians 10:8](/1_corinthians/10-8 "1 Corinthians 10:8 - Warning Against Fornication") presents a stark warning rooted in Old Testament judgment, its ultimate fulfillment and resolution are found in Christ. The severe consequences of Israel's sin underscore the depth of human depravity and the unwavering holiness of God, revealing the dire need for a perfect sacrifice. Jesus Christ, 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 demands of God's justice by bearing the penalty for sin on the cross, thereby offering a path to forgiveness and reconciliation that the Old Covenant sacrifices could only foreshadow. Furthermore, the call to flee sexual immorality and pursue purity is now empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom Christ poured out on His church. Believers are not left to their own strength to overcome temptation but are [new creations in Christ](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"), empowered by His Spirit to [put to death the deeds of the body](/romans/8-13 "Romans 8:13 - Life by the Spirit") and live lives that glorify God. Thus, the warning in [1 Corinthians 10:8](/1_corinthians/10-8 "1 Corinthians 10:8 - Warning Against Fornication") points us to our absolute dependence on Christ's atoning work for salvation and His transforming power for sanctification, enabling us to live in the purity that the Old Covenant commanded but could not fully empower.

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 25:1

¶ And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.

Numbers 25:9

And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand.

1 Corinthians 6:18

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

Psalms 106:29

Thus they provoked [him] to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them.

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,

Revelation 2:14

But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.