1 Corinthians 10:9

KJV

Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither {G3366} let us tempt {G1598} Christ {G5547}, as {G2531} some {G5100} of them {G846} also {G2532} tempted {G3985}, and {G2532} were destroyed {G622} of {G5259} serpents {G3789}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And let us not put the Messiah to the test, as some of them did, and were destroyed by snakes.

Berean Standard Bible

We should not test Christ, as some of them did, and were killed by snakes.

American Standard Version

Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 10:9 serves as a profound warning to believers, drawing a stark parallel between the ancient Israelites' rebellious testing of God in the wilderness and the potential for similar disobedience among New Covenant believers. Paul cautions against presuming upon divine patience and grace, reminding his readers that Israel's defiant challenging of God's authority and provision led to severe judgment, specifically destruction by venomous serpents, a fate that awaits those who similarly "tempt Christ."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of 1 Corinthians (chapters 8-10) where Paul addresses issues of Christian liberty, idolatry, and participation in pagan feasts. In [1 Corinthians 10](/1_corinthians/10 "1 Corinthians 10 - Warnings from Israel's History"), Paul uses the historical experiences of Israel in the wilderness as a series of cautionary tales. He recounts how, despite receiving immense spiritual privileges—being under the cloud, passing through the Red Sea, and partaking of spiritual food and drink ([1 Corinthians 10:1-4](/1_corinthians/10-1-4 "1 Corinthians 10:1-4 - Israel's Spiritual Privileges"))—the majority of them fell short due to various forms of rebellion. Verses 6-10 list specific sins: lusting after evil things, idolatry, sexual immorality, testing Christ, and grumbling, each followed by a divine consequence. Verse 9 specifically highlights the sin of "tempting Christ" and its direct result, serving as a solemn admonition against repeating such a grave error.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The specific incident referenced in [1 Corinthians 10:9](/1_corinthians/10-9 "1 Corinthians 10:9 - Do Not Tempt Christ") is recorded in [Numbers 21:4-9](/numbers/21-4-9 "Numbers 21:4-9 - The Fiery Serpents"). After the Israelites grew impatient and spoke against God and Moses, despising the manna, God sent "fiery serpents" among them, leading to many deaths. This event occurred during their wilderness wanderings, a period marked by repeated cycles of divine provision, Israelite grumbling, and subsequent divine judgment. For Paul's original audience in Corinth, a bustling Roman city with diverse religious practices and moral challenges, the historical account of Israel served as a tangible and authoritative example. They were familiar with the Old Testament narratives, and Paul leveraged these well-known stories to provide a powerful, culturally relevant warning against spiritual complacency and syncretism.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 10:9](/1_corinthians/10-9 "1 Corinthians 10:9 - Do Not Tempt Christ") contributes significantly to several key themes within the chapter and broader epistle. Foremost is the **warning against testing God or Christ**, emphasizing that presuming upon divine grace or challenging God's authority leads to severe consequences. This is not about humble inquiry but defiant provocation, as seen in Israel's repeated complaints against God's provision and leadership. Another crucial theme is **Christ's pre-existence and active presence in the Old Testament**. Paul's explicit statement that Israel "tempted Christ" indicates his profound theological understanding that Christ was not merely a New Testament figure but was actively involved with His people in the wilderness, perhaps as the "Angel of the Lord" or the "spiritual Rock" from which they drank ([1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ as the Spiritual Rock")). This deepens the understanding of Christ's eternal nature and His continuous redemptive work. Finally, the verse underscores the **consequences of disobedience**, illustrating that divine judgment is a reality for those who persist in rebellion, serving as a sober reminder that God is both gracious and just.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tempt (Greek, _ekpeirázō_):** From *ek* (out of) and *peirázō* (to test, try). This compound verb signifies an intensified or thorough testing, often with a negative connotation of putting someone to the test in a hostile or presumptuous manner. It implies pushing boundaries, challenging authority, or provoking a response, rather than merely examining or proving. In this context, it describes Israel's defiant questioning of God's power, goodness, or faithfulness.
* **Christ (Greek, _Christós_):** Meaning "anointed" or "Messiah." This is a title referring to Jesus as the divinely appointed deliverer and King. Paul's use of "Christ" here is highly significant, indicating his belief that the pre-incarnate Christ was the divine figure whom Israel offended in the wilderness. It underscores the continuity of God's dealings with humanity across the Old and New Covenants, with Christ at the center.
* **serpents (Greek, _óphis_):** Refers to a snake or serpent. Figuratively, it can denote sly cunning or a malicious person, particularly Satan. In the context of [Numbers 21](/numbers/21 "Numbers 21 - Fiery Serpents and Bronze Serpent"), these were literal venomous snakes sent by God as a judgment. The term here vividly recalls the specific, deadly consequence of Israel's rebellion, emphasizing the direct and physical nature of divine wrath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither let us tempt Christ":** This opening phrase is a direct prohibition, a strong warning from Paul to the Corinthian believers. The word "tempt" (ekpeirázō) here carries the negative sense of putting God to a defiant, presumptuous test, challenging His patience, power, or faithfulness. By identifying the object of this temptation as "Christ," Paul makes a profound theological statement: the pre-incarnate Christ was the divine presence with Israel in the wilderness, and it was His authority and provision they challenged. This warns against a similar attitude of rebellion or presumption among New Covenant believers.
* **"as some of them also tempted":** This clause draws a direct historical parallel to the Israelites' behavior in the wilderness. It refers to specific instances where Israel, despite God's miraculous provision, grumbled and rebelled, effectively testing God's limits and patience. The most direct reference is to the incident in [Numbers 21:4-9](/numbers/21-4-9 "Numbers 21:4-9 - Israel's Discontent and Judgment"), where they complained about the lack of food and water, despising the manna. This historical example serves as a vivid illustration of the kind of "tempting" Paul warns against.
* **"and were destroyed of serpents":** This final clause states the severe consequence of Israel's temptation. As recorded in [Numbers 21:6](/numbers/21-6 "Numbers 21:6 - The Fiery Serpents"), God sent "fiery serpents" among the people, and many died from their bites. This destruction was a direct divine judgment for their rebellious grumbling and testing of God. The inclusion of this consequence in [1 Corinthians 10:9](/1_corinthians/10-9 "1 Corinthians 10:9 - Do Not Tempt Christ") highlights the seriousness of the sin and serves as a stark warning to the Corinthians that similar rebellion can lead to devastating spiritual (and potentially physical) consequences.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in [1 Corinthians 10:9](/1_corinthians/10-9 "1 Corinthians 10:9 - Do Not Tempt Christ") to convey his warning. The most prominent is **Allusion**, specifically to the historical account in [Numbers 21:4-9](/numbers/21-4-9 "Numbers 21:4-9 - The Fiery Serpents"). By referencing this well-known Old Testament narrative, Paul leverages shared historical memory to provide a concrete example of the dangers of testing God. This also functions as **Typology**, where the experiences of Old Testament Israel serve as "types" or patterns that foreshadow or illustrate spiritual realities and warnings for New Testament believers. The Israelites' sin and its consequence are presented as a "type" for the Corinthians to avoid. Furthermore, there is clear **Parallelism** established between "some of them" (Israel) and "us" (the Corinthians), creating a direct comparison and urging the audience to learn from past mistakes. The phrase "destroyed of serpents" uses vivid **Imagery** to evoke the severity and painful reality of divine judgment, making the warning more impactful and memorable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Corinthians 10:9](/1_corinthians/10-9 "1 Corinthians 10:9 - Do Not Tempt Christ") profoundly underscores the unchanging nature of God's character, revealing Him as both merciful and just. Theologically, Paul's assertion that Israel "tempted Christ" is a powerful statement on the pre-existence and active involvement of the second person of the Trinity in Old Testament history. It highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan, centered on Christ, from creation through the new covenant. This verse also emphasizes the principle that spiritual privileges do not grant immunity from divine judgment if accompanied by rebellion and disobedience. It serves as a stark reminder that presumption upon grace, challenging God's authority, or persistent discontentment can lead to severe consequences, just as it did for Israel in the wilderness.

* [Numbers 21:4-9](/numbers/21-4-9 "Numbers 21:4-9 - The Fiery Serpents")
* [Hebrews 3:7-11](/hebrews/3-7-11 "Hebrews 3:7-11 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts")
* [Deuteronomy 6:16](/deuteronomy/6-16 "Deuteronomy 6:16 - Do Not Test the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 10:9](/1_corinthians/10-9 "1 Corinthians 10:9 - Do Not Tempt Christ") calls us to a profound self-examination of our own attitudes towards God's provision and authority. In an age of unprecedented access to spiritual resources and abundant grace, it is easy to become complacent or even presumptuous. This verse reminds us that true faith is characterized by trust and obedience, not by testing God's limits or questioning His goodness when circumstances are difficult. We are warned against the subtle but destructive sin of discontentment, which often manifests as murmuring or complaining, effectively challenging God's wisdom and care. Our spiritual journey is not a license to indulge in sin, but an invitation to walk in humility and gratitude, learning from the costly mistakes of those who came before us. By heeding Paul's solemn admonition, we cultivate a heart that honors Christ, recognizing His sovereignty and trusting in His unfailing faithfulness, even when we do not understand His ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be subtly "tempting Christ" in my own life, perhaps through discontentment, presumption, or challenging His will?**
* **How does understanding Christ's presence in the Old Testament deepen my appreciation for His continuous work of redemption?**
* **What specific areas of my life need a greater posture of trust and gratitude, rather than complaint or challenge?**
* **How can I actively learn from the historical examples of Israel's failures to strengthen my own walk with Christ?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "tempt Christ" in this context?**

Answer: To "tempt Christ" here means to put Him to the test in a defiant, presumptuous, or rebellious manner. It's not about humble questioning or seeking understanding, but about challenging His authority, power, or goodness, often out of discontentment or unbelief. The specific Old Testament parallel in [Numbers 21](/numbers/21 "Numbers 21 - The Fiery Serpents") shows Israel grumbling against God's provision and leadership, essentially daring Him to act or questioning His ability to care for them. Paul applies this same rebellious attitude to Christ, indicating that such behavior is an affront to Him.

**How was Christ present in the Old Testament for Israel to tempt Him?**

Answer: Paul's statement that Israel "tempted Christ" in the wilderness is a significant theological point affirming Christ's pre-existence and active involvement in the Old Testament. Many scholars understand this to mean that the pre-incarnate Christ was the divine figure (often identified as the "Angel of the Lord" or the "Lord") who led Israel, provided for them, and whom they rebelled against. Paul explicitly states in [1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ as the Spiritual Rock") that the Israelites "drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ." This indicates that Christ was the divine presence they encountered and rebelled against.

**What is the significance of "serpents" in this verse?**

Answer: The "serpents" refer directly to the "fiery serpents" God sent among the Israelites in [Numbers 21:6](/numbers/21-6 "Numbers 21:6 - The Fiery Serpents") as a divine judgment for their grumbling and rebellion. These were literal, venomous snakes that inflicted deadly bites. Their inclusion in [1 Corinthians 10:9](/1_corinthians/10-9 "1 Corinthians 10:9 - Do Not Tempt Christ") serves as a vivid reminder of the severe and tangible consequences of testing God. It underscores that divine judgment for rebellion is real and can be devastating, even physically.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 10:9](/1_corinthians/10-9 "1 Corinthians 10:9 - Do Not Tempt Christ") not only warns against testing Christ but also subtly points to His ultimate redemptive work. While the Israelites faced destruction by serpents for their rebellion, the very account in [Numbers 21](/numbers/21 "Numbers 21 - The Fiery Serpents and Bronze Serpent") reveals God's gracious provision of healing through the bronze serpent lifted on a pole. This Old Testament event is directly interpreted by Jesus Himself in [John 3:14-15](/john/3-14-15 "John 3:14-15 - The Son of Man Must Be Lifted Up"), where He declares, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life." Thus, the judgment of the serpents, brought about by Israel's sin of tempting God, foreshadows the greater judgment for sin that Christ bore on the cross. He became sin for us, enduring the curse and the sting of death, so that by looking to Him in faith, we might be healed from the deadly bite of sin and receive eternal life ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The Christ whom Israel tempted in the wilderness is the same Christ who, in His perfect obedience, fulfilled the requirements of the law and offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, providing salvation for all who believe, thereby overcoming the very destruction that befell the rebellious Israelites ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Own Love")).

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 21:5

And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for [there is] no bread, neither [is there any] water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.

Numbers 21:6

And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.

Psalms 78:18

And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.

Hebrews 3:8

Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

Hebrews 3:11

So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)

Exodus 17:2

Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?

Exodus 17:7

And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?