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1 Corinthians 10:11

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Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

Now {G1161} all {G3956} these things {G5023} happened {G4819} unto them {G1565} for ensamples {G5179}: and {G1161} they are written {G1125} for {G4314} our {G2257} admonition {G3559}, upon {G1519} whom {G3739} the ends {G5056} of the world {G165} are come {G2658}.

These things happened to them as prefigurative historical events, and they were written down as a warning to us who are living in the acharit-hayamim.

Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.

Now these things happened unto them by way of example; and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come.

Commentary

1 Corinthians 10:11 serves as a powerful reminder that the historical accounts of the Old Testament are not merely ancient stories, but profound spiritual lessons for believers today. Paul emphasizes that the failures of the Israelites in the wilderness journey are recorded as warnings and examples for those living in the crucial period of salvation history.

Context

This verse concludes a section (1 Corinthians 10:1-10) where Paul draws parallels between the experiences of ancient Israel and the Corinthians' spiritual state. He recounts how Israel, despite experiencing divine favor (the cloud, the sea, manna, water from the rock), fell into sin through idolatry, immorality, testing God, and complaining. These historical failures are presented as cautionary tales, directly relevant to the Corinthian church struggling with similar temptations, especially concerning participation in pagan feasts and idol worship. The purpose is to warn against spiritual arrogance and overconfidence.

Key Themes

  • Divine Purpose in History: God orchestrates events and their recording for future generations' instruction. The past serves as a guide for the present.
  • Cautionary Examples: The failures of past generations are not just historical facts but vivid warnings against similar sins. This highlights the ongoing danger of spiritual complacency and disobedience.
  • The "Ends of the World": This phrase signifies that believers live in the eschatological age, the climax of God's redemptive plan, inaugurated by Christ's first coming. This awareness should heighten their sense of urgency and responsibility.
  • Relevance of Scripture: The Old Testament remains vital and applicable for New Testament believers, providing guidance and warnings.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "ensamples" (Greek: typoi) literally means 'types' or 'patterns.' It suggests that the Old Testament events serve as prototypes or foreshadowings of spiritual realities and dangers that New Testament believers face. The term "admonition" (Greek: nouthesia) implies a gentle but firm warning or instruction, often involving correction of the mind. "The ends of the world" (Greek: ta telē tōn aiōnōn) refers to the culmination or consummation of the ages, emphasizing that the Christian era is the final, decisive period of history before Christ's return.

Related Scriptures

Paul reiterates the theme of learning from the past in Romans 15:4, stating, "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." The concept of living in the 'last days' is also found in Hebrews 1:2, which says God "hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son." These connections reinforce the timeless relevance of God's Word and the unique position of believers in redemptive history.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, 1 Corinthians 10:11 underscores the enduring value of the entire Bible. We are called to diligently study and learn from the experiences of those who came before us, recognizing that human nature and spiritual battles remain consistent. The temptations faced by Israel—idolatry, discontentment, rebellion—are still prevalent today, albeit in different forms. This verse serves as a powerful call to vigilance, humility, and obedience, reminding us that we too can fall if we do not heed the warnings of Scripture and rely on God's grace to stand firm. Living in "the ends of the world" should motivate us to live with urgency and a deep sense of accountability to God, knowing that our time is short and the return of Christ is imminent.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 15:4 (43 votes)

    For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

  • Romans 13:11 (12 votes)

    ¶ And that, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to awake out of sleep: for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed.

  • 1 John 2:18 (9 votes)

    ¶ Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:10 (8 votes)

    Or saith he [it] altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, [this] is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

  • Philippians 4:5 (7 votes)

    Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord [is] at hand.

  • Romans 4:23 (7 votes)

    ¶ Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;

  • Hebrews 10:25 (6 votes)

    Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.