1 Corinthians 10 10

1 Corinthians 10:10 kjv

Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

1 Corinthians 10:10 nkjv

nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.

1 Corinthians 10:10 niv

And do not grumble, as some of them did?and were killed by the destroying angel.

1 Corinthians 10:10 esv

nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer.

1 Corinthians 10:10 nlt

And don't grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death.

1 Corinthians 10 10 Cross References

VerseTextReference
Exod. 16:2Israelites grumbling in the desert.Foundation of the warning
Exod. 16:7, 12The LORD hears their grumblings.Consequences of discontent
Exod. 16:12-15, 30God provided manna and quail.God's faithfulness amidst their grumbling
Num. 14:2, 11, 22-24Israelites grumbled against Moses and God.Grumbling leads to divine displeasure
Num. 14:28-30Their grumbling prevented entry into Canaan.Long-term consequences of unbelief
Num. 21:5-6Fiery serpents sent due to grumbling.Divine punishment for disobedience
Psa. 78:17-18They continued to sin by grumbling.Historical pattern of sin
Psa. 106:25Grumbling led to disaster.Consequences of negative speech
Psa. 106:42-43God was provoked by their enemies and grumbling.Divine anger stirred by their sin
Phil. 2:14Do all things without grumbling or disputing.New Testament parallel application
Eph. 4:29No unwholesome talk.Broader context of speech
Col. 3:17Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.Ultimate goal of Christian action
James 5:9Do not grumble against one another.Interpersonal application
Rev. 15:3-4Saints sing the song of Moses and the Lamb.Overcoming, victorious perspective
Heb. 3:17Those who sinned were not permitted to enter.Connecting to Israel's failure
Heb. 12:5Do not despise the discipline of the LORD.Attitude towards hardship
Rom. 15:5-7Receive one another as Christ received you.Community aspect
1 Cor. 1:10Be perfectly united in mind and thought.Unity aspect
1 Cor. 8:11Weak brother is destroyed by knowledge.Care for others in the faith
1 Cor. 11:22Despising God's house.Attitude toward spiritual matters

1 Corinthians 10 verses

1 Corinthians 10 10 Meaning

Do not grumble or complain. The instruction to the Israelites, found in this verse, carries significant weight for believers today, emphasizing the importance of a content and thankful attitude toward God, especially during trials or when experiencing God's provision. Grumbling indicates dissatisfaction with God's will or provisions, often stemming from unbelief or ingratitude.

1 Corinthians 10 10 Context

This verse appears in Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church. He is addressing issues of disunity and immature behavior. The Corinthian Christians were prone to internal divisions and engaging in practices that mimicked the pagan society around them, specifically their participation in "meals of the idols."

Paul uses Israel's wilderness wanderings as a powerful cautionary example for the Corinthians. He has been detailing how many of the Israelites, despite experiencing God's deliverance and provisions, fell away due to unbelief and sin. They ate the same spiritual food and drank from the same spiritual rock, representing Christ's provisions, yet they were still destroyed.

1 Corinthians 10:10, specifically, warns against the Corinthians imitating the sin of those who "grumbled" in the wilderness, which often led to their downfall. Paul's overarching message is about the serious consequences of sin for believers who have already partaken in the spiritual blessings of Christ.

1 Corinthians 10 10 Word Analysis

  • "Be": Greek: 'ginesthe' (γίνεσθε) - present passive imperative of 'ginomai' (γίνομαι), meaning "to become" or "to be." It's a command for continuous action.
  • "not": Greek: 'mē' (μή) - used with the imperative to forbid something. A negative imperative.
  • "grumblers": Greek: 'gongustai' (γογγυσταί) - a noun derived from 'gongysmos' (γογγυσμός), meaning a murmuring, complaining, or grumbling. This term is specifically used for internal, discontented complaints.
  • "nor": Greek: 'ē' (ἤ) - a conjunction used to connect the two prohibitions.
  • "trial": Greek: 'peirazō' (πειράζω) - in the New Testament, this verb can mean to tempt, to test, or to try. In this context, it refers to putting God to the test or testing His patience, often through continued sin or doubt. It reflects a rebellious attitude, pushing boundaries to see if God will respond with judgment.

Word Group Analysis:

  • "Be not grumblers, nor testers of God": This phrase is a direct prohibition. It forbids two distinct but related sins. "Grumbling" suggests discontent and dissatisfaction with one's circumstances or God's provision. "Testers of God" implies an arrogant challenging of God's power, authority, or will, often as a consequence of grumbling or persistent sin. Together, they represent a posture of rebellion and unbelief.

1 Corinthians 10 10 Bonus Section

The context of "testing God" can be seen in verses where individuals directly challenged God's pronouncements or demonstrated outright rebellion, like Korah's rebellion (Num. 16). The emphasis on avoiding grumbling is crucial in a community setting like Corinth, where interpersonal issues and perceived slights could easily lead to disunity. Paul links their potential grumbling and testing of God to specific sins of the wilderness generation that prevented them from entering the promised land, highlighting the severe consequences for those in covenant relationship with God.

1 Corinthians 10 10 Commentary

This verse prohibits habitual complaint and deliberately provoking God's displeasure through persistent disobedience and lack of faith. It warns against emulating the unfaithful Israelites who, despite experiencing God's grace, fell in the wilderness because of their sinful attitudes. Christians are called to cultivate thankfulness and trust, avoiding any behavior that disrespects God's sovereignty or His provision in Christ.

  • Practical Usage Example: Instead of complaining about difficult circumstances at work, a believer should pray for strength and a right attitude, trusting that God is working all things for their good. When facing temptations, rather than testing God's limits with borderline sinful behavior, one should flee from the temptation, relying on God's empowering grace.