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And these things happened as examples for us, to stop us from ·wanting [desiring; craving] evil things as those people did. Do not worship idols, as some of them did. Just as it is written in the Scriptures: “The people sat down to eat and drink, and then they got up and ·sinned sexually [L played; C a euphemism for immoral revelry; Ex. 32:6].” We must not take part in sexual sins, as some of them did. In one day twenty-three thousand of them ·died because of their sins [L fell; Num 25:1–9]. We must not test Christ as some of them did; they were ·killed [destroyed] by snakes. 10 Do not ·complain [grumble] as some of them did; they were killed by the ·angel that destroys [L destroyer; Num. 16:41–50; Ex. 12:23].

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Now these things [the warnings and admonitions] took place as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did.(A) Do not be worshipers of handmade gods, as some of them were; just as it is written [in Scripture], “The people sat down to eat and drink [after sacrificing to the [a]golden calf at Horeb], and stood up to play [indulging in immoral activities].”(B) We must not indulge in [nor tolerate] sexual immorality, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand [suddenly] fell [dead] in a single day!(C) We must not tempt the Lord [that is, test His patience, question His purpose or exploit His goodness], as some of them did—and they were killed by serpents.(D) 10 And do not murmur [in unwarranted discontent], as some of them did—and were destroyed by the [b]destroyer.(E)

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 10:7 The selection of a calf-god was probably inspired by the Egyptian bull-god Apis (Hapis), believed to be a living manifestation of the Egyptian god Ptah.
  2. 1 Corinthians 10:10 Perhaps a reference to the angel of destruction whom the rabbis called Mashhith.