King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 10:11 Mean?

1 Corinthians 10:11 in the King James Version says “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of th...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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. ensamples: or, types”

1 Corinthians 10:11 · KJV

Context

9

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

10

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

11

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. ensamples: or, types

12

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. common: or, moderate

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—Paul summarizes his hermeneutical method: Old Testament narratives happened typikōs (τυπικῶς, "typically/as types/as examples") and were written for Christian instruction. History has pedagogical purpose under God's providence. These weren't random events but divinely orchestrated lessons for future generations.

The phrase for our admonition (pros nouthesian hēmōn, πρὸς νουθεσίαν ἡμῶν) indicates warning that corrects thinking and behavior. Upon whom the ends of the world are come (ta telē tōn aiōnōn, τὰ τέλη τῶν αἰώνων, literally "the ends of the ages") describes the eschatological position of the church—living in the overlap of this age and the age to come, between Christ's first and second coming. History has reached its climax; the final era has begun.

Because Christians live in the end times, Old Testament warnings apply with greater urgency. Israel's failures occurred in the shadows; ours occur in full light of Christ's revelation. Greater privilege brings greater accountability. These ancient examples aren't interesting anecdotes but urgent warnings for those living in salvation history's final chapter.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish apocalyptic thought divided history into "this age" and "the age to come." Paul teaches that Christ's death and resurrection inaugurated the age to come, though this age continues. The church exists at the hinge of the ages—experiencing new creation realities while still battling old creation corruption. This eschatological tension makes Israel's warnings especially relevant.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding yourself as living in "the ends of the ages" affect your urgency about holiness?
  2. What Old Testament passages serve as your personal "admonitions" against specific temptations?
  3. If Israel's failures under lesser revelation brought judgment, what does this mean for Christians under the new covenant?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ταῦτα1 of 18

“these things”

G5023

these things

δὲ2 of 18

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

πάντα3 of 18

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τύποι4 of 18

“for ensamples”

G5179

a die (as struck), i.e., (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e., a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specially, a samp

συνέβαινον5 of 18

“happened”

G4819

to walk (figuratively, transpire) together, i.e., concur (take place)

ἐκείνοις6 of 18

“unto them”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ἐγράφη7 of 18

“they are written”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

δὲ8 of 18

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

πρὸς9 of 18

“for”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

νουθεσίαν10 of 18

“admonition”

G3559

calling attention to, i.e., (by implication) mild rebuke or warning

ἡμῶν11 of 18

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

εἰς12 of 18

“upon”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

οὓς13 of 18

“whom”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

τὰ14 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τέλη15 of 18

“the ends”

G5056

properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel

τῶν16 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αἰώνων17 of 18

“of the world”

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

κατήντησεν18 of 18

“are come”

G2658

to meet against, i.e., arrive at (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 10:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 10:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 15:4Romans 13:111 John 2:181 Corinthians 9:10Philippians 4:5Romans 4:23

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