King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 10:6 Mean?

1 Corinthians 10:6 in the King James Version says “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. our: Gr. ou...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. our: Gr. our figures”

1 Corinthians 10:6 · KJV

Context

4

And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. followed: or, went with them

5

But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6

Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. our: Gr. our figures

7

Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

8

Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted—Paul now explicitly states his interpretive method: Old Testament narratives function as typoi (τύποι, "types/examples/patterns") for Christian instruction. These weren't mere historical events but divinely orchestrated object lessons for us, written to the intent (eis to, εἰς τὸ) we might avoid Israel's failures.

The warning against lust after evil things (epithymētai kakōn, ἐπιθυμηταὶ κακῶν) recalls Israel's craving for Egypt's food (Numbers 11:4-6, 34). Epithymia (ἐπιθυμία, "desire/lust/craving") describes disordered desire—wanting what God forbids or what He hasn't provided. Israel's lust brought judgment at Kibroth-hattaavah ("graves of craving," Numbers 11:34).

For Corinth, this addresses their desire for idol-temple meals. Just as Israel craved Egyptian food over God's manna, some Corinthians craved social prestige and culinary pleasure over spiritual purity. Paul warns: disordered desires, even for permissible things (food), can lead to divine judgment when they override obedience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's complaints about manna ("this light bread") and craving for meat reflected deeper discontent with God's provision. God gave them quail but sent leanness to their souls (Psalm 106:15). The Corinthians similarly prioritized cultural participation and social advancement over gospel distinctiveness. Paul redirects their desires toward Christ-centered contentment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What "evil things" do you find yourself craving that compromise your devotion to Christ?
  2. How can you identify disordered desires before they lead to serious sin?
  3. In what ways does our consumer culture encourage the same craving mentality Israel displayed in the wilderness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ταῦτα1 of 15

“these things”

G5023

these things

δὲ2 of 15

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

τύποι3 of 15

“examples”

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

ἡμῶν4 of 15

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

ἐγενήθησαν5 of 15

“were”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

εἰς6 of 15

“to the intent”

G1519

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

τὸ7 of 15
G3588

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

μὴ8 of 15

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

εἶναι9 of 15

“should”

G1511

to exist

ἡμᾶς10 of 15

“we”

G2248

us

ἐπιθυμητὰς11 of 15

“things”

G1938

a craver

κακῶν12 of 15

“lust after evil”

G2556

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

καθὼς13 of 15

“as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

κἀκεῖνοι14 of 15

“they also”

G2548

likewise that (or those)

ἐπεθύμησαν15 of 15

“lusted”

G1937

to set the heart upon, i.e., long for (rightfully or otherwise)

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 10:6 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 10:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jude 1:71 Corinthians 10:11Hebrews 4:112 Peter 2:6Numbers 11:4Zephaniah 3:6-7

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