King James Version
What Does 1 Corinthians 10:8 Mean?
“Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.”
Context
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.
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.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(8) **And fell in one day three and twenty thousand.**—In Numbers 25:9 the statement is that twenty-four thousand perished. Various and ingenious attempts have been made to reconcile these two accounts of the actual numbers. The explanation most in harmony with the character of the writer, and the utterly unessential nature of the point historically, is, I venture to think, that either the Apostle quoted from memory a fact of no great importance, or else that he referred for his figures to some copy of the LXX., in which the numbers might be specified as here.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 10:8 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 10:8
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge