King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 10:9 Mean?

1 Corinthians 10:9 in the King James Version says “Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 10:9 · KJV

Context

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.

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

Read 1 Corinthians 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents—This verse references Numbers 21:5-6, where Israel spoke against God and Moses, despising the manna. God sent seraphim (fiery serpents) whose bites killed many Israelites. The verb ekpeirazōmen (ἐκπειράζωμεν, "tempt/test/put to the test") describes presumptuous testing of God's patience—pushing boundaries to see how much sin He'll tolerate.

Remarkably, Paul says they tempted Christ (some manuscripts read "the Lord"), identifying Christ as the One Israel provoked in the wilderness. This reinforces v. 4's assertion that Christ was present with Israel. To tempt Christ is to presume on His grace, to sin deliberately while counting on forgiveness, to treat His patience as permission.

The Corinthians tempted Christ by flirting with idolatry, reasoning that their knowledge and freedom permitted what God forbade. They tested whether participation in pagan worship would really bring judgment. Paul warns: Israel tried this, and serpents destroyed them. Don't presume Christ will tolerate what He judged before. Jesus lifted up on the cross (John 3:14) heals those bitten by sin's serpent, but this grace doesn't excuse deliberate rebellion.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The bronze serpent incident (Numbers 21) demonstrated both judgment and grace—God punished rebellion but provided healing for those who looked in faith to the bronze serpent Moses lifted up. Jesus used this as a type of His crucifixion (John 3:14-15). Paul's warning applies to those who abuse grace, treating Christ's sacrifice as license to sin.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways might you be "tempting Christ" by presuming on His patience with ongoing sin?
  2. How can you maintain both confidence in God's grace and healthy fear of His holiness?
  3. What boundaries has God established that you're tempted to test or cross?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
μηδὲ1 of 14

“Neither”

G3366

but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor

ἐκπειράζωμεν2 of 14

“let us tempt”

G1598

to test thoroughly

τὸν3 of 14
G3588

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

Χριστόν4 of 14

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

καθὼς5 of 14

“as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

καὶ6 of 14

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τινες7 of 14

“some”

G5100

some or any person or object

αὐτῶν8 of 14

“of them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐπείρασαν9 of 14

“tempted”

G3985

to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline

καὶ10 of 14

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὑπὸ11 of 14

“of”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τῶν12 of 14
G3588

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

ὄφεων13 of 14

“serpents”

G3789

a snake, figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially satan

ἀπώλοντο14 of 14

“were destroyed”

G622

to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), 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 10:9 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 10:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 21:5-6Psalms 78:18Hebrews 3:8-11Exodus 17:7Exodus 17:2Psalms 78:56

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Corinthians 10 with CommentaryAll 1 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 1 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes