Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 10:2

What does 1 Corinthians 10:2 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 10:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 10:2 means

To be “baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea” means Israel was publicly identified with Moses as God’s appointed leader. Passing through the sea and being covered by the cloud marked their separation from Egypt and their union under Moses’ headship. Paul uses “baptized” not to equate this with Christian baptism, but to highlight a parallel: like believers joined to Christ, Israel was joined to Moses in a saving event and guided presence. Yet even such a profound beginning did not keep many from later rebellion. The Corinthians should learn that being joined to a leader or movement of God is no substitute for ongoing faith and obedience.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And they all had baptism from Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and all to Moses were baptized in the cloud, and in the sea;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And all in Moses were baptized, in the cloud and in the sea:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and all were baptised unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

Context

Paul continues listing Israel’s privileges. After recalling the cloud and sea, he interprets their meaning with the language of identification—“baptized unto Moses.” This prepares the way for his later references to Christian communion in verses 16–17. The parallel is intentional: just as Israel had a kind of sacramental beginning and fellowship, so do Christians. But the lesson will be that outward participation alone cannot save from judgment when hearts turn to sin. Verse 3 will add God’s continuing provision in the wilderness.

v.1For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

v.2This passage

v.3and did all eat the same spiritual food;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Galatians 3:27

    For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:13

    Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized into the name of Paul?

  • Exodus 14:31

    And Israel saw the great work which Jehovah did upon the Egyptians, and the people feared Jehovah: and they believed in Jehovah, and in his servant Moses.

  • John 9:28

    And they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are disciples of Moses.

  • Romans 6:3

    Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

  • Hebrews 3:2

    who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also was Moses in all his house.

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