1 Corinthians 10:9
What does 1 Corinthians 10:9 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 10:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 10:9 means
“Neither let us make trial of the Lord,” Paul adds, recalling those who tested God and “perished by the serpents.” Israel’s complaints and challenges to God’s way provoked a judgment that exposed their ingratitude and unbelief. To test the Lord is to demand that He prove Himself on our terms, or to presume upon His patience while walking in known sin. In Corinth, attending idol feasts while claiming immunity was such a test—pushing the boundaries to see if harm would follow. Paul counsels humility and trust: accept God’s commands as wise and good, and refuse the arrogance that dares Him to react. The Lord delivers, but He also disciplines His people for their good.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And let us not put the Lord to the test, as some of them did, and came to their death by snakes.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862neither may we tempt the Christ, as also certain of them did tempt, and by the serpents did perish;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them tempted and perished by the serpent.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Neither let us tempt the Christ, as some of them tempted, and perished by serpents.
Context
The third warning recalls the fiery serpents sent among Israel when they challenged God’s provision and plan. This continues the pattern of rebellion and judgment, connecting directly to the Corinthians’ risky presumption. After this, verse 10 will add murmuring as another form of faithless resistance. Together, verses 7–10 present a comprehensive diagnosis of the heart’s drift from God, setting up verse 11’s conclusion that these events instruct believers living in a climactic era.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 78:56
Yet they tempted and rebelled against the Most High God, And kept not his testimonies;
- Psalms 106:14
But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, And tempted God in the desert.
- Numbers 21:5
And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, and there is no water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.
- Psalms 95:9
When your fathers tempted me, Proved me, and saw my work.
- Exodus 17:2
Wherefore the people strove with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why strive ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt Jehovah?
- Hebrews 10:28
A man that hath set at nought Moses’ law dieth without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses:
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