1 Corinthians 10:9 We should not test Christ, as some of them did--and were killed by snakes.

◄ 1 Corinthians 10:9 ►

Parallel Verses

New International Version
We should not test Christ, as some of them did--and were killed by snakes.

English Standard Version
We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents,

New American Standard Bible
Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents.

King James Bible
Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Let us not test Christ as some of them did and were destroyed by snakes.

International Standard Version
Let's stop putting the Lord to the test, as some of them were doing, and were destroyed by snakes.

American Standard Version
Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents.

Douay-Rheims Bible
Neither let us tempt Christ: as some of them tempted, and perished by the serpents.

Darby Bible Translation
Neither let us tempt the Christ, as some of them tempted, and perished by serpents.

Young's Literal Translation
neither may we tempt the Christ, as also certain of them did tempt, and by the serpents did perish;

Cross References

Exodus 17:2
Why the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said to them, Why chide you with me? why do you tempt the LORD?

Numbers 21:5
And the people spoke against God, and against Moses, Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loathes this light bread.

Numbers 21:6
And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.

Psalm 78:18
And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.

Psalm 95:9
When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.

Psalm 106:14
But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.

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Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

10:6-14 Carnal desires gain strength by indulgence, therefore should be checked in their first rise. Let us fear the sins of Israel, if we would shun their plagues. And it is but just to fear, that such as tempt Christ, will be left by him in the power of the old serpent. Murmuring against God's disposals and commands, greatly provokes him. Nothing in Scripture is written in vain; and it is our wisdom and duty to learn from it. Others have fallen, and so may we. The Christian's security against sin is distrust of himself. God has not promised to keep us from falling, if we do not look to ourselves. To this word of caution, a word of comfort is added. Others have the like burdens, and the like temptations: what they bear up under, and break through, we may also. God is wise as well as faithful, and will make our burdens according to our strength. He knows what we can bear. He will make a way to escape; he will deliver either from the trial itself, or at least the mischief of it. We have full encouragement to flee from sin, and to be faithful to God. We cannot fall by temptation, if we cleave fast to him. Whether the world smiles or frowns, it is an enemy; but believers shall be strengthened to overcome it, with all its terrors and enticements. The fear of the Lord, put into their hearts, will be the great means of safety.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

9. tempt Christ—So the oldest versions, Irenæus (264), and good manuscripts read. Some of the oldest manuscripts read "Lord"; and one manuscript only "God." If "Lord" be read, it will mean Christ. As "Christ" was referred to in one of the five privileges of Israel (1Co 10:4), so it is natural that He should be mentioned here in one of the five corresponding sins of that people. In Nu 21:5 it is "spake against God" (whence probably arose the alteration in the one manuscript, 1Co 10:9, "God," to harmonize it with Nu 21:5). As either "Christ" or "Lord" is the genuine reading, "Christ" must be "God." Compare "Why do ye tempt the Lord?" (Ex 17:2, 7. Compare Ro 14:11, with Isa 45:22, 23). Israel's discontented complainings were temptings of Christ especially, the "Angel" of the covenant (Ex 23:20, 21; 32:34; Isa 63:9). Though they drank of "that Rock … Christ" (1Co 10:4), they yet complained for want of water (Ex 17:2, 7). Though also eating the same spiritual meat (Christ, "the true manna," "the bread of life"), they yet murmured, "Our soul loatheth this light bread." In this case, being punished by the fiery serpents, they were saved by the brazen serpent, the emblem of Christ (compare Joh 8:56; Heb 11:26). The Greek for "tempt" means, tempt or try, so as to wear out the long-suffering of Christ (compare Ps 95:8, 9; Nu 14:22). The Corinthians were in danger of provoking God's long-suffering by walking on the verge of idolatry, through overweening confidence in their knowledge.