1 Corinthians 10:11
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.
Original Language Analysis
τύποι
for ensamples
G5179
τύποι
for ensamples
Strong's:
G5179
Word #:
4 of 18
a die (as struck), i.e., (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e., a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specially, a samp
συνέβαινον
happened
G4819
συνέβαινον
happened
Strong's:
G4819
Word #:
5 of 18
to walk (figuratively, transpire) together, i.e., concur (take place)
ἐκείνοις
unto them
G1565
ἐκείνοις
unto them
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
6 of 18
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
ἐγράφη
they are written
G1125
ἐγράφη
they are written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
7 of 18
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
πρὸς
for
G4314
πρὸς
for
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
9 of 18
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
νουθεσίαν
admonition
G3559
νουθεσίαν
admonition
Strong's:
G3559
Word #:
10 of 18
calling attention to, i.e., (by implication) mild rebuke or warning
εἰς
upon
G1519
εἰς
upon
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
οὓς
whom
G3739
οὓς
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
13 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τέλη
the ends
G5056
τέλη
the ends
Strong's:
G5056
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 15:4For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.Romans 13:11And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.1 John 2:18Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.Philippians 4:5Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.1 Corinthians 9:10Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.Hebrews 10:25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.Hebrews 10:37For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.Romans 4:23Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;
Historical Context
Jewish apocalyptic thought divided history into "this age" and "the age to come." Paul teaches that Christ's death and resurrection inaugurated the age to come, though this age continues. The church exists at the hinge of the ages—experiencing new creation realities while still battling old creation corruption. This eschatological tension makes Israel's warnings especially relevant.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding yourself as living in "the ends of the ages" affect your urgency about holiness?
- What Old Testament passages serve as your personal "admonitions" against specific temptations?
- If Israel's failures under lesser revelation brought judgment, what does this mean for Christians under the new covenant?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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—Paul summarizes his hermeneutical method: Old Testament narratives happened typikōs (τυπικῶς, "typically/as types/as examples") and were written for Christian instruction. History has pedagogical purpose under God's providence. These weren't random events but divinely orchestrated lessons for future generations.
The phrase for our admonition (pros nouthesian hēmōn, πρὸς νουθεσίαν ἡμῶν) indicates warning that corrects thinking and behavior. Upon whom the ends of the world are come (ta telē tōn aiōnōn, τὰ τέλη τῶν αἰώνων, literally "the ends of the ages") describes the eschatological position of the church—living in the overlap of this age and the age to come, between Christ's first and second coming. History has reached its climax; the final era has begun.
Because Christians live in the end times, Old Testament warnings apply with greater urgency. Israel's failures occurred in the shadows; ours occur in full light of Christ's revelation. Greater privilege brings greater accountability. These ancient examples aren't interesting anecdotes but urgent warnings for those living in salvation history's final chapter.