1 Corinthians 10:12
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
Original Language Analysis
ὥστε
Wherefore
G5620
ὥστε
Wherefore
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
1 of 7
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοκῶν
him that thinketh
G1380
δοκῶν
him that thinketh
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
3 of 7
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
ἑστάναι
he standeth
G2476
ἑστάναι
he standeth
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
4 of 7
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Romans 11:20Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:Proverbs 16:18Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.2 Peter 3:17Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.1 Corinthians 8:2And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.Proverbs 28:14Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
Historical Context
Corinth's culture prized wisdom, rhetoric, and status. The church absorbed this triumphalism, viewing Christianity as spiritual achievement rather than grace-dependent perseverance. Paul repeatedly confronts their arrogance (4:8-13). This verse warns that self-confident Christians are prime candidates for moral failure—biblical literacy and doctrinal orthodoxy don't automatically produce humble dependence on God's sustaining grace.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of spiritual life do you feel most confident, and how might this confidence be dangerous?
- How can you maintain vigilance without falling into fearful introspection or doubt of salvation?
- What early warning signs indicate you're beginning to rely on your own strength rather than God's grace?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall—After warning about Israel's failures, Paul addresses the root attitude: presumptuous self-confidence. The verb dokei (δοκεῖ, "thinketh/seems/supposes") implies subjective opinion rather than objective reality. Those who think they stand may actually be vulnerable to falling. Self-assessment is notoriously unreliable.
Take heed (blepetō, βλεπέτω, "watch/beware/look carefully") calls for vigilant self-examination. The subjunctive lest he fall (mē pesē, μὴ πέσῃ) indicates real possibility, not mere hypothetical. Those who feel most secure are often most at risk—spiritual complacency precedes spiritual catastrophe. The warning echoes Proverbs 16:18: "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."
This verse directly confronts Corinthian arrogance. They boasted in knowledge (8:1), freedom (10:23), and spiritual gifts (12-14), assuming these guaranteed spiritual security. Paul warns: Israel had divine privileges yet fell. Don't presume your status or knowledge exempts you from the need for constant vigilance. Those who think they're beyond temptation are closest to disaster.