1 Corinthians 10:4
And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸ
the same
G846
αὐτὸ
the same
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
πνευματικῆς
spiritual
G4152
πνευματικῆς
spiritual
Strong's:
G4152
Word #:
6 of 19
non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 19
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
πνευματικῆς
spiritual
G4152
πνευματικῆς
spiritual
Strong's:
G4152
Word #:
11 of 19
non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou
ἀκολουθούσης
that followed them
G190
ἀκολουθούσης
that followed them
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Exodus 17:6Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.John 7:37In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.Isaiah 48:21And they thirsted not when he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out.Psalms 105:41He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river.John 4:14But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.Numbers 20:11And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.Psalms 78:20Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people?Psalms 78:15He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths.John 4:10Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.Isaiah 43:20The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.
Historical Context
The rock-striking incidents at Massah/Meribah (Exodus 17) and Kadesh (Numbers 20) were pivotal in Israel's wilderness narrative. Water scarcity was constant threat in the Sinai desert. Paul's identification of the rock with Christ reflects apostolic Christological reading of the Old Testament—Christ is present throughout redemptive history, not just after the incarnation. This challenged both Jewish and pagan Corinthian readers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing Christ's presence in Old Testament history deepen your understanding of Scripture's unity?
- In what ways do you "drink from Christ" daily as your source of spiritual sustenance?
- If Israel experienced Christ's provision yet faced judgment, what does this teach about the relationship between privilege and perseverance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ—Paul identifies the water-giving rock of Exodus 17:6 and Numbers 20:11 with Christ Himself. The adjective pneumatikēs (πνευματικῆς, "spiritual") again indicates supernatural provision and typological significance. The remarkable declaration and that Rock was Christ shows Christ's pre-incarnate presence and activity in Israel's history.
Rabbinic tradition held that the rock literally followed Israel through the wilderness, providing water continuously. Whether Paul affirms this tradition or speaks metaphorically, his point is theological: Christ was the source of Israel's sustenance. The petra (πέτρα, "rock") represents Christ's stability, provision, and presence. Just as Corinthians drink Christ's blood at communion, Israel drank from Christ in the wilderness.
This verse is crucial for Paul's argument: if Israel experienced Christ-centered provision yet fell into judgment, the Corinthians' participation in Christian sacraments offers no security apart from faithfulness. Christ was present with Israel, yet they perished. His presence at the Lord's table is both privilege and warning.