1 Corinthians 10:5

Authorized King James Version

But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀλλ'

G235

But

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πλείοσιν

G4119

many

more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion

αὐτῶν

G846

of them

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

εὐδόκησεν

G2106

was

to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεός

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#10

κατεστρώθησαν

G2693

they were overthrown

to strew down, i.e., (by implication) to prostrate (slay)

#11

γὰρ

G1063

for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

#12

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#13

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

ἐρήμῳ

G2048

the wilderness

lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Corinthians.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Love