1 Corinthians 10:6
Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
Original Language Analysis
τύποι
examples
G5179
τύποι
examples
Strong's:
G5179
Word #:
3 of 15
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
ἐγενήθησαν
were
G1096
ἐγενήθησαν
were
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
5 of 15
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
εἰς
to the intent
G1519
εἰς
to the intent
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
8 of 15
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
κακῶν
lust after evil
G2556
κακῶν
lust after evil
Strong's:
G2556
Word #:
12 of 15
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
Cross References
Jude 1:7Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.1 Corinthians 10:11Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.Hebrews 4:11Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.Numbers 11:4And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?2 Peter 2:6And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;1 Peter 3:21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Historical Context
Israel's complaints about manna ("this light bread") and craving for meat reflected deeper discontent with God's provision. God gave them quail but sent leanness to their souls (Psalm 106:15). The Corinthians similarly prioritized cultural participation and social advancement over gospel distinctiveness. Paul redirects their desires toward Christ-centered contentment.
Questions for Reflection
- What "evil things" do you find yourself craving that compromise your devotion to Christ?
- How can you identify disordered desires before they lead to serious sin?
- In what ways does our consumer culture encourage the same craving mentality Israel displayed in the wilderness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted—Paul now explicitly states his interpretive method: Old Testament narratives function as typoi (τύποι, "types/examples/patterns") for Christian instruction. These weren't mere historical events but divinely orchestrated object lessons for us, written to the intent (eis to, εἰς τὸ) we might avoid Israel's failures.
The warning against lust after evil things (epithymētai kakōn, ἐπιθυμηταὶ κακῶν) recalls Israel's craving for Egypt's food (Numbers 11:4-6, 34). Epithymia (ἐπιθυμία, "desire/lust/craving") describes disordered desire—wanting what God forbids or what He hasn't provided. Israel's lust brought judgment at Kibroth-hattaavah ("graves of craving," Numbers 11:34).
For Corinth, this addresses their desire for idol-temple meals. Just as Israel craved Egyptian food over God's manna, some Corinthians craved social prestige and culinary pleasure over spiritual purity. Paul warns: disordered desires, even for permissible things (food), can lead to divine judgment when they override obedience.