1 Corinthians 10:7

Authorized King James Version

Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

Word-by-Word Analysis

μηδὲ

G3366

Neither

but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor

εἰδωλολάτραι

G1496

idolaters

an image- (servant or) worshipper (literally or figuratively)

γίνεσθε

G1096

be ye

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

καθώς

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

τινες

G5100

were some

some or any person or object

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

ὥς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

γέγραπται

G1125

it is written

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

Ἐκάθισεν

G2523

sat down

to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)

#10

ὁ

G3588

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

#11

λαὸς

G2992

The people

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

#12

φαγεῖν

G5315

to eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#14

πιεῖν

G4095

drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

ἀνέστησαν

G450

rose up

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

#17

παίζειν

G3815

to play

to sport (as a boy)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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