1 Corinthians 10:8

Authorized King James Version

Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
μηδὲ
Neither
but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor
#2
ἐπόρνευσαν
committed
to act the harlot, i.e., (literally) indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figuratively) practise idolatry
#3
καθώς
as
just (or inasmuch) as, that
#4
τινες
some
some or any person or object
#5
αὐτῶν
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
#6
ἐπόρνευσαν
committed
to act the harlot, i.e., (literally) indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figuratively) practise idolatry
#7
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
ἔπεσον
fell
to fall (literally or figuratively)
#9
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#10
μιᾷ
one
#11
ἡμέρᾳ
day
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#12
εἴκοσι
and twenty
a score
#13
τρεῖς
three
"three"
#14
χιλιάδες.
thousand
one thousand ("chiliad")

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Corinthians. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to pastoral letter addressing practical Christian living issues, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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