1 Corinthians 10:9
Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
Original Language Analysis
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῶν
of them
G846
αὐτῶν
of them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 14
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
ἐπείρασαν
tempted
G3985
ἐπείρασαν
tempted
Strong's:
G3985
Word #:
9 of 14
to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
11 of 14
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Psalms 78:18And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.Exodus 17:7And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?Exodus 17:2Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?Psalms 78:56Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies:Deuteronomy 6:16Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.Psalms 106:14But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.Psalms 95:9When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.
Historical Context
The bronze serpent incident (Numbers 21) demonstrated both judgment and grace—God punished rebellion but provided healing for those who looked in faith to the bronze serpent Moses lifted up. Jesus used this as a type of His crucifixion (John 3:14-15). Paul's warning applies to those who abuse grace, treating Christ's sacrifice as license to sin.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways might you be "tempting Christ" by presuming on His patience with ongoing sin?
- How can you maintain both confidence in God's grace and healthy fear of His holiness?
- What boundaries has God established that you're tempted to test or cross?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents—This verse references Numbers 21:5-6, where Israel spoke against God and Moses, despising the manna. God sent seraphim (fiery serpents) whose bites killed many Israelites. The verb ekpeirazōmen (ἐκπειράζωμεν, "tempt/test/put to the test") describes presumptuous testing of God's patience—pushing boundaries to see how much sin He'll tolerate.
Remarkably, Paul says they tempted Christ (some manuscripts read "the Lord"), identifying Christ as the One Israel provoked in the wilderness. This reinforces v. 4's assertion that Christ was present with Israel. To tempt Christ is to presume on His grace, to sin deliberately while counting on forgiveness, to treat His patience as permission.
The Corinthians tempted Christ by flirting with idolatry, reasoning that their knowledge and freedom permitted what God forbade. They tested whether participation in pagan worship would really bring judgment. Paul warns: Israel tried this, and serpents destroyed them. Don't presume Christ will tolerate what He judged before. Jesus lifted up on the cross (John 3:14) heals those bitten by sin's serpent, but this grace doesn't excuse deliberate rebellion.