1 Corinthians 10:10
Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 12
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 #:
6 of 12
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
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπώλοντο
were destroyed
G622
ἀπώλοντο
were destroyed
Strong's:
G622
Word #:
9 of 12
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
10 of 12
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 (
Cross References
Numbers 14:2And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!Numbers 16:41But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD.Numbers 14:37Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the LORD.1 Chronicles 21:15And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.2 Samuel 24:16And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite.Psalms 106:25But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD.Philippians 2:14Do all things without murmurings and disputings:Exodus 12:23For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.Exodus 15:24And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?Jude 1:16These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.
Historical Context
Israel's murmuring revealed hearts that never truly trusted God despite witnessing His miracles. Each complaint demonstrated preference for Egypt's slavery over wilderness dependence on God. The destroyer executed covenant curses against persistent rebels. Paul warns Corinth that their complaints against apostolic authority and resentment of moral boundaries replay Israel's rebellion.
Questions for Reflection
- What chronic complaints in your life reveal lack of trust in God's goodness?
- How can you distinguish between legitimate questions and rebellious murmuring?
- In what ways does complaining about spiritual leadership really constitute complaining against God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer—Gongyzete (γογγύζετε, "murmur/grumble/complain") characterized Israel's wilderness attitude—chronic dissatisfaction with God's provision and leadership. This murmuring questioned God's goodness, wisdom, and care. Key instances include complaints about water (Exodus 15:24, 17:3), food (Exodus 16:2), and the report of the spies (Numbers 14:2).
The phrase destroyed of the destroyer (olothreutou, ὀλοθρευτοῦ) likely refers to the destroying angel who executed judgment (Exodus 12:23). Paul may specifically reference Numbers 16, Korah's rebellion, when the earth swallowed rebels and fire consumed 250 leaders. Murmuring isn't mere complaining—it's covenant rebellion that questions God's character and challenges His appointed authority.
For Corinth, this warned against grumbling about apostolic teaching or church discipline. Some apparently resented Paul's restrictions on idol-temple participation, viewing him as overly strict. Paul counters: your murmuring against God's messenger is murmuring against God, just as Israel's complaints against Moses and Aaron were really against the Lord (Numbers 14:27). Such rebellion invites divine judgment.