Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Corinthians 10:6
What does 1 Corinthians 10:6 mean?
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1 Corinthians 10:6
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Paul isn't just saying the Israelites messed up; he's highlighting that their disobedience was rooted in desiring the wrong things, like food and power. Their desires led them to act out in ways that ultimately led to their downfall, a stark warning for us to examine our own appetites and where they're leading us.
Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is reminding the Corinthian believers of the Israelites' experiences in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. These weren't just ancient history; they were vivid illustrations of God's judgment on disobedience and rebellion, particularly through their grumbling and craving for sinful desires. The immediate aftermath of this verse will detail specific examples of God's judgment on these Israelites, underscoring the serious consequences of falling into similar patterns.
Paul points to Israel's past, not to shame them, but to teach us profound truths. What exactly are 'these things' and how do they apply to you and me?
History as a Warning and Guide
Paul uses the Exodus generation's journey in the wilderness as a case study. He's not just recounting history; he's holding it up as a mirror.
What does it truly mean to 'desire evil'? It’s more subtle than you might think, and it starts in the heart long before actions follow.
The Root of Rebellion
Israel's downfall wasn't sudden; it began with their internal state – their desires.
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Understand the original words
typos · Greek Noun
The pattern or model provided by past events, especially historical judgments or blessings, intended to serve as a warning or lesson for subsequent generations.
epithymetas · Greek Noun
The inner longing, craving, or impulse, often used in a negative sense to describe the corrupt human inclination toward forbidden things.
Paul uses the Israelites' exodus and subsequent wilderness wanderings as a stark warning. Their desires for Egypt's comforts and their constant complaints illustrate the dangers of craving what God has forbidden and losing sight of His promises, lessons directly applicable to the Corinthian church.
c. 1446 BC
Israel Departs Egypt
After centuries of slavery, God miraculously delivered the Israelites from Egypt under Moses' leadership, beginning their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1446-1406 BC— this verse
Wandering in the Wilderness
The Israelites spent 40 years in the Sinai desert due to their disobedience and lack of faith, facing numerous challenges and temptations.
c. 1446 BC
Rebellion at the Desert of Zin
The people grumbled against Moses and Aaron, demanding to return to Egypt and expressing a desire for the "flesh pots" they ate there, leading to God's judgment.
c. 1446 BC
The Incident at Meribah
The Israelites complained about lack of water, and Moses, in anger, struck the rock twice instead of speaking to it as God commanded, resulting in his and Aaron's exclusion from entering the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Moses' Farewell Speeches
Before his death, Moses reminded the new generation of Israel's journey, recounting their failures and urging them to remain faithful to God's commands.
This passage describes the Israelites' desire for meat, which led to God's judgment, directly illustrating the 'desire for evil' mentioned in 1 Corinthians.
Psalm 106:14The Psalmist recounts the Israelites' 'lusting' in the wilderness, echoing the theme of dangerous desires and God's response, reinforcing the warning in 1 Corinthians.
1 Corinthians 10:11This verse immediately follows, stating these events were written down 'as warnings for us,' directly linking the past examples to the present application for believers.
Hebrews 3:16-19This passage reflects on the disobedience of the Israelites in the wilderness and how it prevented them from entering the promised land, paralleling the consequences of unchecked desires.
Paul isn't just saying the Israelites messed up; he's highlighting that their disobedience was rooted in desiring the wrong things, like food and power. Their desires led them to act out in ways that ultimately led to their downfall, a stark warning for us to examine our own appetites and where they're leading us.
Paul is reminding the Corinthian believers of the Israelites' experiences in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. These weren't just ancient history; they were vivid illustrations of God's judgment on disobedience and rebellion, particularly through their grumbling and craving for sinful desires. The immediate aftermath of this verse will detail specific examples of God's judgment on these Israelites, underscoring the serious consequences of falling into similar patterns.
Paul is reminding the Corinthian believers of the Israelites' experiences in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. These weren't just ancient history; they were vivid illustrations of God's judgment on disobedience and rebellion, particularly through their grumbling and craving for sinful desires. The immediate aftermath of this verse will detail specific examples of God's judgment on these Israelites, underscoring the serious consequences of falling into similar patterns.
"Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did." — Paul isn't just saying the Israelites messed up; he's highlighting that their disobedience was rooted in desiring the wrong things, like food and power. Their desires led them to act out in ways th…
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Last reviewed October 2026