But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

1 CORINTHIANS 10:5KJV
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1 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 10:5 mean?

1 Corinthians 10:5 says that even though many people were part of God’s people in the past, God was not pleased with most of them, and they died in the wilderness. The verse warns that being part of the group does not guarantee God’s approval.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, reminding them of the Israelites’ journey after leaving Egypt. He points out that despite experiencing God’s blessings, most of the Israelites faced judgment because of their disobedience. This sets up a warning for the Corinthians not to take their standing with God for granted.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 10:5

  • The word "overthrown" (καταστρώθησαν, katastrothēsan) means to be laid low or struck down. It gives a vivid picture of people falling in the wilderness, emphasizing the seriousness of their fate.
  • The phrase "not well pleased" (οὐκ εὐδόκησεν, ouk eudokēsen) means that God did not find favor or delight in them. This highlights that outward association with God’s people is not enough; God looks for genuine faithfulness.

Why 1 Corinthians 10:5 matters

  • This verse corrects the idea that simply belonging to a religious group ensures God’s approval, stressing personal responsibility and faithfulness.
  • It connects the story of the Israelites to the Corinthian church, showing that past blessings do not guarantee future security if people turn away from God.
  • The verse sets the stage for the following warnings in the chapter, urging readers to learn from history and avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Where else these words appear

“was” Greek G2106 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
  • Romans 15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

“wilderness” Greek G2048 · used in 50 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Mark 6:35 And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed:
  • John 6:49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.

“many” Greek G4119 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 4:1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
  • Acts 24:17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.