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Book of 1 Corinthians - Chapter 10 - Verse 8

10:8
Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

Meaning

According to this verse, the act of committing fornication led to a significant consequence for the Israelites - specifically, a plague that resulted in the deaths of twenty-three thousand people in one day. This serves as a warning to believers about the dangers of engaging in sexual immorality and the severe repercussions that can follow such actions. The verse references a specific incident from the Old Testament where Israelite men engaged in sexual immorality with Moabite women, leading to God's wrath being unleashed upon them. By highlighting this event, the verse reminds believers of the importance of maintaining purity and holiness in their relationships and interactions. It serves as a cautionary tale to avoid the temptations of the flesh and to remain faithful to God's commands, as disobedience can have grave consequences. Overall, this verse emphasizes the significance of upholding moral standards and following God's teachings to avoid falling into sin and facing the resulting judgment.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the word "fornication" refers to sexual immorality and is a term used to describe any sexual activity outside of the bounds of marriage. The verse references an incident from the Old Testament where the Israelites engaged in sexual immorality with the Moabite women, which resulted in a great plague that caused the death of twenty-three thousand people in one day. This serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of giving in to immoral behaviors that can have severe consequences. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the importance of maintaining purity and faithfulness in relationships, as well as the need to obey God's commands and live according to His standards. By studying the context and historical background of the passage, we can glean valuable lessons about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of upholding moral values in all aspects of our lives.

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