8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did-and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died.
8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day.
8 We must not be sexually promiscuous - they paid for that, remember, with twenty-three thousand deaths in one day!
8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell;
8 And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing 23,000 of them to die in one day.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:8
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:6-14
(Read 1 Corinthians 10:6-14)
Carnal desires gain strength by indulgence, therefore should be checked in their first rise. Let us fear the sins of Israel, if we would shun their plagues. And it is but just to fear, that such as tempt Christ, will be left by him in the power of the old serpent. Murmuring against God's disposals and commands, greatly provokes him. Nothing in Scripture is written in vain; and it is our wisdom and duty to learn from it. Others have fallen, and so may we. The Christian's security against sin is distrust of himself. God has not promised to keep us from falling, if we do not look to ourselves. To this word of caution, a word of comfort is added. Others have the like burdens, and the like temptations: what they bear up under, and break through, we may also. God is wise as well as faithful, and will make our burdens according to our strength. He knows what we can bear. He will make a way to escape; he will deliver either from the trial itself, or at least the mischief of it. We have full encouragement to flee from sin, and to be faithful to God. We cannot fall by temptation, if we cleave fast to him. Whether the world smiles or frowns, it is an enemy; but believers shall be strengthened to overcome it, with all its terrors and enticements. The fear of the Lord, put into their hearts, will be the great means of safety.