1 Corinthians 10:4
“And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.”
King James Version
Paul identifying Christ as the spiritual rock in the wilderness from which Israel drank, a typological interpretation.
Fulfillment References
Exodus 17:6 Numbers 20:11 Deuteronomy 32:4
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalPaul says Israel 'drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.' The Rock in the wilderness that gave water (Exod. 17; Num. 20) was Christ — and in the Old Testament the Rock is repeatedly the LORD Himself (Deut. 32:4, 15; Ps. 18:2). Paul thus identifies Jesus with the LORD who went with Israel: the pre-existent Christ is God, the Rock of our salvation.
JewishA rabbinic tradition held that the well/rock followed Israel in the wilderness; Paul draws on this, but the identification with Christ is distinctly Christian.
CatholicChrist present with Israel as the spiritual Rock; a text for His pre-existence and the sacramental reading of the wilderness gifts (cf. the Catechism).
ProtestantAn assertion of Christ's pre-existence and deity — the Rock that sustained Israel was Christ Himself (cf. the OT 'Rock' = the LORD).
AcademicPaul applies a Jewish 'movable well' tradition typologically; 'that Rock was Christ' is a striking statement of pre-existence read against the OT Rock imagery.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.