We must not: We includes both Paul and his readers; but see the first comment on verse 10.

Indulge in immorality translates a single verb in the text. It was discussed in the comments on 6.18, where Paul says “Shun immorality.” The reference in this verse is to Num 25.1, 9, but the translation should not be harmonized to read “twenty-four thousand.” All translations that we have consulted understand the reference to be to “sexual immorality.”

And before twenty-three thousand probably means “with the result that.”

The idea of “dead” (Good News Bible) after fell is strongly implied, as in verse 5. Many translators will prefer to say just “died in a single day.”

Quoted with permission from Ellingworth, Paul and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, 2nd edition. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1985/1994. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .