1 Corinthians 10 24

1 Corinthians 10:24 kjv

Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.

1 Corinthians 10:24 nkjv

Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being.

1 Corinthians 10:24 niv

No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

1 Corinthians 10:24 esv

Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.

1 Corinthians 10:24 nlt

Don't be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.

1 Corinthians 10 24 Cross References

VerseTextReference
1 Corinthians 8:9Take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling blockLove compels consideration for others' faith
Philippians 2:4Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of othersUniversal Christian principle
Romans 15:2Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him upImitating Christ's selfless example
1 Corinthians 10:33...not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be savedPaul's own example and practice
Romans 14:13Let us no longer pass judgment on each other, but decide rather to not put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in the way of a brotherAvoiding offense in personal practices
1 Corinthians 10:23"All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpfulReinforces the limitation of freedom
1 Corinthians 10:29...for why should my liberty be judged by another's conscience?Addresses potential conflict of conscience
Galatians 5:13...through love serve one anotherLove as the foundation of service
Ephesians 4:29Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hearVerbal edification and impact
Matthew 18:15If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him aloneReconciliation and brotherly correction
1 Corinthians 8:1Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that "all of us possess knowledge." This knowledge puffs up, while love upholds.The danger of knowledge without love
1 Corinthians 6:12"All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be dominated by anything.Restraining self-interest in freedom
Hebrews 12:15...striving to see to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God, that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and through it many become defiled.Preventing spiritual harm to others
1 Corinthians 10:32Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of GodBroad application of consideration
Philippians 4:5Let your reasonableness be known to all thevarsigma. The Lord is at hand.Gentleness and fairness in interactions
Romans 12:10Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.Active and generous love towards believers
1 John 4:7-8Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God...The divine origin and nature of love
Proverbs 14:21Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is kind to the poor.Kindness and regard for others are blessed
1 Peter 4:8-10Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another...Practical expressions of love and service
Ephesians 5:21Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.Mutual submission in Christ's community
Romans 14:22The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to condemn himself for what he approves.Personal convictions and their limitations

1 Corinthians 10 verses

1 Corinthians 10 24 Meaning

This verse encourages believers to act with consideration for others, prioritizing their spiritual well-being and not just seeking their own personal advantage or pleasure. It emphasizes seeking the benefit of the "neighbor" or fellow believer, promoting unity and mutual edification within the Christian community. The ultimate aim is to live in a way that honors God and builds up the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 10 24 Context

This verse is found within the tenth chapter of 1 Corinthians, a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth. The Corinthian church was a vibrant but also a very divisive and carnal community, facing numerous issues including pride, immorality, and divisions stemming from differing viewpoints on Christian liberty. In chapters 8-10, Paul addresses the specific problem of eating food sacrificed to idols. He emphasizes that while knowledge about the non-existence of idols is correct (1 Cor 8:4), true Christian conduct is governed by love and edification (1 Cor 8:1). The primary concern is not exercising one's rights or freedoms in a way that causes a weaker brother or sister in faith to stumble or sin due to a misconstrued understanding or practice. The Corinthian believers needed a strong reminder that their individual liberties, while valid, were not to be pursued at the expense of the unity and spiritual health of the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 10 24 Word Analysis

  • "No": (Gk. mē) A negative particle indicating prohibition.
  • "one": (Gk. heis tis) Emphasizes the individual, but within a collective sense.
  • "seek": (Gk. zēteitō) A present imperative, commanding a continuous action of searching or aiming for something.
  • "his own": (Gk. heautou) Refers to self-interest, personal preference, or individual advantage.
  • "good": (Gk. to sympheron) Literally, "that which brings together" or "is profitable." It implies that which is beneficial, useful, or advantageous. In this context, it refers to spiritual profit or benefit.
  • "but": (Gk. alla) A conjunction contrasting the previous clause with what follows.
  • "each": (Gk. hekastos) Individually, every single person.
  • "his": (Gk. heautou) Again, referring to self.
  • "neighbor's": (Gk. tou plēsion) In the New Testament context, this extends beyond literal neighbors to include fellow believers, those who are "near" in Christ.
  • "good": (Gk. to sympheron) Same as above, meaning beneficial or profitable for the neighbor.

Words-Group By Words-Group Analysis:

  • "No one seek his own good": This is a direct command against a self-centered approach. The emphasis is on abstaining from prioritizing personal preferences or benefits above all else. It calls for a subjugation of individual desires for the sake of the community.
  • "but each his neighbor's good": This provides the positive directive. The focus is to actively pursue and promote the welfare and spiritual advantage of other believers. It's a call to altruism and to look out for the well-being of the wider body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 10 24 Bonus Section

This verse is part of a larger argument by Paul, rooted in the nature of God's love as demonstrated in Christ. The ultimate model for seeking another's good is Jesus himself, who "did not please himself" (Romans 15:3) but laid down his life for humanity. The principle of looking to the good of the neighbor is a direct outflow of Christ-like love and humility. It's a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to overcome selfishness and embrace a sacrificial love that prioritizes the spiritual health and growth of the entire body of Christ. This ideal is not about suppressing personal convictions but about exercising them within a framework of love and communal responsibility.

1 Corinthians 10 24 Commentary

This verse encapsulates a fundamental principle of Christian living: looking beyond oneself to consider the spiritual benefit of others. In the context of Corinth, it directly addressed the misuse of Christian freedom, particularly regarding practices that might have seemed harmless to the spiritually mature but could have been a catalyst for sin or doubt in those with a weaker conscience or less understanding. Paul reiterates that true freedom in Christ is not exercised for selfish gratification but for the betterment of the community and the glory of God. It's a call to empathetic spiritual discernment, prompting believers to ask not "Can I do this?" but "Is this beneficial for my brother and for the building up of the church?" This principle applies to many areas of Christian life, from dietary practices to participation in social events, ensuring that our actions contribute positively to the spiritual growth of those around us and uphold the unity of the faith.

Practical Usage Examples:

  • A mature believer choosing not to eat food offered to idols, even if they know it's not inherently wrong, to avoid causing a less mature believer to question their own faith or compromise their convictions.
  • Speaking edifying words rather than gossip or divisive commentary, considering the impact on the listener and the overall spiritual atmosphere.
  • A Christian choosing to abstain from certain entertainment or lifestyle choices not because they are inherently sinful for themselves, but because their participation might lead others astray or compromise their witness.