1 Corinthians 10:33 kjv
Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 10:33 nkjv
just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 10:33 niv
even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 10:33 esv
just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 10:33 nlt
I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.
1 Corinthians 10 33 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 10:24 | Let no one seek his own, but each his neighbor’s good. | Benefit others |
| Phil 2:4 | Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. | Mutual consideration |
| Rom 15:2 | Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. | Edification |
| 1 Cor 8:1 | Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. | Love and knowledge |
| Gal 5:13 | Serve one another through love. | Service |
| Eph 4:29 | Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up... | Speech |
| Col 3:12 | Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. | Virtues |
| Heb 13:16 | Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. | Good deeds |
| Matt 18:15 | If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. | Reconciliation |
| 1 Thess 4:12 | so that you may walk properly in regard to outsiders and be ignorant of nothing. | Witness |
| Rom 14:13 | therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide this: to put no obstacle or stumbling block in the way of a brother. | Avoiding offense |
| 1 Cor 9:19-23 | For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them... | Becoming all things to all men |
| John 13:34 | A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. | Christ's command to love |
| 1 John 4:7 | Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God. | Source of love |
| Rom 14:19 | So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. | Peace and upbuilding |
| 1 Pet 4:10 | As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. | Stewardship of gifts |
| Col 4:6 | Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. | Gracious speech |
| 1 Thess 5:11 | Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. | Encouragement |
| Heb 10:24 | And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. | Stirring up love and good works |
| Phil 1:9-10 | And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent... | Love abounding |
1 Corinthians 10 verses
1 Corinthians 10 33 Meaning
This verse emphasizes the principle of seeking what is profitable for all. Paul is advocating for a life lived not for self-interest, but for the ultimate benefit and edification of others, mirroring Christ's own selfless example. The ultimate goal is to please God, not oneself, by fostering unity and growth within the Christian community.
1 Corinthians 10 33 Context
This verse concludes chapter 10 of 1 Corinthians, a chapter filled with exhortations concerning Christian conduct, particularly in relation to idolatry and participation in pagan feasts. Paul has been addressing the Corinthians' struggles with the cultural permissiveness and pagan practices of their environment. He emphasizes that while food sacrificed to idols is not inherently evil, its consumption can cause offense and stumble weaker believers. The preceding verses highlight the importance of acting not for one's own liberty or pleasure, but for the benefit and spiritual welfare of the entire body of Christ, seeking to please God above all else. This verse serves as a final, overarching principle guiding such conduct.
1 Corinthians 10 33 Word Analysis
- For (γαρ - gar): A conjunction introducing a reason or explanation. It connects this verse's principle to the preceding statements.
- I (ἐγὼ - egō): Emphatic personal pronoun, referring to Paul himself.
- do (πράσσω - prassō): Verb meaning to do, practice, or perform. Paul states he "does" this, indicating it's an active lifestyle.
- not (οὐ - ou): A negative particle of simple negation.
- seek (ζητέω - zēteō): Verb meaning to seek, search for, inquire after, desire, or try to obtain. It implies an active pursuit.
- my (ἐμός - emos): Possessive pronoun, referring to oneself.
- own (τὸ ἐμαυτοῦ συμφέρον - to emautou sumpheron): Literally "that which is profitable to myself." Sumpheron means advantage, profit, or what is expedient/beneficial. This highlights self-interest.
- pleasure (τὴν ἐκείνου δὲ τὴν τοῦ πλησίον - tēn ekeinou de tēn tou plēsiou): This part is often translated slightly differently across Bibles. A common understanding connects it to seeking what is beneficial for the neighbor. The next part clarifies this.
- for (τὴν δὲ τοῦ πλησίον - tēn de tou plēsiou): Introduces the contrasting principle – seeking for the neighbor.
- profit (τὸ συμφέρον - to sumpheron): Same word as "own profit," but here referring to the neighbor's benefit or advantage. This emphasizes mutual consideration and seeking the good of others.
Word Group Analysis:
- "seek my own profit": This phrase captures the essence of self-centeredness, a common struggle that Paul addresses throughout his epistles. It contrasts directly with the Christian mandate to prioritize the community's welfare.
- "seek profit for the neighbor": This signifies outward focus, empathy, and the active pursuit of another's spiritual and practical good. It's about building up, not tearing down.
- "I do not seek my own profit": Paul sets himself as an example of this selfless principle, modeling it for the Corinthians to imitate. This is linked to his earlier statements about becoming "all things to all people" to save them.
1 Corinthians 10 33 Bonus Section
This verse acts as a summation of the New Testament ethic of love and sacrifice, mirroring the example of Jesus Christ Himself. The Greek word sumpheron (profitable, beneficial) appears elsewhere in Paul's writings (e.g., 1 Cor 6:12, 1 Cor 10:23), and its application here underscores the idea of actions that are ultimately beneficial for the Christian life and the community. The underlying theme connects strongly to the concept of the body of Christ, where each member's health and well-being depend on the health of all the others, requiring interdependence and mutual support. This verse is a concise encapsulation of the core principle of Christian fellowship and mission.
1 Corinthians 10 33 Commentary
Paul concludes his argument in chapter 10 with a profound principle: selfless living for the benefit of others. His own life exemplified this, not seeking personal gain or pleasure at the expense of another's spiritual well-being. Instead, the aim is to please God and foster the growth of the entire church. This directive transcends mere outward conformity; it requires a genuine inward disposition of love and consideration for every member of the body of Christ. By prioritizing the collective good and seeking to edify each other, believers become a testimony to the world and bring glory to God.
- Practical Example: A Christian choosing not to exercise their "right" to attend a pagan feast, even if not directly participating, to avoid causing a weaker brother to stumble and potentially return to pagan practices.
- Practical Example: Sharing resources generously, speaking words of encouragement rather than criticism, and offering practical help to those in need within the church community.