1 Corinthians 15 33

1 Corinthians 15:33 kjv

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

1 Corinthians 15:33 nkjv

Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."

1 Corinthians 15:33 niv

Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."

1 Corinthians 15:33 esv

Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals."

1 Corinthians 15:33 nlt

Don't be fooled by those who say such things, for "bad company corrupts good character."

1 Corinthians 15 verses

1 Corinthians 15 33 meaning

This verse serves as a direct and urgent warning against associating with individuals whose beliefs or behaviors are ungodly, especially concerning core Christian doctrines like the resurrection. It emphasizes that continued exposure to such company or communication has a corrosive effect, inevitably degrading the moral character and spiritual integrity of a believer. The phrase "Do not be deceived" underscores the severity of the danger and the subtle, often insidious, nature of this influence, implying a common misconception that one can remain unaffected by negative associations.

1 Corinthians 15 33 Context

Paul's letter to the Corinthians addresses numerous issues, with Chapter 15 specifically focusing on the resurrection of the dead. Some in the Corinthian church, influenced by prevailing Greek philosophies (like Epicureanism which questioned the afterlife, or a general skepticism towards physical resurrection), were denying or casting doubt on the resurrection, specifically that of believers. This undermined the core of the Gospel and had severe implications for Christian hope and morality (vv. 12-19). In verse 32, Paul quotes a common phrase, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die," which encapsulates the Epicurean worldview that arises when there is no belief in a future life or resurrection. Against this backdrop of theological denial leading to moral apathy, 1 Corinthians 15:33 serves as a stern warning: the "bad company" are those whose erroneous teaching regarding the resurrection corrupts not just doctrine but also "good morals" within the church, drawing people towards a more libertine or despairing lifestyle.

1 Corinthians 15 33 Word analysis

• Do not be deceived:

  • Greek: Mē planasthe (μὴ πλανᾶσθε).
  • Mē (μή): A particle used for negative commands, meaning "do not."
  • Planasthe (πλανᾶσθε): From planaō (πλανάω), meaning "to lead astray, cause to wander, deceive, be deceived." It is a present imperative, indicating a continuous or habitual state of being led astray. This highlights a subtle, ongoing danger.
  • Significance: It implies a danger the Corinthians might be unaware of or downplaying. Paul's direct imperative suggests that they are already susceptible to this deception or perhaps already experiencing its effects. The spiritual consequence of allowing deceptive teaching is often moral corruption.

• "Bad company:

  • Greek: homiliai kakai (ὁμιλίαι κακαί).
  • Homiliai (ὁμιλίαι): Plural of homilia (ὁμιλία), meaning "association, companionship, conversation, intercourse." It encompasses not just physical presence but also the exchange of ideas, words, and shared activities.
  • Kakai (κακαί): Plural of kakos (κακός), meaning "bad, evil, wicked, worthless, base, destructive." It describes company that is morally, ethically, or spiritually unsound.
  • Significance: It refers to any influence—be it verbal communication, close relationships, or even ideas—that promotes ungodliness or denies fundamental Christian truths. Here, it specifically points to those who denied the resurrection, leading to corrupting philosophies like "eat, drink, for tomorrow we die."

• ruins:

  • Greek: phtheirousin (φθείρουσιν).
  • From phtheirō (φθείρω), meaning "to corrupt, destroy, spoil, ruin, decay, make worthless." It indicates an active, destructive process that diminishes worth or purity.
  • Significance: It emphasizes the destructive power of bad influence. The effect is not neutral but actively damaging, like a corrosive agent breaking down something good. It suggests a gradual but inevitable deterioration.

• good morals."

  • Greek: ēthē chrēsta (ἤθη χρηστὰ).
  • Ēthē (ἤθη): Plural of ēthos (ἦθος), meaning "character, moral qualities, customs, habits." This term denotes the ingrained disposition or established practices of a person or group.
  • Chrēsta (χρηστὰ): Plural of chrēstos (χρηστός), meaning "good, benevolent, useful, excellent, gracious, kind." It describes morals that are upright, virtuous, and beneficial.
  • Significance: It refers to virtuous Christian character—behaviors, values, and ethical standards that reflect Christlikeness. The pairing ēthē chrēsta clearly conveys the positive and desirable nature of genuine Christian living. This entire phrase, "Bad company ruins good morals," is likely a proverb or line from a play (attributed to Menander) known to the Corinthians, making Paul's warning immediately relatable and impactful.

• Words-Group analysis:

  • "Do not be deceived": This is a direct, imperative warning. It signals that a fundamental truth is at stake and that many are susceptible to misunderstanding or denial. The passive voice implies being led astray, rather than actively choosing to deceive.
  • "Bad company ruins good morals": This is the core proverb, a succinct summary of a universal truth that applies deeply to spiritual matters. It establishes a cause-and-effect relationship where exposure to the wrong kind of people or teachings inevitably damages one's ethical and spiritual purity. The juxtaposition of "bad" and "good" amplifies the contrast.

1 Corinthians 15 33 Bonus section

This proverb, "Bad company ruins good morals," has historical roots beyond biblical usage. It is widely attributed to the Greek playwright Menander (c. 342-291 BC), often specifically from his lost comedy "Thais" (fragment 218). Its inclusion by Paul demonstrates his masterful ability to connect profound theological truths with common cultural wisdom understandable to his audience. This shows that Paul was culturally aware, using familiar phrases to lend weight to his spiritual message, even if the source was pagan. It illustrates that certain universal truths about human behavior and influence transcend specific cultures or belief systems, and Paul strategically employed such shared wisdom to bolster his Christian admonition. It underscores that the principle of avoiding corrupting influences is not exclusively Christian, but a wisdom principle affirmed by pagan society, thus strengthening Paul's argument regarding the real-world consequences of allowing theological error to corrupt Christian living.

1 Corinthians 15 33 Commentary

Paul’s urgent admonition in 1 Corinthians 15:33 serves as a foundational principle for Christian conduct and discernment. Faced with believers being led astray by false teaching that denied the resurrection, Paul quotes a common Hellenistic proverb to underscore a timeless truth: our associations profoundly shape our character. "Bad company"—whether close friends, influential acquaintances, or even persuasive ideas from those denying core truths—exerts a corrosive force that invariably degrades "good morals." This isn't just about avoiding overt sin, but about safeguarding the integrity of Christian character, which includes sound doctrine, hopeful living, and godly conduct. The influence is subtle, progressive, and dangerous precisely because people often underestimate their own susceptibility. It calls for active vigilance, intentional discernment in choosing one's circles, and firm adherence to the uncorrupted truth of the Gospel to maintain spiritual purity and moral uprightness. For instance, associating with those who constantly mock spiritual disciplines can lead to a decline in one's own prayer life; frequent exposure to gossip can normalize slander; or consistent engagement with those who view all truth as relative can erode conviction in absolute Christian doctrines.