1 Corinthians 10:23
What does 1 Corinthians 10:23 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 10:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 10:23 means
“All things are lawful; but not all things are expedient … not all things edify.” Paul concedes Christian freedom from ceremonial constraints but supplies two tests: usefulness and upbuilding. A thing may be permitted yet harmful, either to oneself or to others. Edification, not mere permission, governs wise choices. Liberty is not a license for self-indulgence but an opportunity to love. In Corinth, the question is not simply, “May I eat?” but, “Will this help me and others follow Christ?” This principle applies broadly beyond idol-meat. The mature believer asks whether an action advances holiness, unity, and mission, gladly restricting freedom when love and growth require it.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000All things are lawful; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful; but not all things edify.
KJV
King James Version · 1611All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901All things are lawful; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful; but not all things edify.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949We are free to do all things, but there are things which it is not wise to do. We are free to do all things, but not all things are for the common good.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862All things to me are lawful, but all things are not profitable; all things to me are lawful, but all things do not build up;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752All things are lawful for me: but all things do not edify.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890All things are lawful, but all are not profitable; all things are lawful, but all do not edify.
Context
Having forbidden participation in idolatrous rites, Paul turns to the everyday exercise of liberty. He repeats a Corinthian slogan but reframes it with pastoral criteria. This verse anchors the practical instructions that follow: seeking the neighbor’s good (v.24), freedom to buy from the market without scruples (vv.25–26), and how to behave in an unbeliever’s home (v.27), with a sensitivity clause if someone identifies the food as sacrificed (vv.28–30).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 14:26
What is it then, brethren? When ye come together, each one hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Wherefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as also ye do.
- 1 Corinthians 8:9
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to the weak.
- 1 Corinthians 8:1
Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth.
- Romans 14:19
So then let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another.
- Romans 15:1
Now we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
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