Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 10:24

What does 1 Corinthians 10:24 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 10:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 10:24 means

“Let no man seek his own, but each his neighbor’s good.” This is the heartbeat of Christian ethics. Freedom finds its truest expression in serving others. Paul calls believers to shift from self-centered calculations to love-shaped discernment. In gray areas, the question becomes: How can I benefit my neighbor’s conscience, faith, and well-being? This does not mean enabling sin, but willingly sacrificing preferences to protect and edify others. In Corinth, saying no to certain meals for the sake of a weaker brother or an observing unbeliever displayed the gospel’s power to create a new community ordered by love rather than personal rights or social advantage.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Let no man seek his own, but each his neighbor’s good.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Let no man seek his own, but each his neighbor’s good.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Let a man give attention not only to what is good for himself, but equally to his neighbour's good.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

let no one seek his own--but each another's.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Let no man seek his own, but that which is another's.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Let no one seek his own [advantage], but that of the other.

Context

This concise command flows from the edification principle in verse 23 and prepares for the practical examples about eating meat. Paul will now show how to seek a neighbor’s good in two contexts: buying meat in the marketplace (vv.25–26) and accepting a meal at an unbeliever’s home (vv.27–30), with the added consideration of someone flagging the food as sacrificial. The overarching motive remains consistent: love that builds up.

v.23All things are lawful; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful; but not all things edify.

v.24This passage

v.25Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, eat, asking no question for conscience’ sake;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 15:1

    Now we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

  • Philippians 2:4

    not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.

  • Philippians 2:21

    For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:14

    Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be a burden to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:5

    doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil;

  • 1 Corinthians 9:19

    For though I was free from all men, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more.

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