1 Corinthians 10:33
What does 1 Corinthians 10:33 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 10:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 10:33 means
Paul concludes with his example: he seeks to “please all men in all things,” not by flattery, but by not “seeking mine own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved.” He gladly adjusts his nonessential practices to remove barriers to the gospel. His aim is the salvation and edification of others, not the assertion of his rights. This is the mature use of liberty: constrained by love, guided by God’s glory, and directed toward mission. The Corinthians are invited to adopt the same posture, prioritizing people’s eternal good over personal preference, and so displaying the self-giving heart of Christ in a world littered with rival allegiances.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Even as I give way to all men in all things, not looking for profit for myself, but for the good of others, that they may get salvation.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862as I also in all things do please all, not seeking my own profit, but that of many--that they may be saved.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752As I also in all things please all men, not seeking that which is profitable to myself but to many: that they may be saved.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Even as I also please all in all things; not seeking my own profit, but that of the many, that they may be saved.
Context
This final verse gathers the chapter’s themes into a lived pattern. After warning from Israel’s history, forbidding idolatrous participation, and giving principles for everyday eating, Paul points to his own ministry as a model. His self-denial serves others’ salvation and the church’s edification. The chapter thus ends with a call to imitate this Christlike flexibility and focus, maintaining pure communion with the Lord while navigating complex social situations for the good of many.
v.32Give no occasion of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God:
v.33This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 11:28
Besides those things that are without, there is that which presseth upon me daily, anxiety for all the churches.
- Romans 15:2
Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, unto edifying.
- 1 Corinthians 10:24
Let no man seek his own, but each his neighbor’s good.
- 2 Corinthians 12:19
Ye think all this time that we are excusing ourselves unto you. In the sight of God speak we in Christ. But all things, beloved, are for your edifying.
- 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.
- Galatians 1:10
For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? or am I striving to please men? if I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ.
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