Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 15:33

What does 1 Corinthians 15:33 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 15:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 15:33 means

Paul warns, “Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals.” Wrong beliefs spread through bad influences, shaping behavior. Ideas have companions; fellowship with scoffers erodes holiness. The Corinthians’ denial of resurrection likely grew in such soil. Paul calls them to guard their company and their minds. Truth protects conduct, and conduct reflects convictions. This proverb-like warning functions as an antidote to the prior verse’s hedonistic temptation. Right doctrine about the future leads to present purity; false doctrine leads to moral decay. Do not underestimate the power of association—belief and behavior do not live in separate rooms.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Do not be tricked by false words: evil company does damage to good behaviour.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Be not led astray; evil communications corrupt good manners;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Be not seduced: Evil communications corrupt good manners.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Context

Having shown that denial of resurrection leads to hedonism (v. 32), Paul warns about the corrupting effect of bad company (v. 33). The next verse (v. 34) summons the church to sobriety and righteousness, noting that some lack knowledge of God. These exhortations serve as a hinge between the practical appeals (vv. 29–34) and the doctrinal explanation of how resurrection occurs (vv. 35–49). The context stresses that orthodoxy and holiness are linked.

v.32If after the manner of men I fought with beasts at Ephesus, what doth it profit me? If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die.

v.33This passage

v.34Awake to soberness righteously, and sin not; for some have no knowledge of God: I speak this to move you to shame.

Cross references

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

  • Revelation 13:8

    And all that dwell on the earth shall worship him, every one whose name hath not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb that hath been slain.

  • 2 Peter 2:18

    For, uttering great swelling words of vanity, they entice in the lusts of the flesh, by lasciviousness, those who are just escaping from them that live in error;

  • Matthew 24:11

    And many false prophets shall arise, and shall lead many astray.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:10

    and with all deceit of unrighteousness for them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

  • Matthew 24:24

    For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

  • 1 Corinthians 5:6

    Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Corinthians 15

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Corinthians 15.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to 1 Corinthians 15:33.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary