1 Corinthians 6:12
What does 1 Corinthians 6:12 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 6:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 6:12 means
Paul quotes a Corinthian slogan—“All things are lawful for me”—and counters it twice. Freedom in Christ is real, but not everything is beneficial, and nothing should master the believer. Christian liberty is measured by love and holiness, not by self-indulgence. The test is twofold: Does this help me and others toward godliness? Does this enslave me? Paul warns that desires can become tyrants if unchecked. True freedom submits to Christ’s lordship, choosing what builds up rather than what merely pleases. In a culture that prized autonomy, Paul re-centers ethics on edification and self-control under grace.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000All things are lawful for me; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful for me; but I will not be brought under the power of any.
KJV
King James Version · 1611All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901All things are lawful for me; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful for me; but I will not be brought under the power of any.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I am free to do all things; but not all things are wise. I am free to do all things; but I will not let myself come under the power of any.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862All things are lawful to me, but all things are not profitable; all things are lawful to me, but I--I will not be under authority by any;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752All things are lawful to me: but all things are not expedient. All things are lawful to me: but I will not be brought under the power of any.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890All things are lawful to me, but all things do not profit; all things are lawful to me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
Context
With identity clarified (v. 11), Paul turns to misused slogans about freedom that likely justified sexual indulgence. Verse 12 sets principles that govern the rest of the discussion: expedience over mere permission, and mastery by Christ rather than by appetites. Verse 13 will apply these principles by distinguishing food from sexual conduct, showing that the body has a God-given purpose incompatible with fornication.
v.11And such were some of you: but ye were washed, but ye were sanctified, but ye were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.
v.12This passage
v.13Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall bring to nought both it and them. But the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 12:15
looking carefully lestthere beany man that falleth short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby the many be defiled;
- 1 Corinthians 8:7
Howbeit there is not in all men that knowledge: but some, being used until now to the idol, eat as of a thing sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
- 1 Corinthians 9:12
If others partake of this right over you, do not we yet more? Nevertheless we did not use this right; but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.
- Romans 7:14
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
- Jude 1:12
These are they who are hidden rocks in your love-feasts when they feast with you, shepherds that without fear feed themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
- Romans 14:14
I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself: save that to him who accounteth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
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