1 Corinthians 10:23

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1 Corinthians 10:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying.

King James Version KJV

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English BBE

We 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.

Free Bible Version FBV

Some say, “I'm free to do anything”—but not everything is appropriate! “I'm free to do anything”—but not everything is constructive!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

All things are lawfull for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawfull for me, but all things edifie not.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

All things to me are lawful, but all things are not profitable; all things to me are lawful, but all things do not build up;

World English Bible WEB

“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are profitable. “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things build up.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

All things are lawful for me, but all things do not edify.

Translation for Translators T4T

Some people say, “God permits believers to do anything.” But I say that not everything that people do benefits those who do it! Yes, some people say, “God permits believers to do all things.” But not everything that people do helps them to become spiritually mature.

Plain English Version PEV

Some of you might say this, “We are free from that Jewish law. We can do anything we like. We can eat that food that they give to those statues, and it will not hurt us.” All right, but I’m telling you, “No. Not everything is good for us Christians to do.” And you might reckon, “We are free, so we can do anything.” But I’m telling you, “No. Not everything helps us be better Christians.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 10:23

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Corinthians 10:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK παντα μοι εξεστιν αλλ ου παντα συμφερει παντα μοι εξεστιν αλλ ου παντα οικοδομει

παντα pas G3956 all Adj-NPN

μοι egō G1473 I/we Pron-1DS

εξεστιν exesti, exon G1832 be permitted Verb-PAI-3S

αλλ alla G235 but Conj

ου ou G3756 no Particle-N

παντα pas G3956 all Adj-NPN

συμφερει sumpherō G4851 be profitable Verb-PAI-3S

παντα pas G3956 all Adj-NPN

μοι egō G1473 I/we Pron-1DS

εξεστιν exesti, exon G1832 be permitted Verb-PAI-3S

αλλ alla G235 but Conj

ου ou G3756 no Particle-N

παντα pas G3956 all Adj-NPN

οικοδομει oikodomeō G3618 to build Verb-PAI-3S

Greek Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 10:23

παντα pas G3956 "all" Adj-NPN

This word means all or every, as in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 7:8, where it refers to everything or all people, emphasizing the universal nature of God's message.

Definition: πᾶς, πᾶσα, πᾶν, genitive, παντός, πάσης, παντός, [in LXX chiefly for כֹּל ;] all, every. __I. As adj., __1. with subst. anarth., all, every, of every kind: Mat.3:10 4:23, Mrk.9:49, Luk.4:37, Jhn.2:1o, Act.27:20, Rom.7:8, Rev.18:17, al. mult.; pl., all, Act.22:15, Rom.5:12, Heb.1:6, al.; of the highest degree, π. ἐξουσία (προθυμία, χαρά), Mat.28:18, Act.17:11, Phi 2:29, al.; also the whole (though in this sense more frequently with art.), Mat.2:3, Act.2:36, Rom.11:26. __2. C. art. (before the art., after the noun, or, denoting totality, between the art. and noun), all, whole: Mat.8:32 13:2, Mrk.5:33, Luk.1:10, Act.7:14, Rom.3:19, Gal.5:14, Eph.4:16, al.; pl., Mat.2:4, Mrk.4:13, Rom.1:5, al. __II. As pron., __1. masc. and fem., every one: Mrk.9:49, Luk.16:16, Heb.2:9; before rel. pron., Mat.7:24, Act.2:21, Gal.3:10, al.; with ptcp. (anarth.), Mat.13:19, Luk.11:4; with ptcp. (with art.), Mat.5:22, Mrk.7:8, Luk.6:47, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:16, al.; pl., πάντες, absol., all, all men, Mat.10:22, Mrk.13:13, Luk.20:38, Jhn.1:7 3:26, 1Co.8:1, al.; οἱ π. (collectively, as a definite whole), Rom.11:32, 1Co.1:17, Eph.4:13, al.; π. οἱ (ὅσοι), Mat.4:24, Mrk.1:32, Luk.4:40, al. __2. Neut., __(a) sing., πᾶν, everything, all: πᾶν τό, with ptcp., 1Co.10:25, 27, Eph.5:13, 1Jn.2:16 5:4 (sc. ὄν); πᾶν ὅ, Jhn.17:2, Rom.14:23; collectively, of persons (Westc., in l.), Jhn.6:37, 39; with prep., in adverbial phrases, διὰ παντός, always, Mat.18:10, al.; ἐν παντί, in everything, in every way, 2Co.4:8, Phi 4:6, al.; __(b) pl., πάτνα, all things: absol., Jhn.1:3, 1Co.2:10, Heb.2:8, al.; of certain specified things, Mrk.4:34, Luk.1:3, Rom.8:28, 1Th.5:21, al.; accusative, πάντα, adverbially, wholly, in all things, in all respects, Act.20:35, 1Co.9:25, al.; with art., τὰ π., all things (a totality, as distinct from anarth. πάντα, all things severally; cf. Westc, Eph., 186f.), absol.: Rom.11:36, 1Co.8:6, Eph.3:9, Heb.1:3, al.; relatively, Mrk.4:11, Act.17:25, Rom.8:32, al.; πάντα, with ptcp., Mat.18:31, al.; πάντα ταῦτα (ταῦτα π.), Mat.6:32, 33, al.; πάντα, with prep, in adverbial phrases, πρὸ πάντων, above all things, Jas.5:12, 1Pe.4:8; ἐν π́, in all things, in all ways, 1Ti.3:11, 1Pe.4:11, al.; κατὰ πάντα, in all respects, Act.17:22, al. __3. C. neg., πᾶς οὐ (μή) = οὐδείς, see: οὐ and μή, and cf. M, Pr., 245f. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1080 NT verses. KJV: all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Peter 1:15.

μοι egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1DS

This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.

Definition: ἐγώ, genitive, etc., ἐμοῦ, ἐμοί, ἐμέ (enclitic μου, μοι, με), pl. ἡμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς, of person(s) pron. I. __(a) The nom. is usually emphatic, when expressed as subjc, as in Mat.3:11, Mrk.1:8, Luk.3:16, al. But often there is no apparent emphasis, as Mat.10:16, Jhn.10:17; ἰδοὺ ἐ. (= Heb. הִנֵּנִי, cf. 1Ki.3:8), Act.9:10; ἐ. (like Heb. אֲנִי), I am, Jhn.1:23 (LXX), Act.7:32 (LXX). __(b) The enclitic forms (see supr.) are used with nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, where there is no emphasis: ἐν τ. πατρί μου, Jhn.14:20; μου τ. λόγους, Mat.7:24; ὀπίσω μου, Mat.3:11; ἰσχυρότερός μου, ib.; λέγει μοι, Rev.5:5; also with the prep. πρός, as Mrk.9:19, al. The full forms (ἐμοῦ, etc.) are used with the other prepositions, as δι᾽ ἐμοῦ, ἐν ἐμοί, εἰς ἐμέ, etc., also for emphasis, as Luk.10:16, Jhn.7:23, Mrk.14:7, al. __(with) The genitive μου and ἡμῶν are often used for the poss. pronouns ἐμός, ἡμέτερος: τ. λαόν μου, Mat.2:6; μου τῂ ἀπιστιᾳ, Mrk.9:24. __(d) τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί ( = Heb. מַה־לִי וָלָךְ, Jdg.11:12, al.), i.e. what have we in common: Mat.8:29, Mrk.1:24, 5:7, Luk.8:28, Jhn.2:4; τί γάρ μοι, 1Co.5:2. __(e) The interchange of ἐγώ and ἡμεῖς, common in π., appears in Pauline Epp. (see M, Pr., 86f., M, Th., 131f.). __(f) κἀγώ (= καὶ ἐγώ), and I, even I, I also: Mat.2:8, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:56, Rom.3:7, 1Co.7:40, al.; κἀγώ . . . καί, both . . . and, Jhn.7:28. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.

εξεστιν exesti, exon G1832 "be permitted" Verb-PAI-3S

To be permitted or lawful, as in Mark 2:24 and Acts 8:37, where certain actions are allowed. It can also mean to be right or just, as in Matthew 12:2 and 1 Corinthians 10:23.

Definition: ἔξ-εστι (εἰμί), impers. verb., it is permitted, lawful: Mrk.2:24, Act.8:37 (R, mg.), 1Co.10:23; with inf., Mat.12:2, 10 12 14:4 15:26 19:3 22:17 27:6, Mrk.3:4 12:14, Luk.6:2, 9 14:3, Jhn.5:10; before accusative, Mrk.2:26, Luk.6:4 20:22; with dative of person(s) and inf., Mat.20:15, Mrk.6:18 10:2, Jhn.18:31, Act.16:21 21:37 22:25 (inf. understood), 1Co.6:12; ἐξόν (sc. ἐστί), Act.2:29, 2Co.12:4; ἐξὸν ἦν, Mat.12:4.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 29 NT verses. KJV: be lawful, let, X may(-est) See also: 1 Corinthians 6:12; Mark 2:24; Matthew 27:6.

αλλ alla G235 "but" Conj

But is a strong opposing word, used in Matthew 5:15 and John 7:16. It shows contrast or surprise, like in the phrase 'but God' in Romans 3:31.

Definition: ἀλλά (ἀλλ᾽ usually bef. α and υ, often bef. ε and η, rarely bef. ο and ω, never bef. ι; Tdf., Pr., 93 f.; WH, App., 146), adversative particle, stronger than δέ; prop. neuter pl. of ἄλλος, used adverbially, with changed accent; hence prop. otherwise, on the other hand (cf. Rom.3:31); __1. opposing a previous negation, but: οὐ (μὴ) . . . ἀ., Mat.5:15, 17 Mrk.5:39, Jhn.7:16, al.; rhetorically subordinating but not entirely negativing what precedes, οὐ . . . ἀ., not so much . . . as, Mrk.9:37, Mat.10:20, Jhn.12:44, al.; with ellipse of the negation, Mat.11:7-9, Act.19:2, 1Co.3:6 6:11 7:7, 2Co.7:1, Gal.2:3, al.; in opposition to a foregoing pos. sentence, ἀ. οὐ, Mat.24:6, 1Co.10:23; οὐ μόνον . . . ἀ. καί, Jhn.5:18, Rom.1:32, al.; elliptically, after a negation, ἀ. ἵνα, Mrk.14:49, Jhn.1:8 9:3, al.; = εἰ μή (Bl., §77, 13; M, Pr., 241; but cf. WM, §iii, 10), Mat.20:23, Mrk.4:22. __2. Without previous negation, to express opposition, interruption, transition, etc., but: Jhn.16:20 12:27, Gal.2:14; before commands or requests, Act.10:20 26:16, Mat.9:18, Mrk.9:22, al.; to introduce an accessory idea, 2Co.7:11; in the apodosis after a condition or concession with εἰ, ἐάν, εἴπερ, yet, still, at least, Mrk.14:29, 1Co.9:2, 2Co.4:16, Col.2:5, al.; after μέν, Act.4:17, Rom.14:20, 1Co.14:17; giving emphasis to the following clause, ἀλλ᾽ ἔρχεται ὥρα, yea, etc., Jhn.16:2; so with neg., ἀλλ᾽ οὐδέ, nay, nor yet, Luk.23:15. __3. Joined with other particles (a practice which increases in late writers; Simcox, LNT, 166), ἀ. γε, yet at least, Luk.24:21, 1Co.9:2; ἄ ἤ., save only, except, Luk.12:51, 2Co.1:13; ἀ. μὲν οὖν, Php.3:8 (on this usage, see MM, VGT, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 Peter 1:15.

ου ou G3756 "no" Particle-N

This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.

Definition: οὐ, before a vowel with smooth breathing οὐκ, before one with rough breathing οὐχ (but improperly οὐχ ἰδού, Act.2:7, WH, mg.; cf. WH, Intr., §409; M, Pr., 44, 244), [in LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,לֹא ;] neg. particle, not, no, used generally with indic, and for a denial of fact (cf . μή); __1. absol. (accented), οὔ, no: Mat.13:29 Jhn.1:21 21:5; οὒ οὕ, Mat.5:37 Jas.5:12. __2. Most frequently negativing a verb or other word, Mat.1:25 10:26, 38, Mrk.3:25 9:37, Jhn.8:29, Act.7:5, Rom.1:16, Php.3:3, al.; in litotes, οὐκ ὀλίγοι (i.e. very many), Act.17:4, al.; οὐκ ἄσημος, Act.21:39; πᾶς . . . οὐ, with verb, (like Heb. כֹּל . . . לֹא), no, none, Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:37, Eph.5:5, al.; in disjunctive statements, οὐκ . . . ἀλλά, Luk.8:52 Jhn.1:33 Rom.8:2o, al.; with 2 of person(s) fut. (like Heb. לֹא, with impf.), as emphatic prohibition, Mat.4:7, Luk.4:12, Rom.7:7, al. __3. With another negative, __(a) strengthening the negation: Mrk.5:37, Jhn.8:15 12:19, Act.8:39, al.; __(b) making an affirmative: Act.4:20, 1Co.12:15. __4. With other particles: οὐ μή (see: μή); οὐ μηκέτι, Mat.21:19; with μή interrog., Rom.10:18, 1Co.9:4, 5 11:22. __5. Interrogative, expecting an affirmative answer (Lat. nonne): Mat.6:26, Mrk.4:21, Luk.11:40, Jhn.4:35, Rom.9:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1410 NT verses. KJV: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:32; 1 Peter 1:8.

παντα pas G3956 "all" Adj-NPN

This word means all or every, as in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 7:8, where it refers to everything or all people, emphasizing the universal nature of God's message.

συμφερει sumpherō G4851 "be profitable" Verb-PAI-3S

To be profitable or beneficial, like something that brings advantage or contributes to the greater good, as in 1 Corinthians 6:12.

Definition: συμ-φέρω [in LXX: Jer.33:14 (טוֹב), Pro.19:10 (נָאוֶה), Sir.30:19, al. ;] __1. trans. to bring together: with accusative of thing(s), Act.19:19. __2. Intrans., and mostly impers., συμφέρει, it is expedient, profitable or an advantage: 1Co.6:12 10:23, 2Co.8:10; with inf. (M, Pr., 210), Mat.19:10, Jhn.18:14; with dative, before ἵνα (Bl., § 69, 5), Mat.5:29-30 18:6, Jhn.11:50 16:7. Ptcp., ςυμφέρων, profitable: 1Co.12:7; pl., Act.20:20; (οὐ σ. sc. ἐστιν; = οὐ συμφέρει; cf. Thuc., iii, 44, 2), 2Co.12:1; as subst., τὸ σ., profit, Heb.12:10.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 17 NT verses. KJV: be better for, bring together, be expedient (for), be good, (be) profit(-able for) See also: 1 Corinthians 6:12; Acts 20:20; Hebrews 12:10.

παντα pas G3956 "all" Adj-NPN

This word means all or every, as in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 7:8, where it refers to everything or all people, emphasizing the universal nature of God's message.

μοι egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1DS

This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.

Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.

εξεστιν exesti, exon G1832 "be permitted" Verb-PAI-3S

To be permitted or lawful, as in Mark 2:24 and Acts 8:37, where certain actions are allowed. It can also mean to be right or just, as in Matthew 12:2 and 1 Corinthians 10:23.

Usage: Occurs in 29 NT verses. KJV: be lawful, let, X may(-est) See also: 1 Corinthians 6:12; Mark 2:24; Matthew 27:6.

αλλ alla G235 "but" Conj

But is a strong opposing word, used in Matthew 5:15 and John 7:16. It shows contrast or surprise, like in the phrase 'but God' in Romans 3:31.

ου ou G3756 "no" Particle-N

This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.

παντα pas G3956 "all" Adj-NPN

This word means all or every, as in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 7:8, where it refers to everything or all people, emphasizing the universal nature of God's message.

οικοδομει oikodomeō G3618 "to build" Verb-PAI-3S

To build or construct something, like a house, is the meaning of this word. In Luke 11:48 and 1 Peter 2:7, it refers to building or confirming something, whether physical or spiritual.

Definition: οἰκοδομέω, -ῶ (οἰκοδόμος), [in LXX chiefly for בָּנָה ;] to build a house, to build: absol., Luk.11:48 14:30 17:28; οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, the builders (as Psa.118:22, בָּנָה), Mat.21:42, Mrk.12:10, Luk.20:17, 1Pe.2:7" (LXX) ; ἐ π ̓ ἀλλότριον θεμέλιον οἰ., proverb., Rom.15:20; with accusative of thing(s), Gal.2:18; πύργον), Mat.21:33, Mrk.12:1, Luk.14:28; ἀποθήκας, Luk.12:18; ναόν, Mrk.14:58; pass., Jhn.2:20; οἰκία, Luk.6:48; with accusative of thing(s) before dative of person(s) (cf. Gen.8:20, Eze.16:24), Luk.7:5, Act.7:47, 49; accusative before ἐπί, Mat.7:24, 26 Luk.6:49; πόλιν ἐπ ̓ ὄρους, Luk.4:29; of rebuilding, or restoring, Mat.23:29 26:61 27:40, Mrk.15:29, Luk.11:47, Metaphorical, τ. ἐκκλησίαν, Mat.16:18; of the growth of Christian character (cf. בָּנָה, in Psa.28:5, Jer.24:6, al.), to build up (AV, edify): absol., Act.20:32, 1Co.8:1 10:23; with accusative of person(s), 1Co.14:4, 1Th.5:11; pass., Act.9:31, 1Co.14:17, 1Pe.2:5; of blameworthy action (AV, embolden), 1Co.8:10 (cf. ἀν-, ἐπ-, συν-οικοδομέω).† οἰκο-δόμος, -ου, ὁ (οἶκος + δέμω, to build), [in LXX for בָּנָה, etc. ;] a builder: Act.4:11.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 38 NT verses. KJV: (be in) build(-er, -ing, up), edify, embolden See also: 1 Corinthians 8:1; Luke 11:48; 1 Peter 2:5.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 10:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Corinthians 10:23 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 10:23
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 10:23
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:23
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:23
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:23
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:23
Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 10:23
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 10:23
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:23
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 10:23

Context — All to God’s Glory

21You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons too. 22Are we trying to provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?

23“Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying.

24No one should seek his own good, but the good of others. 25Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Corinthians 6:12	“Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything.
2	1 Corinthians 8:9	Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
3	Ephesians 4:29	Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.
4	Romans 14:19–20	So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to let his eating be a stumbling block.
5	1 Thessalonians 5:11	Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.
6	Romans 15:1–2	We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
7	Romans 14:15	If your brother is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother, for whom Christ died.
8	1 Corinthians 14:17	You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other one is not edified.
9	1 Corinthians 14:26	What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church.
10	1 Timothy 1:4	or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith.

1 Corinthians 10:23 Summary

[This verse reminds us that just because we can do something, it doesn't mean we should. As believers, we have the freedom to make choices, but we should always consider whether those choices will help or hurt others, and whether they will bring glory to God. As it says in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we should seek to honor God with our actions. By prioritizing what is beneficial and edifying, we can live in a way that reflects the love and character of Christ, as seen in John 13:35.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that 'everything is permissible' in 1 Corinthians 10:23?

The Apostle Paul is quoting a common saying of the time, emphasizing that as believers, we have freedom in Christ, but this freedom is not a license to sin or act selfishly, as seen in Romans 6:1-2 and Galatians 5:13.

How do we determine what is 'beneficial' and 'edifying'?

We must consider whether our actions will build up others and bring glory to God, as stated in 1 Corinthians 10:31, and examine our motives and the potential consequences of our choices, as taught in Proverbs 24:3-4 and Ephesians 4:29.

Is this verse saying that some things are not allowed for Christians?

While the verse acknowledges that everything is permissible, it emphasizes that not everything is beneficial or edifying, implying that as believers, we should seek to live in a way that honors God and promotes the well-being of others, as seen in Philippians 2:3-4 and Colossians 3:17.

How does this verse relate to my personal relationships and daily decisions?

This verse encourages us to consider the impact of our choices on those around us and to prioritize actions that promote unity, love, and edification, as taught in John 13:35 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I may be prioritizing my own desires over the well-being of others, and how can I make changes to live more selflessly?
In what ways can I use my freedom in Christ to serve and bless others, rather than just seeking my own interests?
How can I discern whether a particular action or decision will be beneficial and edifying to those around me, and what role should prayer and Scripture play in this process?
What are some practical ways I can apply the principles of this verse to my relationships and daily choices, and how can I hold myself accountable to living in a way that honors God?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 10:23

All things are lawful for me,.... All sorts of food are lawful to be eaten, every creature of God is good, there is nothing common or unclean in itself, polluted or polluting; and so things offered

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 10:23

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:23

All things here must necessarily signify many things, or, at least, (as some think), all those things I have spoken of, to eat meat offered to idols, &c. But if we interpret it in the latter sense, it is not true without limitations; for the apostle had but now determined, that to eat meat offered to idols in the idol’ s temple, was to have communion with devils. I had rather therefore interpret all by many, as that universal particle must be interpreted in a great multitude of scriptures. So as the sense is: There are many things that are lawful which are not expedient; that is, considered in themselves, under due circumstances, they are lawful, but considered in such and such circumstances, are not so, because they are not for the profit or good, but the hurt and disadvantage, of others. Thus the apostle himself expounds it in the latter clause of the verse, where he saith, they edify not, that is, they tend not to promote the gospel, or the faith and holiness of particular Christians.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:23

23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Ver. 23. All things are not expedient] An liceat, an deceat, an expediat, Is it permitted, is it proper, is it expedient, are three most needful questions. (Bernard.) Things lawful in themselves may be unseemly for our state and calling; unbehoveful also to the benefit of others. Think unlawful for thee whatsoever implies either inexpediency or indecency.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:23

(23) All things are lawful for me.—The Apostle now proceeds to conclude, with some practical direction and advice, the question of the eating of meat offered to idols, from which immediate subject the strong expression of personal feeling in 1 Corinthians 8:13 had led him to branch off into the various aspects of collateral matters which have occupied him since, and to which the subject treated of in 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 of this chapter naturally lead back the thoughts of the writer. He repeats here the great principle of Christian liberty, “All things are lawful for me” (see 1 Corinthians 6:12), but insists, as before, that its application must be limited by a regard (1) to the effect which each action has upon ourselves, and (2) its influence on the Church at large. “Does this act tend to my own spiritual profit? Does it tend to build up others?” should be the practical rules of Christian life.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:23

Verse 23. All things are lawful for me] I may lawfully eat all kinds of food, but all are not expedient; ουπαντασυμφερει. It would not be becoming in me to eat of all, because I should by this offend and grieve many weak minds. See the notes on 1 Corinthians 6:12, &c.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 10:23

23–Ch. 1 Corinthians 11:1. Practical directions on the subject of Meats offered in Sacrifice23. All things are lawful for me] A repetition of the words in ch. 1 Corinthians 6:12, with a more emphatic enunciation of the doctrine that the great limiting principle of liberty is our neighbour’s edification. It is scarcely possible to help seeing in this repetition a confirmation of the view that the words were originally St Paul’s own, but had been used in a sense in which he did not intend them to be used.edify not] See note on ch. 1 Corinthians 8:1.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 10:23

All things are lawful for me - See the note at 1 Corinthians 6:12. This is a repetition of what he had said before; and it is here applied to the subject of eating the meat that had been offered to idols.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:23

23. All things—All natural gratifications are, in their proper kind and degree, lawful. See note on 1 Corinthians 6:12-13. But—This primitive all has its limitations.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 10:23

	Sermon	Description
	(Basics) 69. Proving God's Perfect Will(2) by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a spiritually profitable and edifying life. He references 1 Corinthians 6:12 and 10:23, where Paul states that while
	Freedom in Faith by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, James addresses the issue of whether Gentile believers should be required to follow the laws of Moses. He suggests four things for them to do, the first being to ab
	Church Life Revisited- 1 Corinthians 13 by Ron Bailey	This sermon focuses on Paul's criteria for what is useful in the church, emphasizing the importance of edification and building up the covenant community. Paul's key question throu
	Lawful Hobbies That Have an Idolatrous Place in Your Heart by Don Johnson	This sermon shares a personal story of how a lawful hobby turned into an idolatrous distraction, leading to a deep spiritual struggle and eventual repentance. It emphasizes the sub
	Conscience - Part 1 by Dai Patterson	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a strong conscience tempered with the love of God. He explains that a strong conscience is not dominating or overbea
	Corinthians: Christian Conduct by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of understanding our position as believers in Christ. He emphasizes that we are free from the bondage of the law and have been
	1 Peter 2:16 by John Gill	John Gill emphasizes the dual nature of freedom for converted Jews, highlighting their liberty in Christ as well as the responsibility that comes with it. While they are free from