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.

All things {G3956} are lawful {G1832} for me {G3427}, but {G235} all things {G3956} are {G4851} not {G3756} expedient {G4851}: all things {G3956} are lawful {G1832} for me {G3427}, but {G235} all things {G3956} edify {G3618} not {G3756}.

“Everything is permitted,” you say? Maybe, but not everything is helpful. “Everything is permitted?” Maybe, but not everything is edifying.

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

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

Commentary

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 10:23, addresses the nuanced concept of Christian liberty, particularly concerning practices that might be permissible but not necessarily beneficial or constructive for the community. This verse serves as a crucial guiding principle for believers navigating ethical decisions in their daily lives.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's broader discussion in 1 Corinthians regarding issues of Christian freedom, especially in relation to eating meat sacrificed to idols (chapters 8-10). The Corinthian church struggled with divisions and ethical dilemmas, often asserting their "rights" or knowledge without considering the impact on others. The phrase "All things are lawful for me" likely reflects a slogan or principle some Corinthians adopted, perhaps based on an incomplete understanding of their freedom in Christ. Paul previously quoted and qualified this statement in 1 Corinthians 6:12, where he added, "but I will not be brought under the power of any." Here, in chapter 10, the focus shifts from personal enslavement to the impact on the community and the conscience of others.

Key Themes

  • Christian Liberty vs. Responsibility: While believers are indeed free from the Mosaic Law's regulations and certain human traditions, this freedom is not absolute license. Paul emphasizes that liberty must be exercised with responsibility towards God and fellow believers.
  • Expediency (Profitability): The KJV word "expedient" translates the Greek sympherō (συμφέρω), meaning "profitable," "advantageous," or "beneficial." Paul challenges believers to consider whether their actions, though permissible, truly serve a good purpose or bring about positive results for themselves or others. Not all "lawful" actions are "profitable" for spiritual growth or the good of the church.
  • Edification (Building Up): The term "edify" comes from the Greek oikodomē (οἰκοδομή), which literally means "building" or "construction." In a spiritual sense, it refers to the act of strengthening, encouraging, and promoting the spiritual growth of others. Paul's core message is that Christian actions should aim to build up the body of Christ, not tear it down or cause stumbling. This principle is central to his teaching on love and unity, as seen in 1 Corinthians 13.

Linguistic Insights

The repeated phrase "All things are lawful for me" uses the Greek word exestin (ἔξεστιν), which denotes what is permissible or legitimate. Paul does not deny the truth of this statement concerning Christian freedom from legalistic burdens. However, he immediately introduces two crucial qualifiers: sympherō (συμφέρω - expedient/profitable) and oikodomē (οἰκοδομή - edify/build up). These two terms shift the focus from mere legality to the practical and relational consequences of one's actions, highlighting that true Christian freedom is exercised in love and consideration for others.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 10:23 calls for discernment and a selfless attitude. When making decisions, Christians should ask:

  • Is this action truly beneficial for my spiritual life and walk with God?
  • Does this action build up, encourage, or strengthen other believers, especially those with weaker consciences (as discussed in Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8)?
  • Does it promote the unity and health of the church, or could it cause division or offense?
This verse encourages Christians to prioritize the common good and the spiritual welfare of others over personal rights or preferences, embodying the principle of love that seeks the good of the neighbor (1 Corinthians 10:24).

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 6:12 (32 votes)

    ¶ All 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.

  • 1 Corinthians 8:9 (25 votes)

    But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

  • Ephesians 4:29 (19 votes)

    Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

  • Romans 14:19 (14 votes)

    Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

  • Romans 14:20 (14 votes)

    For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (9 votes)

    ¶ Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

  • Romans 15:1 (9 votes)

    ¶ We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.