1 Corinthians 10:24

Let no man seek his own, but every man another's [wealth].

Let {G2212} no man {G3367} seek {G2212} his own {G1438}, but {G235} every man {G1538} another's {G2087} wealth.

No one should be looking out for his own interests, but for those of his fellow.

No one should seek his own good, but the good of others.

Let no man seek his own, but each his neighbor’s good.

1 Corinthians 10:24 (KJV) provides a foundational principle for Christian conduct, emphasizing selfless concern for others over individual gain or preference. It serves as a guiding light for interactions within the community of faith and beyond.

Context of 1 Corinthians 10:24

This verse is situated within a larger discussion in 1 Corinthians chapter 10 where the Apostle Paul addresses issues of Christian liberty, particularly concerning the eating of meat sacrificed to idols. He warns the Corinthian believers against spiritual complacency and idolatry, drawing lessons from Israel's history. Leading up to verse 24, Paul has been discussing the importance of not causing a "stumbling block" to others (1 Corinthians 10:32) and acting in a way that builds up the body of Christ rather than pleasing oneself. The immediate context relates to dining customs and the conscience of others, especially those who might be weaker in faith, as also explored in 1 Corinthians 8.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Selflessness vs. Selfishness: The core message is a direct call to prioritize the well-being and benefit of others. It challenges the natural human inclination towards self-interest, urging believers to adopt a Christ-like attitude of humility and service.
  • Consideration for Others: This verse underscores the importance of empathy and foresight in our actions. True Christian liberty is not about doing whatever one pleases, but about exercising freedom responsibly in light of its impact on others. This principle is central to Paul's teaching on the conscience in Romans 14.
  • Building Up the Community: When individuals seek the good of others, the entire community benefits. This fosters unity, mutual respect, and spiritual growth within the church, reflecting the very nature of divine love (1 Corinthians 13:5).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translates the latter part of the verse as "but every man another's [wealth]." The word "[wealth]" is supplied by the translators for clarity, as indicated by the italics. In the original Greek, the phrase is "τὸ ἑτέρου" (*to heterou*), which literally means "the other's" or "that which belongs to another." This broad term implies not just material possessions or wealth, but rather the benefit, welfare, good, or advantage of another person. Paul's emphasis is not on acquiring another's possessions, but on seeking their well-being and spiritual profit. This aligns closely with Philippians 2:4, which similarly exhorts believers to "look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."

Practical Application

The principle of 1 Corinthians 10:24 has profound implications for daily Christian living:

  • In Personal Decisions: Before acting, believers are called to consider how their choices might affect others, particularly those with weaker consciences or different convictions. This applies to lifestyle choices, entertainment, and social interactions.
  • In Church Life: It encourages selfless service, prioritizing the spiritual growth and unity of the congregation over personal preferences in worship, ministry, and fellowship.
  • In the Marketplace: This verse challenges believers to conduct business ethically, ensuring fair practices and considering the welfare of employees, customers, and the wider community, not just personal profit.
  • In Relationships: It promotes a spirit of giving and serving in marriages, friendships, and families, fostering environments of mutual support and love, echoing the command to "by love serve one another" (Galatians 5:13).

Ultimately, 1 Corinthians 10:24 calls believers to live out the Golden Rule, demonstrating agape love—a selfless, sacrificial love that consistently seeks the highest good of others, reflecting the character of Christ Himself.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 15:1

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

  • Romans 15:2

    Let every one of us please [his] neighbour for [his] good to edification.

  • Philippians 2:4

    Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

  • Philippians 2:5

    Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

  • 1 Corinthians 10:33

    Even as I please all [men] in all [things], not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they may be saved.

  • Philippians 2:21

    For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:19

    ¶ For though I be free from all [men], yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

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