1 Corinthians 10:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 10:24 encapsulates a foundational principle of Christian ethics, urging believers to prioritize the welfare and benefit of others over their own self-interest or personal advantage. This verse serves as a crucial guide for fostering community, exercising spiritual liberty responsibly, and reflecting the selfless love of Christ in all interactions, both within the church and in the broader world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Paul's extended discourse in [1 Corinthians 8-10](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8-10 - Christian Liberty and Idolatry") concerning Christian liberty, particularly regarding the eating of meat sacrificed to idols. Having established in [1 Corinthians 8](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Sacrificed to Idols") that idols are nothing, Paul nonetheless cautioned against exercising one's freedom in a way that would cause a "stumbling block" for a weaker brother or sister. In [1 Corinthians 9](/1_corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Example of Self-Denial"), he then presented himself as an example of self-denial for the sake of the gospel, foregoing his rights as an apostle to win more people to Christ. Chapter 10 continues this theme, using the history of Israel in the wilderness as a cautionary tale against idolatry and presumption, highlighting the dangers of spiritual complacency even for those who have experienced God's blessings. Verse 24, therefore, acts as a practical summary and application of these preceding arguments, shifting the focus from individual rights to communal responsibility and the pursuit of mutual edification, culminating in Paul's overarching principle to "do all to the glory of God" ([1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Do All to the Glory of God")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was situated in a bustling, cosmopolitan port city renowned for its wealth, diverse religious practices, and moral laxity. The issue of eating meat sacrificed to idols was a significant practical challenge. Much of the meat sold in the marketplace, or served at social gatherings (including those hosted by non-believers), would have been previously offered in pagan temples. For some believers, particularly those with a background in paganism, eating such meat might have been seen as participating in idolatry or compromising their faith. For others, who understood that idols were not real gods, it was a matter of indifference. Paul's instruction here navigates this complex social landscape, emphasizing that while the act itself might be permissible, the *impact* on others' consciences and witness was paramount. The culture also placed a high value on personal honor and rights, making Paul's call to selflessness particularly counter-cultural and challenging for the Corinthian believers.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 10:24](/1_corinthians/10-24 "1 Corinthians 10:24 - Seek Another's Good") contributes significantly to several major themes woven throughout Paul's letter to the Corinthians. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Christian Liberty and Responsibility**. While believers are indeed free in Christ, this freedom is not an excuse for selfish indulgence but a call to responsible action that considers the spiritual well-being of others, as also seen in [Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Cause a Stumbling Block"). Secondly, the verse highlights the critical theme of **Love and Edification within the Community**. Paul consistently argues that all actions within the church should be aimed at building up the body of Christ, not tearing it down through division or self-centeredness, a principle articulated clearly in [1 Corinthians 14:26](/1_corinthians/14-26 "1 Corinthians 14:26 - Everything for Edification"). Finally, it speaks to the theme of **Selflessness and Sacrificial Living**, echoing Paul's own example of foregoing his rights for the sake of the gospel ([1 Corinthians 9:19-23](/1_corinthians/9-19-23 "1 Corinthians 9:19-23 - Paul Becomes All Things to All People")) and foreshadowing the profound teaching on love in [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Love Chapter"), particularly [1 Corinthians 13:5](/1_corinthians/13-5 "1 Corinthians 13:5 - Love Seeks Not Its Own").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **seek (Greek, _zētéō'_):** This verb, G2212, means "to seek (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it implies an active pursuit, a deliberate effort, or a concentrated desire. Paul is not merely suggesting a passive awareness but a proactive orientation of one's will and actions towards a specific end. The negative command "Let no man seek his own" thus forbids the active pursuit of one's personal advantage as the primary motivation.
* **his own (Greek, _heautoû'_):** Derived from G1438, a reflexive pronoun meaning "himself, his own." This refers to one's personal interests, benefits, preferences, or rights. The phrase "his own" stands in direct contrast to "another's," emphasizing the shift from an inward, self-focused orientation to an outward, other-focused one. It highlights the natural human tendency towards self-preservation and personal gain that the gospel calls believers to transcend.
* **another's (Greek, _héteros'_):** This term, G2087, means "other or different." In this context, it refers to another person, specifically their welfare, advantage, or good. The KJV's supplied word "[wealth]" is an interpretation that limits the scope; the Greek "τὸ ἑτέρου" (to heterou) is broader, encompassing anything that pertains to the well-being or spiritual profit of another individual. Paul's directive is to seek the *good* of the other, not their possessions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let no man seek his own":** This is a direct, emphatic prohibition. The Greek structure uses a double negative (mēdeis zēteitō), making the command very strong: "Let no one at all seek his own interests." It challenges the innate human tendency towards self-centeredness and self-preservation, which often manifests as a pursuit of personal comfort, gain, or preference above all else. This clause serves as a clear counter-cultural statement in a society, like ancient Corinth, that often valued individual honor and rights.
* **"but every man another's [wealth]":** This clause presents the positive counterpart and the commanded alternative. The conjunction "but" (allá, G235) signifies a strong contrast. Instead of pursuing one's own interests, "every man" (hékastos, G1538) – meaning each and every individual believer – is called to actively seek the good, welfare, or advantage of "another" (héteros, G2087). As discussed in the Key Word Analysis, the KJV's supplied "[wealth]" narrows the meaning. The original Greek "τὸ ἑτέρου" (to heterou) is much broader, encompassing the overall well-being and spiritual profit of one's neighbor. This command reorients the Christian's focus from self to community, from individual gain to mutual edification.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Antithesis** is central, contrasting "his own" with "another's," creating a sharp dichotomy between self-interest and other-centeredness. This direct opposition highlights the radical nature of the Christian ethic Paul is advocating. The use of **imperative mood** ("Let no man seek," "but every man [seek]") functions as a direct command, underscoring the non-negotiable nature of this principle for Christian conduct. Furthermore, there is an element of **synecdoche** in the KJV's translation of "[wealth]," where a part (material possessions) is used to represent the whole (the overall well-being or advantage of another). While the original Greek is broader, the KJV's choice emphasizes a tangible aspect of "another's" good. Finally, the verse functions as a **maxim** or **aphorism**, a concise statement of a general truth or rule of conduct, making it memorable and easily applicable as a guiding principle for believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 10:24 distills a profound theological truth about the nature of Christian love and community. It asserts that genuine spiritual maturity is marked not by the assertion of individual rights or the pursuit of personal gratification, but by a selfless orientation towards the well-being of others. This principle flows directly from the very character of God, who in Christ demonstrated ultimate self-giving love. It transforms the concept of "freedom" from a license for self-indulgence into an opportunity for service, recognizing that our actions always have an impact on the body of Christ and the world around us. By seeking another's good, believers participate in the divine work of building up the church and bearing witness to the transformative power of the gospel.

* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Look to the Interests of Others")
* [Romans 15:1-3](/romans/15-1-3 "Romans 15:1-3 - Please Your Neighbor for His Good")
* [Galatians 5:13](/galatians/5-13 "Galatians 5:13 - Serve One Another Through Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The call in 1 Corinthians 10:24 to "seek another's wealth" (or, more accurately, another's good) is a radical challenge to our natural human inclination towards self-preservation and personal gain. In a world that often celebrates individualism and encourages the pursuit of one's own desires, this verse redirects our gaze outward, compelling us to consider the impact of our choices on those around us. This applies not only to major life decisions but also to the myriad small interactions of daily life: how we use our time, spend our money, engage in conversations, or exercise our freedoms. True Christian living means consistently asking, "How will this benefit or build up my brother or sister? How can I use my liberty to serve, rather than merely please, myself?" It fosters a culture of empathy, humility, and sacrificial love within the Christian community, making it a powerful witness to a self-centered world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most tempted to prioritize my own desires over the good of others?**
* **How can I practically apply the principle of seeking another's good in my family, church, workplace, and social circles this week?**
* **What specific "freedoms" might I need to willingly limit or adjust for the sake of a weaker brother or sister in Christ, or for the sake of the gospel witness?**

### FAQ
**Does "wealth" in this verse refer only to financial gain?**

Answer: No, the KJV translation of "wealth" (which is italicized to indicate it was supplied by the translators) can be misleading here. The original Greek phrase "τὸ ἑτέρου" (to heterou) literally means "that which belongs to another" or "the other's." In context, and supported by Paul's broader teaching, it refers to the **benefit, welfare, good, or advantage** of another person, not specifically their material possessions. Paul's emphasis is on seeking the overall well-being and spiritual profit of others, not their financial enrichment. This is consistent with the call to love and edification found throughout [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians") and other Pauline epistles, such as [Philippians 2:4](/philippians/2-4 "Philippians 2:4 - Look to the Interests of Others"), which similarly urges believers to "look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 10:24 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the supreme example of one who did not "seek his own," but entirely sought "another's wealth" – the eternal good and salvation of humanity. Though existing in the very form of God, Christ "did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage" ([Philippians 2:6](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6 - Christ's Humility")), but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant. His entire earthly ministry, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, was a relentless pursuit of our welfare, our reconciliation with God, and our eternal life. He laid down His life for His friends ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")), bearing our sins in His own body on the tree ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")). Therefore, when Paul commands believers to seek another's good, he is not merely giving a moral precept, but calling us to imitate the very heart of our Savior. Our selfless acts of love and service to others are not just good deeds; they are reflections of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and a participation in His ongoing redemptive work in the world, demonstrating the transforming power of His love to a watching world ([John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - A New Commandment: Love One Another")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.