1 Corinthians 10:31

KJV

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whether {G1535} therefore {G3767} ye eat {G2068}, or {G1535} drink {G4095}, or {G1535} whatsoever {G5100} ye do {G4160}, do {G4160} all {G3956} to {G1519} the glory {G1391} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Well, whatever you do, whether it’s eating or drinking or anything else, do it all so as to bring glory to God.

Berean Standard Bible

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.

American Standard Version

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The apostle Paul's exhortation in 1 Corinthians 10:31 serves as a profound theological anchor, extending the scope of Christian devotion beyond overt religious acts to encompass every facet of daily existence. This verse challenges believers to live with an unwavering, intentional focus on honoring God in all actions, whether seemingly mundane or profoundly significant, thereby transforming ordinary life into an ongoing act of worship and testimony to His supreme worth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides a culminating principle for a significant portion of Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians, specifically chapters 8-10. In this section, Paul addresses the practical and ethical dilemmas faced by the Corinthian church, particularly concerning "meat offered to idols." He navigates the complexities of Christian liberty, the importance of a tender conscience towards weaker believers, and the dangers of compromising one's faith through participation in pagan practices. Paul's argument progresses from the principle of not causing a brother to stumble ([1 Corinthians 8:9](/1_corinthians/8-9 "1 Corinthians 8:9 - Christian Liberty and Conscience")), through his own example of self-sacrifice for the sake of the gospel ([1 Corinthians 9](/1_corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Example of Self-Denial")), and a warning against idolatry and presumption drawn from Israel's history ([1 Corinthians 10:1-13](/1_corinthians/10-1-13 "1 Corinthians 10:1-13 - Warnings from Israel's History")). He then returns to the issue of idol meat, advising against participation in pagan feasts while allowing for the purchase of meat in the market without inquiry ([1 Corinthians 10:25-27](/1_corinthians/10-25-27 "1 Corinthians 10:25-27 - Eating Meat Offered to Idols")). Verse 31 acts as the overarching, foundational motivation for all these specific instructions, encapsulating the ultimate purpose behind every decision and action: the glory of God. It sets the highest standard, transcending specific rules to provide a universal ethical compass.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth, diverse population, and numerous pagan temples dedicated to deities like Aphrodite, Apollo, and Poseidon. Sacrifices to these gods were common, and the meat from these sacrifices was often sold in the public markets or consumed in temple feasts. For early Christians, many of whom were converts from paganism, the question of eating such meat was fraught with theological and social implications. Some, possessing "knowledge" of God's sole sovereignty, felt free to eat any meat, recognizing idols as nothing ([1 Corinthians 8:4](/1_corinthians/8-4 "1 Corinthians 8:4 - Idols Are Nothing")). Others, with weaker consciences or recent backgrounds in idol worship, found such acts deeply troubling, fearing participation in idolatry. Paul's instruction addresses this tension, not by providing a rigid dietary law, but by establishing a higher principle that prioritizes God's honor and the spiritual well-being of the community over individual liberty. The cultural context of public dining, social gatherings, and the pervasive presence of pagan worship made this a highly relevant and challenging issue for the Corinthian believers, requiring a principle that could guide their daily interactions and choices.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme underscored by [1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Do All to the Glory of God") is the **comprehensive nature of Christian devotion**. It expands the concept of worship from formal religious acts to encompass every aspect of life, from the most basic human needs like eating and drinking to "whatsoever ye do." This establishes **holiness in daily life** as a core principle, elevating ordinary activities into avenues for expressing faith and devotion. The verse also highlights the **motivation for action** for believers: understanding that life's ultimate purpose is to glorify God provides a clear, unifying motive for making decisions, especially in ethically complex situations. It reinforces the idea that **all of life is sacred** and can be offered back to God, echoing the call in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices") to present one's entire life as a "living sacrifice." Furthermore, it implicitly touches on **Christian witness**, as living a life consistently aimed at God's glory naturally serves as a testimony to others, aligning with Paul's subsequent statement about seeking the profit of many, that they may be saved ([1 Corinthians 10:33](/1_corinthians/10-33 "1 Corinthians 10:33 - Seeking the Profit of Many")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From the base of δοκέω (dokeō), meaning "to seem, to think." _Dóxa_ signifies the inherent majesty, excellence, radiance, and reputation of God. To do something "to the glory of God" means to act in a way that reflects His character, demonstrates His power, or points others towards His supreme worth. It is about making God's excellence visible and acknowledged.
* **All (Greek, _pâs'_):** This word encompasses every form of declension and means "all, any, every, the whole." Its inclusion here emphasizes the absolute and comprehensive nature of the command. No area of life is exempt; the principle applies universally to thoughts, words, and deeds, leaving no room for compartmentalization of one's faith.
* **Do (Greek, _poiéō'_)::** This verb means "to make or do" in a very wide application, whether direct or indirect. It signifies action, performance, and execution. When combined with "all" and "to the glory of God," it transforms every human activity, from the most trivial to the most significant, into a potential act of worship and a means of honoring the divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink":** This opening phrase uses two fundamental human activities—eating and drinking—as representative examples. These are not merely physical acts but encompass the broader sphere of daily sustenance, social interaction, and personal choices. The use of "whether... or" indicates a comprehensive scope, implying that even in the most ordinary and seemingly mundane aspects of life, the believer's conduct is to be governed by a divine principle. The "therefore" links this instruction back to the preceding discussions on Christian liberty and the conscience, indicating that the principle being laid out is the ultimate guiding light for those specific issues.
* **"or whatsoever ye do":** This phrase broadens the scope exponentially from the specific examples of eating and drinking to include every conceivable action, thought, and word. It is an all-encompassing statement, leaving no area of life outside the purview of this divine command. It challenges believers to view their entire existence—their work, leisure, relationships, decisions, and even their internal motivations—as opportunities to honor God. This prevents a compartmentalized faith where spiritual life is confined to religious services or private devotion.
* **"do all to the glory of God":** This is the central imperative and the ultimate purpose of the entire verse. "Do all" reiterates the comprehensive nature of the command, while "to the glory of God" specifies the ultimate aim. To do something "to the glory of God" means to act in a way that makes God's inherent excellence, majesty, and worth visible and acknowledged. It implies living in a manner that reflects His character, demonstrates His power, and draws others to worship Him. This is not about self-glorification or human praise, but about magnifying God's name and revealing His truth through one's life.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to emphasize the profound and comprehensive nature of his command. The use of **Merism** is evident in the phrase "eat, or drink," which represents the totality of human activities and daily life by naming two common, often mundane, extremes. This is then expanded by the **Hyperbole** "or whatsoever ye do," which dramatically broadens the scope to include every possible action, leaving no aspect of life untouched by the divine imperative. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Imperative Mood**, issuing a direct command ("do all") that demands immediate and universal application. This directness underscores the non-negotiable nature of glorifying God in every action. The structure also presents a clear **Climax**, moving from specific examples (eating, drinking) to an all-encompassing statement ("whatsoever ye do"), culminating in the ultimate purpose ("do all to the glory of God").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The principle of doing all to the glory of God is a cornerstone of biblical theology, reflecting humanity's created purpose and the ultimate end of all things. It transcends mere ethical conduct, elevating every action into an act of worship and testimony. This command reveals that God's glory is not just an attribute but the very purpose for which the universe exists and for which humanity was created. When believers live according to this principle, they align themselves with God's sovereign design, participate in His redemptive plan, and bear witness to His supreme worth in a fallen world. It transforms the mundane into the sacred and provides a unifying motivation for every decision and endeavor, ensuring that the Christian life is not compartmentalized but is a holistic, integrated expression of devotion.

* [Isaiah 43:7](/isaiah/43-7 "Isaiah 43:7 - Created for God's Glory")
* [Colossians 3:17](/colossians/3-17 "Colossians 3:17 - Doing All in Jesus' Name")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 10:31 is a radical call to intentional, God-centered living that transforms every moment and every action into an opportunity for worship. It challenges us to move beyond a compartmentalized faith, where "spiritual" activities are separated from "secular" ones, and instead embrace a holistic understanding of discipleship. This means that whether we are at work, engaging in hobbies, spending time with family, or simply performing daily chores, our underlying motivation and the manner of our conduct should be aimed at reflecting God's character and honoring His name. It encourages us to pursue excellence, integrity, and love in all things, not for personal gain or human applause, but because our lives are a testimony to the God we serve. This principle frees us from the tyranny of external rules by providing an internal compass: "How can this activity, thought, or word bring glory to God?" It reminds us that even in our enjoyment of God's good gifts, our gratitude and stewardship should point back to the Giver.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your daily life do you find it most challenging to apply the principle of "doing all to the glory of God"?**
* **How might intentionally asking "How can this glorify God?" before an action change your approach to work, leisure, or relationships?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to integrate this verse more fully into your eating, drinking, and "whatsoever you do"?**
* **How does understanding God's glory as the ultimate purpose of life impact your personal aspirations and goals?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "do all to the glory of God" in practical terms?**

Answer: Practically, it means living in a way that makes God's excellence, character, and worth visible and acknowledged in every aspect of your life. This includes:
* **Motivation:** Your primary reason for doing anything is to honor God, not just for personal gain, recognition, or pleasure.
* **Excellence:** Striving to do your best in all tasks, whether significant or mundane, as an offering to God, recognizing that He deserves our highest effort ([Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23-24 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Working for the Lord")).
* **Integrity:** Acting with honesty, truthfulness, and ethical conduct in all dealings, reflecting God's righteousness ([Proverbs 11:3](/proverbs/11-3 "Proverbs 11:3 - Integrity Guides the Upright")).
* **Love:** Treating others with love, respect, and compassion, as this reflects God's nature and commands ([John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - A New Commandment")).
* **Stewardship:** Wisely managing your resources, time, talents, and body, recognizing they are gifts from God to be used for His purposes ([1 Peter 4:10](/1_peter/4-10 "1 Peter 4:10 - Good Stewards of God's Grace")).
* **Gratitude:** Approaching life with a thankful heart, acknowledging God as the source of all good things, even in eating and drinking ([1 Timothy 4:4-5](/1_timothy/4-4-5 "1 Timothy 4:4-5 - Everything Created by God is Good")).

**Does this verse mean I can't enjoy anything for my own pleasure?**

Answer: Not at all. The command to glorify God does not negate enjoyment; rather, it elevates and sanctifies it. When we enjoy God's good gifts—food, drink, relationships, creation, work—with a heart of gratitude and recognition of Him as the Giver, our enjoyment itself can become an act of worship that glorifies Him. The key is the *orientation* of the heart and the *ultimate purpose*. If our pleasure becomes an idol or leads us away from God, then it ceases to glorify Him. However, when our enjoyment deepens our appreciation for God's goodness and leads us to praise Him, it fulfills the command. The verse is not about denying pleasure but about redirecting its ultimate aim towards God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 10:31 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly glorified God in every single aspect of His earthly life, from His birth to His death and resurrection. Jesus declared, "I have glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do" ([John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father")). Every word He spoke, every miracle He performed, every suffering He endured, and even His mundane activities were perfectly aligned with the Father's will and aimed at revealing the Father's glory. His life was the quintessential demonstration of doing "all to the glory of God." As believers, we are called to imitate Christ ([Ephesians 5:1-2](/ephesians/5-1-2 "Ephesians 5:1-2 - Imitate God")), and it is through our union with Him by the Holy Spirit that we are empowered to live lives that genuinely glorify God. The Spirit enables us to walk in newness of life ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")), transforming our desires and empowering us to live not for ourselves but for Him who died and rose again ([2 Corinthians 5:15](/2_corinthians/5-15 "2 Corinthians 5:15 - Live for Christ")). Ultimately, our glorifying God in all things points back to Christ, who is the "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, Image of the Invisible God")) and through whom all things were created and for whom all things exist ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All Things Created Through and For Christ")). Our lives, lived for God's glory, become a testament to His redemptive power and a foretaste of the day when "every knee will bow... and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Christ's Exaltation")).

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

Colossians 3:17

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Colossians 3:23

And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

1 Peter 4:11

If any man speak, [let him speak] as the oracles of God; if any man minister, [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Deuteronomy 12:18

But thou must eat them before the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that [is] within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto.

Deuteronomy 12:7

And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.

Deuteronomy 12:12

And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that [is] within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you.

Zechariah 7:5

Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh [month], even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, [even] to me?