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.

Even as {G2531} I {G2504} please {G700} all {G3956} men in all {G3956} things, not {G3361} seeking {G2212} mine own {G1683} profit {G4851}, but {G235} the profit {G3588} of many {G4183}, that {G2443} they may be saved {G4982}.

Just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not looking out for my own interests but for those of the many, so that they may be saved;

as I also try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.

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

In 1 Corinthians 10:33, the Apostle Paul concludes a significant discussion on Christian liberty and responsibility, particularly concerning the eating of meat sacrificed to idols. He presents his own life as an example of prioritizing the spiritual well-being of others over personal rights or preferences.

Context

This verse is the culmination of Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians chapters 8-10, where he addresses concerns within the Corinthian church about food sacrificed to idols. While Paul asserts that idols are nothing and Christians have freedom to eat such meat (1 Corinthians 8:4), he strongly cautions against exercising this liberty if it causes a weaker brother to stumble or leads them into sin (1 Corinthians 8:9). His overriding principle is that Christian conduct should always aim to build up others and glorify God, not merely satisfy personal desires.

Key Themes

  • Selfless Consideration: Paul's declaration, "not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many," underscores the principle of placing others' spiritual benefit above one's own convenience or advantage. This is a hallmark of truly Christian love and a core aspect of living out the gospel.
  • Evangelistic Imperative: The ultimate purpose behind Paul's self-sacrificing conduct is explicitly stated: "that they may be saved." This reveals that Christian freedom is not an end in itself but a means to the greater end of gospel proclamation and salvation. Our actions should always consider how they might draw others to Christ or hinder them.
  • Paul's Example: Paul consistently presents himself as a model for the Corinthians to imitate (1 Corinthians 11:1). Here, he exemplifies the principle of adapting his behavior for the sake of the gospel, a concept he elaborates on as becoming "all things to all men" in the preceding chapter.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "please" is areskō (ἀρέσκω), meaning "to be agreeable, to seek to satisfy." This is not about flattery or people-pleasing for selfish gain, but rather about being accommodating and considerate for a higher, spiritual purpose. The term "profit" (sympherō - συμφέρω) signifies what is advantageous or beneficial, emphasizing spiritual advantage rather than material gain. The ultimate goal, "saved" (sōzō - σῴζω), refers to spiritual salvation, deliverance from sin and its consequences through faith in Jesus Christ.

Practical Application

This verse challenges believers today to examine their own Christian liberties and how they are exercised. Do our actions, choices, and freedoms truly reflect Christ and contribute to the spiritual well-being of others? It calls us to a life of intentional self-sacrifice, where personal preferences are secondary to the advancement of the gospel and the edification of the church. In a world often driven by individual rights, Paul's teaching emphasizes a Christ-like humility and a selfless focus on bringing others to salvation.

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.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:24

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

  • Galatians 1:10

    ¶ For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

  • 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.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:23

    And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with [you].

  • Romans 15:2

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

  • Romans 15:3

    For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:19

    Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but [we do] all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.

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