Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 10:33
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.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church while concluding his instructions on avoiding offense to Jews, Greeks, and believers. He states his personal conduct standard immediately after commanding the readers to avoid becoming stumbling blocks.
The words — The Greek term ἀρέσκω (areskō) translates literally to "please," and ζητῶν (zētōn) means "seeking." The text states Paul does not seek his own good but actively pursues the benefit of many for their salvation.
The thread — This principle runs alongside 1 Corinthians 10:24, which commands seeking the good of others, and 1 Corinthians 9:19, where Paul makes himself a slave to all to win many. Galatians 1:10 contrasts this motive by questioning whether one strives to please men or God.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to abandon self-centered decision-making and actively pursue the welfare of others. It demands that personal freedom be surrendered whenever it threatens the salvation or spiritual stability of another person.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 10:24 No one should seek his own good, but the good of others.
- Galatians 1:10 Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 9:19 Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
- Romans 15:2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
- Romans 11:14 in the hope that I may provoke my own people to jealousy and save some of them.
- 2 Corinthians 12:19 Have you been thinking all along that we were making a defense to you? We speak before God in Christ, and all of this, beloved, is to build you up.
- 2 Corinthians 11:28 Apart from these external trials, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.