Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 3:21
Therefore, stop boasting in men. All things are yours,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the divided Corinthian church while addressing their factionalism over human leaders. He issues this directive immediately after quoting Scripture to nullify human wisdom and before listing the spiritual and temporal blessings that belong to believers.
The words — καυχάσθω (kauchasthō) carries the literal sense of "should boast," and πάντα (panta) means "all things." Together with Ὥστε (Hōste) for "therefore," they frame a logical conclusion to the preceding argument.
The thread — The prohibition against human boasting echoes Jeremiah 9:23, which forbids trusting in wisdom, strength, or wealth. The promise that "all things" belong to believers parallels Romans 8:28 and Romans 8:32, where God's provision of all things is tied to His giving of His Son.
Why it lands — The text commands readers to cease measuring spiritual standing by human figures and to recognize that every circumstance and resource belongs to them through God's provision. It requires a shift in allegiance from human mediators to the source of all provision.
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
Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;
Cross-references
- Romans 8:32 He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?
- Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.
- Jeremiah 9:23 This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches.
- 1 Corinthians 4:6 Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over another.
- Revelation 21:7 The one who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son.
- Romans 4:13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world was not given through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.
- 1 Corinthians 1:12 What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”
- 1 Corinthians 3:4 For when one of you says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere men?
- 2 Corinthians 4:5 For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
- 2 Corinthians 4:15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is extending to more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow, to the glory of God.