1 Corinthians 10:23

Authorized King James Version

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
πάντα
All things
all, any, every, the whole
#2
μοί
for me
to me
#3
ἔξεστιν
are lawful
so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it
#4
ἀλλ'
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#5
οὐ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#6
πάντα
All things
all, any, every, the whole
#7
συμφέρει·
are
to bear together (contribute), i.e., (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage
#8
πάντα
All things
all, any, every, the whole
#9
μοί
for me
to me
#10
ἔξεστιν
are lawful
so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it
#11
ἀλλ'
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#12
οὐ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#13
πάντα
All things
all, any, every, the whole
#14
οἰκοδομεῖ
edify
to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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