1 Corinthians 10:24
Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἑαυτοῦ
his own
G1438
ἑαυτοῦ
his own
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
3 of 9
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ζητείτω
Let
G2212
ζητείτω
Let
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
4 of 9
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 10:33Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.Philippians 2:21For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.1 Corinthians 13:5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;2 Corinthians 12:14Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not your's, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
Historical Context
Greco-Roman culture was competitive and honor-driven—advancing personal status was paramount. The wealthy used patron-client relationships to enhance social standing. Temple banquets often involved networking and status displays. Paul's ethic radically inverts this: seek others' good, not your own advancement. This countercultural approach made Christianity socially strange—prioritizing the weak over the strong, service over status, communal good over individual rights.
Questions for Reflection
- What specific decisions in the coming week could you make with "another's wealth" rather than your own as the priority?
- How does consumer culture's emphasis on personal choice and individual rights conflict with this verse's others-centered ethic?
- In what relationships or contexts do you most struggle to seek others' benefit over your own?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth—This verse provides the ethical principle governing Christian freedom: others-centered love. Let no man seek his own (mēdeis to heautou zētetō, μηδεὶς τὸ ἑαυτοῦ ζητείτω) directly contradicts selfish individualism. The verb zēteō (ζητέω, "seek") implies active pursuit—don't make your primary aim personal advantage, pleasure, or rights.
Instead, seek every man another's wealth (to tou heterou, τὸ τοῦ ἑτέρου, literally "the thing of the other"). The word translated "wealth" could also be "benefit" or "good"—actively pursue what benefits your neighbor. This echoes Jesus's second commandment (love your neighbor as yourself) and Paul's later teaching (Philippians 2:3-4: "in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves").
Applied to the idol-food controversy: even if you have liberty to eat such food, don't exercise that freedom if it harms a weaker brother's conscience (8:9-13). Christian ethics aren't primarily about individual rights but corporate responsibility. Love constrains liberty, subordinating personal freedom to others' spiritual welfare. This is cruciform living—following Christ who didn't seek His own but laid down His life for others.