1 Corinthians 15:33
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 7
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
πλανᾶσθε·
Be
G4105
πλανᾶσθε·
Be
Strong's:
G4105
Word #:
2 of 7
to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)
Φθείρουσιν
corrupt
G5351
Φθείρουσιν
corrupt
Strong's:
G5351
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e., to spoil (by any process) or (generally) to ruin (especially figuratively, by moral influences, to deprave)
χρησθ'
good
G5543
χρησθ'
good
Strong's:
G5543
Word #:
5 of 7
employed, i.e., (by implication) useful (in manner or morals)
Cross References
Proverbs 13:20He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.Matthew 24:4And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.1 Corinthians 5:6Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?Proverbs 9:6Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.Ephesians 5:6Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.Galatians 6:7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.1 Corinthians 6:9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,2 Peter 2:2And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.Matthew 24:24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.Hebrews 12:15Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
Historical Context
Menander's aphorism was well-known in Greek culture, equivalent to modern proverbs. Paul's use of pagan poetry (also Acts 17:28, Titus 1:12) demonstrates cultural engagement—he quotes their own sources to make gospel arguments. This is pre-evangelistic apologetic strategy: common ground leading to gospel proclamation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do theological errors (like denying resurrection) inevitably corrupt practical Christian living?
- What 'evil communications' today subtly undermine orthodox Christian belief?
- How does Paul's use of pagan poetry model cultural engagement without compromise?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners (Μὴ πλανᾶσθε· φθείρουσιν ἤθη χρηστὰ ὁμιλίαι κακαί)—Paul quotes Greek poet Menander's comedy *Thais* (4th century BC), showing his cultural literacy. The verb planaō (πλανάω, "deceive, lead astray") warns against intellectual seduction. Homiliai kakai (ὁμιλίαι κακαί, "evil associations, bad company") refers to those denying resurrection—their influence phtheirousin (φθείρουσιν, "corrupt, destroy") good ēthē chrēsta (ἤθη χρηστά, "character, morals").
False doctrine destroys Christian living. Denying resurrection undermines ethics—if no judgment, no resurrection, why holiness? Paul connects orthodoxy (right belief) with orthopraxis (right living). The Corinthians' tolerance of immorality (chapters 5-6) links to their theological error about resurrection. Beliefs have consequences.