1 Corinthians 3:21
Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your's;
Original Language Analysis
ὥστε
Therefore
G5620
ὥστε
Therefore
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
1 of 9
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
Cross References
Romans 8:32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.1 Corinthians 4:6And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.Revelation 21:7He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.Romans 4:13For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.2 Corinthians 4:5For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.2 Corinthians 4:15For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
Historical Context
Greco-Roman culture encouraged boasting in patrons, philosophers, and family lineage. Social identity derived from association with powerful figures. Paul demolishes this culture in the church: Christians need not boast in human connections because they possess everything through union with Christ. This leveled social hierarchies that Corinthian converts struggled to abandon.
Questions for Reflection
- In what human leaders, institutions, or associations are you tempted to 'glory' (find identity, pride, security)?
- How does the truth that 'all things are yours' in Christ free you from status-seeking and partisan boasting?
- What practical difference would it make in your church if everyone truly believed 'all things are ours'—that we possess every blessing together in Christ?
Analysis & Commentary
Therefore let no man glory in men (μὴ καυχάσθω ἐν ἀνθρώποις, mē kauchassthō en anthrōpois)—kauchaomai (καυχάομαι) means to boast or take pride in. The present imperative with negative (μὴ) commands cessation of ongoing behavior: 'stop boasting in people.' For all things are your's (πάντα γὰρ ὑμῶν ἐστιν, panta gar hymōn estin)—the 'for' introduces explanation: partisan boasting is absurd because believers already possess everything.
This conclusion flows from all of chapter 3: stop factionalism (verses 1-4), recognize ministers as servants not masters (verses 5-9), build on Christ alone (verses 10-15), honor the church's sanctity (verses 16-17), reject worldly wisdom (verses 18-20). Now Paul adds: partisan boasting betrays ignorance of your riches in Christ. Why align with Paul's party or Apollos's party when both Paul AND Apollos belong to you as gifts from God? The logic parallels Romans 8:32: 'He that spared not his own Son... shall he not with him also freely give us all things?' Those who possess Christ possess all; therefore, pride in human leaders is illogical.