1 Corinthians 10:33
Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
Original Language Analysis
κἀγὼ
I
G2504
κἀγὼ
I
Strong's:
G2504
Word #:
2 of 16
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
μὴ
things not
G3361
μὴ
things not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 16
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ζητῶν
seeking
G2212
ζητῶν
seeking
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
7 of 16
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
τῶν
the profit
G3588
τῶν
the profit
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐμαυτοῦ
mine own
G1683
ἐμαυτοῦ
mine own
Strong's:
G1683
Word #:
9 of 16
of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>
σύμφερον,
profit
G4851
σύμφερον,
profit
Strong's:
G4851
Word #:
10 of 16
to bear together (contribute), i.e., (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τῶν
the profit
G3588
τῶν
the profit
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
the profit
G3588
τῶν
the profit
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πολλῶν
of many
G4183
πολλῶν
of many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
14 of 16
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
Cross References
Galatians 1:10For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.1 Corinthians 10:24Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.2 Corinthians 12:19Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
Historical Context
Paul's missionary practice exemplified this principle: he lived as a Jew among Jews (Acts 21:20-26) and as a Gentile among Gentiles (Acts 17:22-34, 1 Corinthians 9:19-23). This flexibility required secure identity in Christ—only those confident in the gospel can adapt culturally without compromising theologically. The Corinthians, by contrast, asserted freedom without considering evangelistic impact, hindering rather than advancing the gospel through cultural insensitivity and moral compromise.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's example challenge you to limit personal freedom for the sake of others' salvation?
- In what specific ways could you "please all men" (cultural adaptation) without compromising gospel truth?
- What would it look like to make "that they may be saved" the governing principle of your daily decisions and relationships?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved—Paul offers himself as example of offense-avoiding, glory-seeking love. I please all men (areskomai pasin, ἀρέσκω πᾶσιν) doesn't mean people-pleasing compromise (Galatians 1:10) but missionary accommodation—adapting behavior to maximize gospel reception. In all things specifies comprehensive application, though within gospel boundaries (he didn't compromise truth to please people).
The motivation is crucial: not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many (to tōn pollōn, τὸ τῶν πολλῶν, "the good/benefit of the many"). Paul's adaptability served others' salvation, not personal advantage. This echoes v. 24's principle (seek another's wealth, not your own) and Jesus's incarnational mission (He pleased not Himself but became servant of all, Romans 15:3, Philippians 2:5-8).
The ultimate purpose: that they may be saved (hina sōthōsin, ἵνα σωθῶσιν). Every ethical decision, every cultural adaptation, every freedom-limitation aims at gospel advance and souls' salvation. This evangelistic urgency governs Christian liberty—don't assert rights at the cost of someone's eternal destiny. This verse transitions to 11:1's imperative: "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." Paul's self-giving love imitates Christ's redemptive self-sacrifice.