1 Corinthians 6:12
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
Original Language Analysis
ἔξεστιν
are lawful
G1832
ἔξεστιν
are lawful
Strong's:
G1832
Word #:
3 of 16
so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
συμφέρει
are
G4851
συμφέρει
are
Strong's:
G4851
Word #:
7 of 16
to bear together (contribute), i.e., (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage
ἔξεστιν
are lawful
G1832
ἔξεστιν
are lawful
Strong's:
G1832
Word #:
10 of 16
so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 9:27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.2 Thessalonians 3:9Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.Jude 1:12These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;Romans 7:14For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.1 Corinthians 8:4As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.1 Corinthians 9:12If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
Historical Context
The Corinthians' 'all things are lawful' likely justified temple feasts (8:10) and sexual libertinism. They treated Christian freedom as license—a problem Paul addresses throughout the letter. Roman Corinth prized sophisticated pleasure; Stoics preached self-control. Paul offers a third way: freedom in Christ means serving others (Galatians 5:13) and mastering appetites rather than being mastered by them. True freedom is self-governance under the Spirit.
Questions for Reflection
- What permissible activities or pleasures have you allowed to 'master' you—even though they're not explicitly sinful?
- How does the question 'Is it beneficial?' add a layer of discernment beyond 'Is it permitted?'
- In what areas of life are you using Christian freedom as an excuse for self-indulgence rather than service to others?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient (panta moi exestin, all' ou panta sympherei, πάντα μοι ἔξεστιν, ἀλλ' οὐ πάντα συμφέρει). Paul quotes a Corinthian slogan ('all things are lawful')—likely their distortion of his gospel freedom—then qualifies it. Exestin (ἔξεστιν, 'it is permissible') refers to things not explicitly forbidden, but sympherei (συμφέρει, 'beneficial, profitable') introduces wisdom: legality isn't the only criterion.
The second qualification: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any (panta moi exestin, all' ouk egō exousiasthēsomai hypo tinos, πάντα μοι ἔξεστιν, ἀλλ' οὐκ ἐγὼ ἐξουσιασθήσομαι ὑπό τινος). Exousiasthēsomai is wordplay on exestin—'I will not be mastered/enslaved.' Christian liberty paradox: freedom means not being enslaved to freedom itself! Permissible things (food, sex, drink) become idols when they master us.