King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 10:33 Mean?

1 Corinthians 10:33 in the King James Version says “Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.”

1 Corinthians 10:33 · KJV

Salvation

Context

31

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

32

Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Gentiles: Gr. Greeks

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's example challenge you to limit personal freedom for the sake of others' salvation?
  2. In what specific ways could you "please all men" (cultural adaptation) without compromising gospel truth?
  3. What would it look like to make "that they may be saved" the governing principle of your daily decisions and relationships?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καθὼς1 of 16

“Even as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

κἀγὼ2 of 16

“I”

G2504

so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.

πᾶσιν3 of 16

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

πᾶσιν4 of 16

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀρέσκω5 of 16

“please”

G700

to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so)

μὴ6 of 16

“things not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ζητῶν7 of 16

“seeking”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

τῶν8 of 16

“the profit”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐμαυτοῦ9 of 16

“mine own”

G1683

of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>

σύμφερον,10 of 16

“profit”

G4851

to bear together (contribute), i.e., (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage

ἀλλὰ11 of 16

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τῶν12 of 16

“the profit”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τῶν13 of 16

“the profit”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πολλῶν14 of 16

“of many”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ἵνα15 of 16

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

σωθῶσιν16 of 16

“they may be saved”

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 10:33 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 10:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 10:24Galatians 1:101 Corinthians 9:19-23Romans 15:2-32 Corinthians 12:19Romans 11:14

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