King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 6:12 Mean?

1 Corinthians 6:12 in the King James Version says “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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. expedient: or, profitable”

1 Corinthians 6:12 · KJV

Context

10

Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

11

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

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. expedient: or, profitable

13

Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. Meats: not flesh only, but food of any kind

14

And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.

Read 1 Corinthians 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What permissible activities or pleasures have you allowed to 'master' you—even though they're not explicitly sinful?
  2. How does the question 'Is it beneficial?' add a layer of discernment beyond 'Is it permitted?'
  3. In what areas of life are you using Christian freedom as an excuse for self-indulgence rather than service to others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
πάντα1 of 16

“All things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

μοι2 of 16

“for me”

G3427

to me

ἔξεστιν3 of 16

“are lawful”

G1832

so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it

ἀλλ'4 of 16

“but”

G235

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

οὐκ5 of 16

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

πάντα6 of 16

“All things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

συμφέρει7 of 16

“are”

G4851

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

πάντα8 of 16

“All things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

μοι9 of 16

“for me”

G3427

to me

ἔξεστιν10 of 16

“are lawful”

G1832

so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it

ἀλλ'11 of 16

“but”

G235

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

οὐκ12 of 16

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐγὼ13 of 16

“I”

G1473

i, me

ἐξουσιασθήσομαι14 of 16

“be brought under the power”

G1850

to control

ὑπό15 of 16

“of”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τινος16 of 16

“any”

G5100

some or any person or object

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 6:12 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 6:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 10:23-331 Corinthians 9:27Hebrews 12:15-16Romans 14:14-231 Corinthians 8:7-132 Thessalonians 3:9

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Corinthians 6 with CommentaryAll 1 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 1 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes