1 Corinthians 10:23 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

²³ “Everything is permissible [to do];” but not everything is profitable [See note at 6:12]. “Everything is permissible [to do];” but not everything builds [people] up.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

²³ All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

²³ All things are legitimate [permissible–and we are free to do anything we please], but not all things are helpful (expedient, profitable, and wholesome). All things are legitimate, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life].

American Standard Version (1901)

²³ All things are lawful; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful; but not all things edify.

Common English Bible

²³ Everything is permitted, but everything isn’t beneficial. Everything is permitted, but everything doesn’t build others up.

Catholic Public Domain Version

²³ All is lawful to me, but not all is edifying.

1 Corinthians 10:23 Cross References

Romans 14:15

For if your brother is hurt [spiritually] by [your eating certain] food, you are no longer acting lovingly [toward him]. Do not destroy [spiritually] the person Christ died for by what you eat.

1 Corinthians 14:12

So, you people also, since you are eager for [supernatural] spiritual gifts, should look for ways to excel in building up the church.

1 Corinthians 14:17

For [though] you truly offer thanksgiving acceptably, the other person is not built up.

1 Corinthians 14:26

So, what is the conclusion, brothers? When you people assemble together, each one of you has a psalm [to sing], or a lesson [to teach], or a [supernatural] revelation [to give], or a language [to speak supernaturally], or an interpretation [of that language]. Everything that is done should be for the building up [of the church].

1 Corinthians 6:12

“Everything is permissible for me [to do];” but not everything is profitable. [Note: The words in quote marks in this and the following verse are thought to have been commonly held views of that day, to which Paul gives an inspired reply]. “Everything is permissible for me [to do];” but I will not be ruled by anything.

1 Corinthians 8:1

I now want to reply to the matter of idolatrous sacrifices [which you wrote to me about]. We know that we all possess knowledge. [Note: This may be a statement posed to Paul by the Corinthians, who seemed quite preoccupied with “knowledge”]. Knowledge [only] makes people arrogant, while love builds them up [spiritually].

1 Corinthians 8:9

But pay attention[to this], so that somehow this liberty of yours [i.e., to eat whatever you want to] does not become an occasion over which weak people could fall [away from God].

2 Corinthians 12:19

You have been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves [have you not]? We are [simply] speaking [the truth] before God in [fellowship with] Christ. But everything [we are doing], dear friends, is to build you up [spiritually].

Ephesians 4:29

Do not allow unwholesome [Note: The Greek word for “unwholesome” is “rotten, diseased”] language to come from your mouth, but only what is helpful for building up those who need it, so that you can impart favor [i.e., benefit] to those who listen [to you].

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore, [continue to] encourage one another, and build each other up [spiritually], just as you are also doing.

1 Timothy 1:4

and not to listen to legends or exhaustive lists of ancestors. These [only] serve to arouse speculations, rather than [promote] God’s plan which is based on faith.