1 Corinthians 10:23

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 10:23 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “All things are lawful; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful; but not all things edify.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

All things are lawful; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful; but not all things edify.
1 Corinthians 10:23 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
23All things are lawful; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful; but not all things edify.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“All things are lawful for me, etc.] All sorts of food are lawful to be eaten, every creature of God is good, there is nothing common or unclean in itself, polluted or polluting; and so things offered to idols may be lawfully eaten, but not as such, or in an idol’s temple, or before a weak brother; to do which is contrary to the honour of God, and the edification of the saints: and therefore all things are not expedient; to be done always, and in all places, and before all persons. The apostle suggests, that though they might be lawful to him, and he might make use of his liberty in eating them; yet they might not be expedient, or of service, but on the contrary hurtful to others; and which…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“All things are lawful for me, &c.--Recurring to the Corinthian plea (Co1 6:12), he repeats his qualification of it. The oldest manuscripts omit both times "for me." edify not--tend not to build up the spiritual temple, the Church, in faith and love. Paul does not appeal to the apostolic decision (Acts 15:1-29), which seems to have been not so much regarded outside of Palestine, but rather to the broad principle of true Christian freedom, which does not allow us to be governed by external things, as though, because we can use them, we must use them (Co1 6:12). Their use or non-use is to be regulated by regard to edification.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“All things are lawful for me - See the note at 1 Corinthians 6:12. This is a repetition of what he had said before; and it is here applied to the subject of eating the meat that had been offered to idols. The sense is,” Though it may be admitted that it was strictly “lawful” to partake of that meat, yet there were strong reasons why it was inexpedient; and those reasons ought to have the binding force of law.” All things edify not - All things do not tend to build up the church, and to advance the interests of religion; and when they do not have this effect, they are not expedient, and are improper. Paul acted for the welfare of the church. His object was to save souls. Anything that would…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Supposing this were lawful in itself, yet it is not expedient, it is not edifying to my neighbour. 1 Corinthians 10:24”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“10:23–11:1 Paul closes the discussion begun in 8:1 with advice about when Christians may eat meat sacrificed to an idol, and when they should not (see study note on 8:1–11:1). His advice reflects the principle of giving up one’s rights out of love (see also 8:13–9:23). 10:23-24 You say: The NLT supplies these words—Paul is probably quoting a popular saying among the Corinthians and clarifying it. • “I am allowed to do anything”: Paul qualifies the assertion of a Christian’s freedom by emphasizing the importance of doing what is most beneficial for others (see 6:12; 10:32-33; Rom 14:13-15, 19-21; 15:1-2; cp. Phil 2:3-4).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“things are lawful: Co1 6:12, Co1 8:9; Rom 14:15, Rom 14:20 edify: Co1 8:1, Co1 14:3-5, Co1 14:12, Co1 14:17, Co1 14:26; Rom 14:19, Rom 15:1, Rom 15:2; Co2 12:19; Eph 4:29; Th1 5:11; Ti1 1:4 1 Corinthians 10:24”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification