Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.

1 CORINTHIANS 10:24KJV
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1 Corinthians 10:24 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 10:24 mean?

1 Corinthians 10:24 teaches that people should not focus only on their own interests, but should look out for the well-being and benefit of others. The verse encourages a mindset of caring for others’ needs rather than being self-centered.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, addressing issues about how they should live together in community, especially regarding matters that could cause others to struggle. In this section, Paul is guiding them to act with consideration for others, especially in situations where their actions might affect someone else’s conscience or welfare.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 10:24

  • ζητεῖν (zētein, "seek"): The Greek word used here means to look for, strive after, or be concerned about. In this context, it carries the sense of intentionally pursuing what is good for others, not just passively allowing it.
  • ἑαυτοῦ (heautou, "own"): This word means "his own" or "himself." The verse contrasts seeking one’s own interests with seeking the interests of another, highlighting the shift from self-focus to other-focus.
  • ἑτέρου (heterou, "another's"): This word means "another" or "someone else’s." Paul is not just talking about close friends or family, but anyone besides oneself, broadening the call to care for others in the community.

Why 1 Corinthians 10:24 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Christian living is not just about personal freedom or benefit, but about building up others and being mindful of their needs.
  • It helps correct the misunderstanding that faith is only a private matter; Paul’s instruction is about how believers relate to each other in everyday life.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, where Paul discusses eating food offered to idols, showing that even in practical choices, the well-being of others should guide one’s actions.

Where else these words appear

“man” Greek G1538 · used in 78 verses

  • Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
  • Romans 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
  • Galatians 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

“man” Greek G3367 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • Acts 11:12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:
  • Galatians 6:3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

“another's” Greek G2087 · used in 94 verses

  • Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
  • Luke 17:36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
  • Romans 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

“Let” Greek G2212 · used in 116 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Luke 13:6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
  • John 13:33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.