Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;

1 CORINTHIANS 3:21KJV
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1 Corinthians 3:21 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 3:21 mean?

1 Corinthians 3:21 tells believers not to boast about or put their pride in human leaders, because everything that truly matters already belongs to them through Christ. The verse points out that Christians do not need to compete over people or status, since all things are given to them by God.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, where people were dividing themselves by loyalty to different teachers. Paul reminds them that their focus should not be on human leaders, but on the greater reality that, in Christ, all things are theirs. This verse is part of a larger argument against jealousy and division in the church.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 3:21

  • ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos, "man" or "human"): Paul uses this word to refer to people in general, not just men, emphasizing that no person should be the object of boasting.
  • καυχάομαι (kauchaomai, "glory" or "boast"): The Greek word here often means to take pride or find identity in something. Paul is warning against finding one's worth in association with human leaders.
  • πάντα (panta, "all things"): This word means "all things" or "everything." Paul is stressing the fullness of what believers have in Christ, making it unnecessary to seek status through people.

Why 1 Corinthians 3:21 matters

  • This verse corrects the idea that spiritual value comes from following a particular leader or teacher, reminding believers that their worth is rooted in Christ, not in people.
  • It highlights the unity that should exist among Christians, since all share equally in the blessings God gives.
  • The verse ties into Paul's larger message in 1 Corinthians about avoiding divisions and jealousy, urging the church to see the bigger picture of what God has given them.

Where else these words appear

“let” Greek G2744 · used in 33 verses

  • Romans 2:17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
  • 2 Corinthians 9:2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

“Therefore” Greek G5620 · used in 83 verses

  • Matthew 8:24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
  • Mark 15:5 But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.
  • 1 Corinthians 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

“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.