10:23 “Everything is lawful,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is lawful,” 2 but not everything builds others up. 3
1 sn This incident is recorded in Num 25:1-9.
2 sn “Everything is lawful.” Here again Paul cites certain slogans the Corinthians used to justify their behavior (cf. 6:12-13; 7:1; 8:1, 4). Paul agrees with the slogans in part, but corrects them to show how the Corinthians have misused these ideas.
3 tn Grk “builds up.” The object “others” is not expressed but is implied, as v. 24 shows. Paul picks up a theme he introduced at the start of this section of the letter (8:1).