I Corinthians 15:33
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
evil communications corrupt good manners--a current saying, forming a verse in MENANDER, the comic poet, who probably took it from Euripides [SOCRATES, Ecclesiastical History, 3.16]. "Evil communications" refer to intercourse with those who deny the resurrection. Their notion seems to have been that the resurrection is merely spiritual, that sin has its seat solely in the body, and will be left behind when the soul leaves it, if, indeed, the soul survive death at all. good--not only good-natured, but pliant. Intimacy with the profligate society around was apt to corrupt the principles of the Corinthians.
Open source ↗In this chapter the apostle treats of that great article of Christianity - the resurrection of the dead. I. He establishes the certainty of our Saviour's resurrection (Co1 15:1-11). II. He, from this truth, sets himself to refute those who said, There is no resurrection of the dead (Co1 15:12-19). III. From our Saviour's resurrection he establishes the resurrection of the dead and confirms the Corinthians in the belief of it by some other considerations (Co1 15:20-34). IV. He answers an objection against this truth, and takes occasion thence to show what a vast change will be made in the bodies of believers at the resurrection (v. 35-50). V. He informs us what a change will be made in those who shall be living at the sound of the last trumpet, and the complete conquest the just shall then obtain over death and the grave (Co1 15:51-57). And, VI. He sums up the argument with a very serious exhortation to Christians, to be resolved and diligent in their Lord's service, because they know they shall be so gloriously rewarded by him (Co1 15:58).
Open source ↗15:33 “bad company corrupts good character”: This quotation from the Greek poet Menander (300s BC) is a warning not to listen to those who are teaching wrong things.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.
Jesus answered, “See to it that no one deceives you.
Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven works through the whole batch of dough?
Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.”
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.
Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts,
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible.
Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed.
See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many.