Commentators agree that the clause All things are lawful to me was a slogan used in Corinth at that time. It is repeated in 10.23, where the Greek is the same except that the phrase for me is omitted.

Good News Bible adds the phrases “Someone will say” and “I could say” to show that these clauses in quotes are familiar to the Christians in Corinth. Translators in other languages may find it helpful to add these phrases too.

Are lawful for me: the Greek verb means “it is allowed” and therefore does not raise the question of who gives the permission. Clearly Paul is not thinking of the Old Testament Law. Probably the people who misused this saying thought that because the body did not matter, they could do anything they liked with it. All things are lawful for me may also be expressed as “It is permissible for me to do anything” or “There is no law against anything that I want to do.”

Good News Bible‘s rendering “Yes” is implicit in the Greek; it is added to strengthen the contrast expressed by “but.” “For you” is also added by Good News Bible. “For us” would be an alternative; for example, “but not all things are helpful (or, good) for us.” Another possibility is “for my good.” The last part of the verse but I will not be enslaved by anything explains not all things are helpful. The Greek word for I is emphatic and implies “I, for one,” that is, Paul in contrast to some of his readers in Corinth. Are helpful can be rendered “are appropriate” or “are to one’s advantage.” The same Greek impersonal verb is used in 10.23; 2 Cor 8.10; and a related adjective is used in 1 Cor 12.7; 2 Cor 12.1.

Be enslaved by anything: the verb that is translated be enslaved is used twice in the active voice in 7.4, where it is translated “rule over.” Underlying this verse and the following ones is the contrast between the false freedom of the slogan All things are lawful for me and true Christian freedom.

Quoted with permission from Ellingworth, Paul and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, 2nd edition. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1985/1994. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .