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What the Bible Says About Unselfishness

Overview

The Bible addresses unselfishness across 19 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in 1 Corinthians, Romans and 2 Corinthians. Closely related themes include Selfishness, Self-Denial, Expediency and Commandments. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus.

Key Bible verses about unselfishness

New Testament

1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 9:19

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

1 Corinthians 9:20

And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

1 Corinthians 9:21

To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

1 Corinthians 9:22

To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

1 Corinthians 9:23

And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

1 Corinthians 10:24

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

1 Corinthians 10:33

Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

1 Corinthians 13:4

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, vaunteth: or, is not rash

1 Corinthians 13:5

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

People in the Bible and unselfishness

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying unselfishness for yourself

  • Begin with Romans 12:10, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how 1 Corinthians, Romans and 2 Corinthians each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Jesus and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Selfishness, Self-Denial, Expediency and Commandments.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about unselfishness?

The Bible addresses unselfishness across 19 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in 1 Corinthians, Romans and 2 Corinthians. Closely related themes include Selfishness, Self-Denial, Expediency and Commandments. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus.

How many Bible verses are about unselfishness?

The Bible references unselfishness in 19 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention unselfishness?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Romans 12:10: “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; with: or, in the love of the brethren”

Which people in the Bible are associated with unselfishness?

Jesus.

Preach & teach

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