Do not be deceived
This phrase serves as a stern warning from the Apostle Paul. The Greek word for "deceived" is "πλανάω" (planaō), which means to lead astray or cause to wander. In the context of the Corinthian church, Paul is cautioning believers against being misled by false teachings or immoral influences. Historically, Corinth was a city known for its moral laxity and philosophical diversity, which could easily sway the ungrounded believer. This admonition is a timeless reminder for Christians to remain vigilant and discerning, ensuring that their faith and conduct are not compromised by the prevailing cultural norms.

Bad company
The term "bad" in Greek is "κακός" (kakos), which denotes something that is evil or harmful. "Company" translates from "ὁμιλία" (homilia), referring to companionship or association. Paul is emphasizing the profound impact that one's social circle can have on their spiritual and moral life. In the ancient world, as today, the people with whom we associate can significantly influence our values and behaviors. This serves as a call for believers to choose their companions wisely, aligning themselves with those who encourage and uphold Christian virtues.

Corrupts
The Greek word "φθείρω" (phtheirō) means to destroy or spoil. Paul uses this strong term to illustrate the destructive power of negative influences. Just as physical decay can ruin a structure, so can immoral associations erode one's character. This imagery would resonate with the Corinthians, who were familiar with the concept of moral decay in their society. It underscores the necessity for Christians to guard their hearts and minds against influences that could lead them away from their faith.

Good character
The phrase "good character" is derived from the Greek "ἤθη χρηστά" (ēthē chrēsta), where "ἤθη" (ēthē) refers to morals or habits, and "χρηστά" (chrēsta) means useful or virtuous. Paul is highlighting the importance of maintaining a lifestyle that reflects the teachings of Christ. In a city like Corinth, where moral relativism was prevalent, the call to uphold good character was both countercultural and essential for the witness of the church. This exhortation encourages believers to cultivate virtues that are pleasing to God, serving as a testament to their faith in a world that often opposes it.

(33) Be not deceived.--The previous words are spoken with sarcasm. That is what you must come to if this life be all. The solemn thought then occurs to the Apostle that perhaps these words do only too truly describe the actual state of some of the Corinthians. They had become tainted by the bad moral atmosphere in which they lived and which was impregnated with the teaching of that false philosophy, "Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die." "Be not deceived," he adds, solemnly; it is a fact, "Evil communications corrupt good manners." This is a proverb, slightly modified in one word from a line in the Thais of Menander. It is impossible to say whether the Apostle was acquainted with the original line in the poem, or not; for in any case he would probably have quoted it in the form in which it was current amongst ordinary people. The force of the proverb is, that even evil words are dangerous. The constant repetition of an immoral maxim may lead to immoral life. Words that seem harmless, because they float lightly like thistledown, may bear in them a seed of evil which may take root and bring forth evil fruit.

Verse 33. - Be net deceived. Do not be led astray by such specious maxims. They can only arise from that too great familiarity with the heathen against which I have already put you on your guard. Evil communications corrupt good manners. An iambic line from the 'Thais' of Menander, and perhaps taken by Menander from a play of Euripides. More accurately it means "evil associations corrupt excellent morals." According to the best reading (χρηστὰ, not χρησθ), St. Paul does not quote it as an iambic, and in itself it does not offer the least shadow of proof that St. Paul was familiar with classic literature. It is just such a line as he might have seen carved on the Hermae of any Greek town, or preserved in any chrestomathy or gnomology which may have chanced to pass through his hands. His other classic quotations (from Epimenides, Titus 1:12; and Aratus or Cleanthes, Acts 17:28) are of the same common and proverbial character. It is very unlikely that he would have deliberately quoted from the immoral play of a corrupt comedian like Menander. (For the sentiment, see 2 Timothy 2:16-18.)

Parallel Commentaries ...


{Do} not
Μὴ (Mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

be deceived:
πλανᾶσθε (planasthe)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4105: To lead astray, deceive, cause to wander. From plane; to roam.

“Bad
κακαί (kakai)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2556: Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.

company
ὁμιλίαι (homiliai)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3657: Intercourse, companionship, conversation, association. From homilos; companionship, i.e. intercourse.

corrupts
Φθείρουσιν (Phtheirousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5351: To corrupt, spoil, destroy, ruin. Probably strengthened from phthio; properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e. To spoil or to ruin.

good
χρηστὰ (chrēsta)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5543: Useful, gentle, pleasant, kind. From chraomai; employed, i.e. useful.

character.”
ἤθη (ēthē)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2239: Habit, manner, custom, morals. A strengthened form of ethos; usage, i.e. moral habits.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 15:33 Don't be deceived! (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)