1 Corinthians 9:22

1 Corinthians 9:22 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)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.
• New International Version (NIV)To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.
• English Standard Version (ESV)To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.
• New King James Version (NKJV)to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Context of 1 Corinthians 9:22

20I became Jewish for Jewish people. I became subject to the laws in Moses’ Teachings for those who are subject to those laws. I did this to win them even though I’m not subject to Moses’ Teachings. 21I became like a person who does not have Moses’ Teachings for those who don’t have those teachings. I did this to win them even though I have God’s teachings. I’m really subject to Christ’s teachings. I became like a person weak in faith to win those who are weak in faith. I have become everything to everyone in order to save at least some of them. 23I do all this for the sake of the Good News in order to share what it offers. 24Don’t you realize that everyone who runs in a race runs to win, but only one runner gets the prize? Run like them, so that you can win.

1 Corinthians 9:22 word by word

ἐγενόμην τοῖς ἀσθενέσιν ἀσθενὴς ἵνα τοὺς ἀσθενεῖς κερδήσω· τοῖς πᾶσιν γέγονα πάντα ἵνα πάντως τινὰς σώσω.Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• To the weakὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
• To the weakἀσθενήςasthenēs · weakG772
• became Iγίνομαιginomai · to beG1096
• asὡςhōs · as/whenG5613
• thatἵναhina · in order that/toG2443
• I might gainκερδαίνωkerdainō · to gainG2770
• all thingsπᾶςpas · allG3956
• I mightσῴζωsōzō · to saveG4982
• by all meansπάντωςpantōs · surelyG3843
• someτιςtis · oneG5100

Cross-references for 1 Corinthians 9:22

• 1 Corinthians 8:13Therefore, if eating food ⌞offered to false gods⌟ causes other believers to lose their faith, I will never eat that kind of food so that I won’t make other believers lose their faith.
• Romans 15:1So those of us who have a strong ⌞faith⌟ must be patient with the weaknesses of those whose ⌞faith⌟ is not so strong. We must not think only of ourselves.
• 2 Corinthians 11:29When anyone is weak, I’m weak too. When anyone is caught in a trap, I’m also harmed.
• Galatians 6:1Brothers and sisters, if a person gets trapped by wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should help that person turn away from doing wrong. Do it in a gentle way. At the same time watch yourself so that you also are not tempted.
• 1 Corinthians 10:33I try to please everyone in every way. I don’t think about what would be good for me but about what would be good for many people so that they might be saved.
• 1 Corinthians 9:19Although I’m free from all people, I have made myself a slave for all people to win more of them.
• 1 Corinthians 7:16How do you as a wife know whether you will save your husband? How do you as a husband know whether you will save your wife?
• Romans 11:14Perhaps I can make my people jealous and save some of them.

Commentaries on 1 Corinthians 9:22

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 22To the weak became I as weak - Those who were conscientiously scrupulous, even in respect to lawful things. I am made all things to all men - I assumed every shape and form consistent with innocency and perfect integrity; giving up my own will, my own way, my own ease, my own pleasure, and my own profit, that I might save the souls of all. Let those who plead for the system of accommodation on the example of St. Paul, attend to the end he had in view, and…Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 22To the weak; - See the note at Romans 15:1. To those weak in faith; scrupulous in regard to certain observances; whose consciences were tender and unenlightened, and who would be offended even by things which might be in themselves lawful. He did not lacerate their feelings, and run counter to their prejudices, for the mere sake of doing it. Became I as weak - I did not shock them. I complied with their customs. I conformed to them in my dress, habits…Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 15-23Verses 15-23 It is the glory of a minister to deny himself, that he may serve Christ and save souls. But when a minister gives up his right for the sake of the gospel, he does more than his charge and office demands. By preaching the gospel, freely, the apostle showed that he acted from principles of zeal and love, and thus enjoyed much comfort and hope in his soul. And though he looked on the ceremonial law as a yoke taken off by Christ, yet he submitted…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 19-23Paul puts himself in the humble position of a servant in the household. He shows how much he was willing to change his lifestyle and behavior to match the people he preached to, in order to bring them to Christ.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 2222. gain the weak--that is, establish, instead of being a stumbling-block to inexperienced Christians (1Co 8:7) Ro 14:1, "Weak in the faith." Alford thinks the "weak" are not Christians at all, for these have been already "won"; but those outside the Church, who are yet "without strength" to believe (Ro 5:6). But when "weak" Christians are by the condescending love of stronger brethren kept from falling from faith, they are well said to be "gained" or…Read the comment

Topics related to 1 Corinthians 9:22

• Diplomacy
• Evil
• Expediency
• Minister, Christian
• Tact
• Unselfishness
• Zeal, Religious

In the dictionaries

• Crown
• Forbear
• Mastery
• Plow
• Wait
• Acts of the Apostles
• Corinthians, First Epistle to the
• Mystery
• Paul, the Apostle

Commentaries on 1 Corinthians 9

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Calvin’s Commentaries
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Illustrated New Testament
• Burkitt’s Expository Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Family Bible Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Luther’s Commentary on Selected Bible Passages
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• The People’s New Testament
• Robertson’s Word Pictures
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings