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class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/9.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For being free from all, I myself became servant to all, so that I might win the more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For though I be free from all <i>men</i>, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For though I am free from all <i>men,</i> I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For though I am free from all people, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may gain more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For though I am free from all <i>men,</i> I have made myself a slave to all, that I might win the more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For though I am free from all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_corinthians/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to everyone, so that I may win more [for Christ].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Although I am free from all and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Although I am a free man and not anyone&#8217s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_corinthians/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For though I was free from all men, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_corinthians/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I am not anyone's slave. But I have become a slave to everyone, so I can win as many people as possible. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_corinthians/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For though I was free from all men, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Although I'm free from all people, I have made myself a slave for all people to win more of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I am a free man, nobody's slave; but I make myself everybody's slave in order to win as many people as possible. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_corinthians/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Although I am free from everyone's expectations, I have made myself a servant to all of them to win more people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_corinthians/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For since I am free from all I can make myself a slave to all, in order to gain even more people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For though I was free from all, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For though I am free from all men, yet I have made myself servant to all, that I might gain the more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Though free from all human control, I have made myself the slave of all in the hope of winning as many converts as possible.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_corinthians/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For though I was free from all, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for being free from all men, I made myself servant to all men, that the more I might gain;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For being free from all, I myself became servant to all, so that I might win the more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for being free from all men, to all men I made myself servant, that the more I might gain;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For being free from all, I have subjected myself to all, that I might gain the more.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For whereas I was free as to all, I made myself the servant of all, that I might gain the more. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For when I was a free man to all, I made myself the servant of all, so that I might gain all the more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Although I am free in regard to all, I have made myself a slave to all so as to win over as many as possible.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Because I am free from all these things, I have served all men that I may gain many.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />For as I am free from all these things, I have subjected myself to every person that I may gain the many.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />For, though I am free from all men, yet have I made myself a servant to all, that I may gain the more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />For being free from all, I rendered myself servant to all, that I may gain the more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For though I be free from all men, I have made myself the servant of all, that I might gain the more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_corinthians/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />for tho' I am independent of all men, yet have I subjected myself to all, that I might gain the more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Though free from all human control, I have made myself the slave of all in the hope of winning as many converts as possible.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />For, being free from all men, I made myself servant to all, that I might gain the more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />For though I am free from all, <i>yet</i> I have made myself a servant to all, that I might gain the more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=1844" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Paul the Servant to All</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18</span>What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it. <span class="reftext">19</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">Though</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">I am</a> <a href="/greek/1658.htm" title="1658: Eleutheros (Adj-NMS) -- Free, delivered from obligation. Probably from the alternate of erchomai; unrestrained, i.e. not a slave, or exempt.">free of obligation</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantōn (Adj-GMP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">anyone,</a> <a href="/greek/1402.htm" title="1402: edoulōsa (V-AIA-1S) -- To enslave. From doulos; to enslave.">I make myself a slave</a> <a href="/greek/1683.htm" title="1683: emauton (PPro-AM1S) -- Genitive case compound of emou and autos; of myself so likewise the dative case emautoi em-ow-to', and accusative case emauton em-ow-ton'."></a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pasin (Adj-DMP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">to everyone,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">to</a> <a href="/greek/2770.htm" title="2770: kerdēsō (V-ASA-1S) -- To gain, acquire, win (over), avoid loss. From kerdos; to gain.">win</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4119.htm" title="4119: pleionas (Adj-AMP-C) -- Or neuter pleion, or pleon comparative of polus; more in quantity, number, or quality; also the major portion.">as many as possible.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">20</span>To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), to win those under the law.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-7</a></span><br />Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: / Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, / but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a></span><br />For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/20-26.htm">Matthew 20:26-28</a></span><br />It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— / just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13</a></span><br />For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-1.htm">Romans 15:1-3</a></span><br />We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves. / Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. / For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: “The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-5.htm">2 Corinthians 4:5</a></span><br />For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/13-14.htm">John 13:14-15</a></span><br />So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. / I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-11.htm">Matthew 23:11-12</a></span><br />The greatest among you shall be your servant. / For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-26.htm">Luke 22:26-27</a></span><br />But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. / For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/6-18.htm">Romans 6:18</a></span><br />You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">Galatians 6:2</a></span><br />Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-16.htm">1 Peter 2:16</a></span><br />Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-35.htm">Acts 20:35</a></span><br />In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-32.htm">John 8:32-36</a></span><br />Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” / “We are Abraham’s descendants,” they answered. “We have never been slaves to anyone. How can You say we will be set free?” / Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-19.htm">Romans 14:19-21</a></span><br />So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification. / Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to let his eating be a stumbling block. / It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant to all, that I might gain the more.</p><p class="hdg">I be.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1</a></b></br> Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/5-1.htm">Galatians 5:1</a></b></br> Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.</p><p class="hdg">I made.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/10-33.htm">1 Corinthians 10:33</a></b></br> Even as I please all <i>men</i> in all <i>things</i>, not seeking mine own profit, but the <i>profit</i> of many, that they may be saved.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/20-26.htm">Matthew 20:26-28</a></b></br> But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/13-14.htm">John 13:14,15</a></b></br> If I then, <i>your</i> Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet… </p><p class="hdg">that.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/9-20.htm">1 Corinthians 9:20-22</a></b></br> 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; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/7-16.htm">1 Corinthians 7:16</a></b></br> For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save <i>thy</i> husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save <i>thy</i> wife?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/11-30.htm">Proverbs 11:30</a></b></br> The fruit of the righteous <i>is</i> a tree of life; and he that winneth souls <i>is</i> wise.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">Belong</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-15.htm">Bondage</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-22.htm">Bondman</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-37.htm">Control</a> <a href="/acts/14-21.htm">Converts</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-18.htm">Free</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-21.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-15.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-8.htm">Human</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-5.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-16.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-22.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-22.htm">Slave</a> <a href="/romans/16-26.htm">Win</a> <a href="/luke/4-16.htm">Winning</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/12-15.htm">Belong</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-20.htm">Bondage</a> <a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Bondman</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-27.htm">Control</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-15.htm">Converts</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-21.htm">Free</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-20.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-13.htm">Human</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-8.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-27.htm">Slave</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-20.htm">Win</a> <a href="/exodus/17-11.htm">Winning</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">He shows his liberty;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-7.htm">and that the minister ought to receive a living by the Gospel;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-15.htm">yet that himself has of his own accord abstained,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-18.htm">to be neither chargeable unto them,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">nor offensive unto any, in matters indifferent.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">Our life is like unto a race.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Though I am free of obligation to anyone</b><br>Paul begins by asserting his freedom, which is rooted in his identity in Christ. As an apostle, he is not bound by human authority or traditions. This freedom is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, emphasizing the believer's liberation from the law (<a href="/galatians/5.htm">Galatians 5:1</a>). Historically, Corinth was a city known for its diverse population and cultural influences, which may have pressured individuals to conform. Paul’s statement highlights his independence from these societal expectations.<p><b>I make myself a slave to everyone</b><br>Despite his freedom, Paul chooses to become a servant to all. This reflects the example of Jesus, who, though divine, took on the form of a servant (<a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7</a>). In the Greco-Roman world, slavery was a common institution, and Paul's use of this metaphor would have been powerful, illustrating total commitment and humility. This voluntary servitude is a strategic choice to connect with people across different cultural and social backgrounds.<p><b>to win as many as possible</b><br>Paul's ultimate goal is evangelism, driven by a desire to bring others to Christ. This mission aligns with the Great Commission (<a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a>) and reflects the heart of God, who desires all to be saved (<a href="/1_timothy/2-4.htm">1 Timothy 2:4</a>). The phrase underscores the urgency and importance of spreading the Gospel, as well as Paul's willingness to adapt his approach to reach diverse groups, whether Jews, Gentiles, or those under the law (<a href="/1_corinthians/9-20.htm">1 Corinthians 9:20-22</a>). This adaptability is not compromise but a strategic effort to remove barriers to the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of 1 Corinthians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and extensive writings. He was a Roman citizen and a former Pharisee who converted to Christianity after an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a></b><br>A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and diversity. It was a significant center for trade and culture, and the church in Corinth faced many challenges related to its environment, including issues of morality and division.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a></b><br>The recipients of Paul's letter, this early Christian community struggled with various issues, including divisions, immorality, and questions about Christian freedom and responsibility.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_christian_freedom.htm">Understanding Christian Freedom</a></b><br>Paul emphasizes that true Christian freedom is not about self-indulgence but about the ability to serve others selflessly. This freedom allows believers to prioritize the needs of others over their own rights.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_heart_of_servanthood.htm">The Heart of Servanthood</a></b><br>By choosing to become a "slave to everyone," Paul models the heart of servanthood. Christians are called to adopt a similar attitude, seeking to serve others in love and humility, following the example of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/evangelistic_purpose.htm">Evangelistic Purpose</a></b><br>Paul's ultimate goal in becoming a servant to all is to "win as many as possible" for Christ. This highlights the importance of evangelism and the need to adapt our approach to reach different people effectively.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_sensitivity_in_ministry.htm">Cultural Sensitivity in Ministry</a></b><br>Paul's willingness to adapt to different cultural contexts without compromising the Gospel message teaches us the importance of being culturally sensitive and relevant in our ministry efforts.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_christian_foster_care.htm">What does 'all things to all people' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'all_things_to_all'_mean.htm">What does "all things to all people" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_being_a_servant_to_all.htm">What defines being a servant to all?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_serving_everyone.htm">What defines being a servant to everyone?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(19) <span class= "bld">For.</span>--The question is here answered. His reward was to gain the greater number of converts--Jews (<a href="/1_corinthians/9-20.htm" title="And to 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;">1Corinthians 9:20</a>), Gentiles (<a href="/1_corinthians/9-21.htm" title="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.">1Corinthians 9:21</a>), weak ones (<a href="/1_corinthians/9-22.htm" title="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.">1Corinthians 9:22</a>). The only reward he sought for or looked for in adopting that course of conduct, for pursuing which they taunted him with selfishness, was, after all, their good.<p>The word "For," introducing the answer, would seem to imply that the reward must be a greater one. "For" though an Apostle, I became a slave of all that I might gain the greater number. The words "greater number" probably include the two ideas, viz., a greater number than he could have gained had he used his rights as an Apostle, and also a greater number of converts than was gained by any other Apostle.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 19.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For though I be free;</span> rather, <span class="accented">though I was free.</span> He has voluntarily abandoned this freedom. The true rendering of the verse is, <span class="accented">For being free from all men</span> [<a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Galatians 1:10</a>], <span class="accented">I enslaved myself to all.</span> In acting thus he obeyed his own principle of not abusing his liberty, but "by love serve one another" (<a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Though</span><br /><span class="grk">γὰρ</span> <span class="translit">(gar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> </span><span class="str2">For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I am</span><br /><span class="grk">ὢν</span> <span class="translit">(ōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">free of obligation</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἐλεύθερος</span> <span class="translit">(Eleutheros)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1658.htm">Strong's 1658: </a> </span><span class="str2">Free, delivered from obligation. Probably from the alternate of erchomai; unrestrained, i.e. not a slave, or exempt.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκ</span> <span class="translit">(ek)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> </span><span class="str2">From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">anyone,</span><br /><span class="grk">πάντων</span> <span class="translit">(pantōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I make myself a slave</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐδούλωσα</span> <span class="translit">(edoulōsa)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1402.htm">Strong's 1402: </a> </span><span class="str2">To enslave. From doulos; to enslave.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to everyone,</span><br /><span class="grk">πᾶσιν</span> <span class="translit">(pasin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="grk">ἵνα</span> <span class="translit">(hina)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> </span><span class="str2">In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">win</span><br /><span class="grk">κερδήσω</span> <span class="translit">(kerdēsō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2770.htm">Strong's 2770: </a> </span><span class="str2">To gain, acquire, win (over), avoid loss. From kerdos; to gain.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as many as possible.</span><br /><span class="grk">πλείονας</span> <span class="translit">(pleionas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural - Comparative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4119.htm">Strong's 4119: </a> </span><span class="str2">Or neuter pleion, or pleon comparative of polus; more in quantity, number, or quality; also the major portion.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">1 Corinthians 9:19 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">1 Corinthians 9:19 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">1 Corinthians 9:19 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">1 Corinthians 9:19 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">1 Corinthians 9:19 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">1 Corinthians 9:19 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">1 Corinthians 9:19 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">1 Corinthians 9:19 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">1 Corinthians 9:19 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">1 Corinthians 9:19 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 9:19 For though I was free from all (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 9:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 9:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-20.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 9:20"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 9:20" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>