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1 Corinthians 9:22 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.
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I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all these things to all, so that by all means I might save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all <i>men</i>, that I might by all means save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all <i>men,</i> that I might by all means save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak; I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_corinthians/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />To the weak I became [as the] weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means [in any and every way] save some [by leading them to faith in Jesus Christ].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_corinthians/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak: I am become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_corinthians/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When I am with people whose faith is weak, I live as they do to win them. I do everything I can to win everyone I possibly can. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_corinthians/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak: I am become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Among the weak in faith I become weak like one of them, in order to win them. So I become all things to all people, that I may save some of them by whatever means are possible. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_corinthians/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />To the weak I became weak in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some of them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_corinthians/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />To the weak I became weak in order to gain the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that by all means I may save some. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />To the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I may by all means save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />To the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak: I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />To the weak I have become weak, so as to gain the weak. To all men I have become all things, in the hope that in every one of these ways I may save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_corinthians/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />To the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />to the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak; to all men I have become all things, that by all means I may save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all these things to all, so that by all means I might save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> I became to the infirm as infirm, that the infirm I might gain; to all men I have become all things, that by all means I may save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I became to the weak as weak, that I might gain the weak: I have been all things to all, that altogether I might save some.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak. I became all things to all men, that I might save all. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />To the weak, I became weak, so that I might gain the weak. To all, I became all, so that I might save all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />With the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak: I became everything to every man, that I might by all means save everyone.<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 />I was with the weak as weak that I might gain the weak. I was everything to every person that I might give life to every person.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />to the weak I became like one who was weak, that I might gain the weak: I have become all things to all men, that I may, by all means, save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />To the weak I became as weak, that I may gain the weak. I became all things to all men, that I may indeed save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />I became to the weak as weak, that I might gain the weak; I became all things to all men, that by every means I might save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_corinthians/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />to the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak: I became all things to all men, that I might save all sorts of men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />To the weak I have become weak, so as to gain the weak. To all men I have become all things, in the hope that in every one of these ways I may save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I may, by all means, save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />To the weak I became as the weak, that I might gain the weak: I became all things to all men, that I might by every means save some.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=1881" 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">21</span>To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law. <span class="reftext">22</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">To the</a> <a href="/greek/772.htm" title="772: asthenesin (Adj-DMP) -- (lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick. Strengthless.">weak</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: egenomēn (V-AIM-1S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">I became</a> <a href="/greek/772.htm" title="772: asthenēs (Adj-NMS) -- (lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick. Strengthless.">weak,</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.">the</a> <a href="/greek/772.htm" title="772: astheneis (Adj-AMP) -- (lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick. Strengthless.">weak.</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: gegona (V-RIA-1S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">I have become</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: panta (Adj-NNP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">all</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">things</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 all people</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.">so that</a> <a href="/greek/3843.htm" title="3843: pantōs (Adv) -- Wholly, entirely, in every way, by all means, certainly. Adverb from pas; entirely; specially, at all events, in no event.">by all possible means</a> <a href="/greek/4982.htm" title="4982: sōsō (V-ASA-1S) -- To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect.">I might save</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tinas (IPro-AMP) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">some.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">23</span>I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.…<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/2-4.htm">Philippians 2:4-5</a></span><br />Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. / Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-1.htm">Romans 15:1-2</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.<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="/acts/16-3.htm">Acts 16:3</a></span><br />Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, so he took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-1.htm">Romans 14:1-3</a></span><br />Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions. / For one person has faith to eat all things, while another, who is weak, eats only vegetables. / The one who eats everything must not belittle the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-14.htm">Matthew 18:14</a></span><br />In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-29.htm">2 Corinthians 11:29</a></span><br />Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with grief?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-14.htm">Romans 11:14</a></span><br />in the hope that I may provoke my own people to jealousy and save some of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-14.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:14</a></span><br />And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-8.htm">1 Peter 3:8</a></span><br />Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-19.htm">James 5:19-20</a></span><br />My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, / consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/19-10.htm">Luke 19:10</a></span><br />For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-32.htm">John 12:32</a></span><br />And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw everyone to Myself.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/4-16.htm">1 Timothy 4:16</a></span><br />Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-10.htm">2 Timothy 2:10</a></span><br />For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">To the weak.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/8-13.htm">1 Corinthians 8:13</a></b></br> Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/15-1.htm">Romans 15:1</a></b></br> We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/11-29.htm">2 Corinthians 11:29</a></b></br> Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?</p><p class="hdg">I am.</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="hdg">that I might by.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">1 Corinthians 9:19</a></b></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.</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="/romans/11-14.htm">Romans 11:14</a></b></br> If by any means I may provoke to emulation <i>them which are</i> my flesh, and might save some of them.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/19-40.htm">Events</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-12.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-21.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">Means</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">Save</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-8.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-12.htm">Weak</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-21.htm">Win</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/11-3.htm">Events</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-30.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-3.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-33.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-27.htm">Means</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-21.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-2.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-32.htm">Save</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-5.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-30.htm">Weak</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">Win</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "ca-pub-3753401421161123"; /* 200 x 200 Parallel Bible */ google_ad_slot = "7676643937"; google_ad_width = 200; google_ad_height = 200; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>To the weak</b><br />In this phrase, Paul is referring to those who are spiritually or morally weak, possibly new believers or those struggling with their faith. The Greek word for "weak" is "ἀσθενής" (asthenēs), which can mean lacking strength or being feeble. Historically, the early church was a diverse group, including individuals from various backgrounds and levels of understanding. Paul’s approach was to meet people where they were, showing compassion and understanding, much like Jesus did during His ministry.<p><b>I became weak</b><br />Paul uses the Greek word "γίνομαι" (ginomai), meaning "to become" or "to be made." This indicates a deliberate choice to empathize and identify with the weak. Paul is not suggesting he compromised his beliefs but rather that he adapted his approach to be more relatable and supportive. This reflects the humility and servant leadership that Paul exemplified, following the model of Christ who humbled Himself for the sake of humanity.<p><b>to win the weak</b><br />The word "win" here is translated from the Greek "κερδαίνω" (kerdainō), which means to gain or to win over. Paul’s mission was evangelistic, aiming to bring people to Christ. His strategy was not through coercion but through understanding and love. This reflects the Great Commission, where believers are called to make disciples of all nations, emphasizing the importance of personal connection and genuine care in evangelism.<p><b>I have become all things to all men</b><br />This phrase encapsulates Paul’s adaptive approach to ministry. The Greek word "πάντα" (panta) means "all things," and "πᾶς" (pas) means "all" or "every." Paul’s flexibility was not about being insincere but about being versatile in his methods to effectively communicate the Gospel. Historically, this approach was revolutionary, breaking down cultural and social barriers, much like Jesus did when He interacted with Samaritans, tax collectors, and sinners.<p><b>so that by all possible means</b><br />The phrase "by all possible means" underscores Paul’s commitment to using every available method to reach people. The Greek "πάντως" (pantōs) means "by all means" or "certainly." This reflects a sense of urgency and dedication in Paul’s mission. In a historical context, the early church faced many obstacles, yet Paul’s determination serves as an inspiration for believers to be resourceful and persistent in sharing their faith.<p><b>I might save some</b><br />The word "save" is from the Greek "σῴζω" (sōzō), meaning to rescue or deliver. Paul acknowledges that not everyone will accept the Gospel, but his goal is to reach as many as possible. This reflects the biblical truth that salvation is available to all, but it requires a personal response. Paul’s statement is a reminder of the importance of evangelism and the eternal significance of leading others to Christ.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(22) <span class= "bld">To the weak.</span>--We can scarcely take this (as some do) to refer to weak Christians, of whom he has spoken in 1 Corinthians 8. The whole passage treats of the attitude which the Apostle assumed towards various classes outside the Christian Church, that he might gain them as converts. The words "I became," which have introduced the various classes in <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>, are here again repeated, and this passage seems to be an explanation and reiteration of what had gone before. "It was to the weak points (not to the strong points) of Jews, proselytes, and Gentiles that I assimilated myself. To the weak ones among all these classes I became weak, that I might gain those weak ones."<p><span class= "bld">I am made all things to all. . . .</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">I am become all things to all men that I should save at least some.</span> Although he had thus accommodated himself, so far as was possible, consistently with Christian duty, to the weaknesses of all, he could only hope to win some of them. The natural climax would have been--"I become all things to all men that I might win <span class= "ital">all."</span> But the Apostle's humility could not let him dare to hope for so great a reward as that. All the self-sacrifice he could make was necessary to gain "at all events some," and that would be his ample reward. The word "save" means "win over to Christianity," as in <a href="/1_corinthians/7-16.htm" title="For what know you, O wife, whether you shall save your husband? or how know you, O man, whether you shall save your wife?">1Corinthians 7:16</a>, and is used here instead of the previous word "gain," being repeated to prevent any possible perversion of the Apostle's meaning as to "gaining men." His subject was not, as enemies might suggest, to win them to himself--but to Christ.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 22.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">To the weak.</span> His whole argument here is a plea for condescension to the infirmities of weak converts. A similar condescension to their prejudices might be necessary to win them to Christianity at all (<a href="/1_corinthians/8-13.htm">1 Corinthians 8:13</a>; "We that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves," <a href="/romans/15-1.htm">Romans 15:1</a>). St. Paul often touches on our duties to weak brethren (<a href="/1_corinthians/8-7.htm">1 Corinthians 8:7</a>; <a href="/romans/14-1.htm">Romans 14:1</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-14.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:14</a>; <a href="/acts/20-35.htm">Acts 20:35</a>). <span class="cmt_word">All things to all men.</span> He repeats the same principle in <a href="/1_corinthians/10-33.htm">1 Corinthians 10:33</a>, "I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved;" and once more, at the end of his course (<a href="/2_timothy/2-10.htm">2 Timothy 2:10</a>). This condescension laid him open to the malicious attacks of religious enemies (<a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Galatians 1:10</a>). But not on that account would St. Paul ever be led to abandon the fruitful aid of that universal sympathy and tolerance which is one of the best tests of Christian love. <span class="cmt_word">That I might by all means save some.</span> He adds this explanation of the motive of his condescension to various scruples <span class="greek">συγατάβασις</span>) lest any should accuse him of men pleasing, as some of his Galatian opponents had done (<a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Galatians 1:10</a>). In his desire to win souls he acted with the wisdom and sympathy taught by experience, suppressing himself. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/9-22.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">To the</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῖς</span> <span class="translit">(tois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">weak</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀσθενέσιν</span> <span class="translit">(asthenesin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_772.htm">Strong's 772: </a> </span><span class="str2">(lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick. Strengthless.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I became</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐγενόμην</span> <span class="translit">(egenomēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">weak,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀσθενής</span> <span class="translit">(asthenēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_772.htm">Strong's 772: </a> </span><span class="str2">(lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick. Strengthless.</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">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τοὺς</span> <span class="translit">(tous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">weak.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀσθενεῖς</span> <span class="translit">(astheneis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_772.htm">Strong's 772: </a> </span><span class="str2">(lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick. Strengthless.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have become</span><br /><span class="grk">γέγονα</span> <span class="translit">(gegona)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all</span><br /><span class="grk">πάντα</span> <span class="translit">(panta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter 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">things</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῖς</span> <span class="translit">(tois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to all [men],</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">so that</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">by all possible means</span><br /><span class="grk">πάντως</span> <span class="translit">(pantōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3843.htm">Strong's 3843: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wholly, entirely, in every way, by all means, certainly. Adverb from pas; entirely; specially, at all events, in no event.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I might save</span><br /><span class="grk">σώσω</span> <span class="translit">(sōsō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4982.htm">Strong's 4982: </a> </span><span class="str2">To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">some [of them].</span><br /><span class="grk">τινὰς</span> <span class="translit">(tinas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> </span><span class="str2">Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">1 Corinthians 9:22 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">1 Corinthians 9:22 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">1 Corinthians 9:22 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">1 Corinthians 9:22 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">1 Corinthians 9:22 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">1 Corinthians 9:22 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">1 Corinthians 9:22 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">1 Corinthians 9:22 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">1 Corinthians 9:22 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">1 Corinthians 9:22 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak I became as weak (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 9:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 9:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 9:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 9:23" /></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>