1 Corinthians 9:22

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1 Corinthians 9:22 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

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.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

To the feeble, I was as one who is feeble, so that they might have salvation: I have been all things to all men, so that some at least might have salvation.

Free Bible Version FBV

To those who are weak, I share in their weakness so that I may win the weak. I have ended up being “everyman” to everyone so that by using every possible means I might win some!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

To the weake I become as weake, that I may winne the weake: I am made all thinges to all men, that I might by all meanes saue some.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

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.

World English Bible WEB

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.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak. I became all things to all men, that I might save all.

Translation for Translators T4T

When I was with those who doubt whether God will permit them to do certain things that others ◄disapprove of/think it is not right to do►, I avoided doing those things, in order that I might convince some of them to trust in Christ. In summary, I have done all the things that the people I have been with think that others should do, in order that by every possible means I might convince some of them to trust in Christ.

Plain English Version PEV

Or if I’m with weak people, I become weak too, so they will listen to me. I go to all sorts of people and live like they live. I do everything I can to get them to listen to me, so some of them will believe in Jesus, and God will save them.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 9:22

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Word Study

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1 Corinthians 9:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK εγενομην τοις ασθενεσιν ως ασθενης ινα τους ασθενεις κερδησω τοις πασιν γεγονα τα παντα ινα παντως τινας σωσω

εγενομην ginomai G1096 to be Verb-2ADI-1S

τοις ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DPM

ασθενεσιν asthenēs G772 weak Adj-DPM

ως hōs G5613 as/when Adv

ασθενης asthenēs G772 weak Adj-NSM

ινα hina G2443 in order that/to Conj

τους ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APM

ασθενεις asthenēs G772 weak Adj-APM

κερδησω kerdainō G2770 to gain Verb-AAS-1S

τοις ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DPM

πασιν pas G3956 all Adj-DPM

γεγονα ginomai G1096 to be Verb-2RAI-1S

τα ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NPN

παντα pas G3956 all Adj-NPN

ινα hina G2443 in order that/to Conj

παντως pantōs G3843 surely Adv

τινας tis G5100 one Indef-APM

σωσω sōzō G4982 to save Verb-AAS-1S

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 9:22

εγενομην ginomai G1096 "to be" Verb-2ADI-1S

A versatile word meaning to be, become, or come into being, used in John 1:15 and 1 Corinthians 15:37.

Definition: γίνομαι, Ion. and κοινή for Att. γίγν- (M. Pr., 47; Bl., §6, 8 Mayser, 166 f.), [in LXX chiefly for היה ;] __1. of persons, things occurrences, to come into being, be born, arise, come on: Jhn.1:15 8:58, 1Co.15:37; a first appearance in public, Mrk.1:4, Jhn.1:6, al.; before ἐκ (of birth), Rom.1:3, Gal.4:4; διά, Jhn.1:3; βροντή, Jhn.12:29; σεισμός, Rev.6:12; γογγυσμός, Act.6:1; χαρά, Act.8:8, many other similar exx.; ἡμέρα, Luk.22:66, al.; ὀψέ, Mrk.11:19; πρωΐα, Mat.27:1; νύξ, Act.27:27. __2. Of events, to come to pass, take place, happen: Mat.5:18, Mrk.5:14, Luk.1:20 2:15, Act.4:21, 2Ti.2:18, al.; μὴ γένοιτο [LXX for חָלִילָה, Jhn.22:29, al.], far be it, God forbid: Rom.3:4 (ICC, in l.), 1Co.6:15 and frequently in Pl.; καὶ ἐγένετο, ἐγένετο δέ ([in LXX for וַיְהִי ;] see Burton, 142 f.; M, Pr., 16f.; Dalman, Words, 32 f.; Robertson, Gr., 1042 f.), with indic, Mat.7:28, Luk.1:8, al.; before καί and indic., Luk.8:1, Act.5:7, al.; with accusative and inf., Mrk.2:23, Luk.3:21, al.; ὡς δὲ ἐγένετο, before τοῦ with inf., Act.10:25; with dative of person(s), to befall one: with inf., Act.20:16; with accusative and inf., Act.22:6; with adv., εὖ, Eph.6:3; τ́ ἐγένετο αὐτῷ (Field, Notes, 115), Act.7:40 (LXX); before εἰς, Act.28:6. __3. to be made, done, performed, observed, enacted, ordained, etc.: Mat.6:10 19:8, Mrk.2:27 11:23, Act.19:26, al.; before διά with genitive, Mrk.6:2, Act.2:43; ὑπό, Luk.13:17; ἐκ, Luk.4:23; ἐν, 1Co.9:15; ἀπογραφή, Luk.2:2; ἀνάκρισις Act.25:26; ἄφεσις, Heb.9:22; ὁ νόμος, Gal.3:17; τὸ πάσχα, Mat.26:2. __4. to become, be made, come to be: with pred., Mat.4:3, Luk.4:3, Jhn.2:9, 1Co.13:11, al.; before ὡς, ὡσεί, Mat.10:25, Mrk.9:26; εἰς (M, Pr., 71f.), Mrk.12:1o, al.; with genitive Rev.11:15; id., of age, Luk.2:42; with dative, γ. ἀνδρί ([LXX for הָיָה לְאִישׁ, Rut.1:12, al. ;] see Field, Notes, 156), Rom.7:3, 4; before ἐν, Act.22:17, Rev.1:10, al.; ἐπάνω, Luk.19:19; μετά, with genitive, Mrk.16:[10], Act.9:19; before εἰς, ἐπί (Field, Notes, 135), κατά (ib., 62), with accusative of place, Act.20:16 21:35 27:7, al.; before ἐκ, Mrk.9:7, Luk.3:22, 2Th.2:7, al. Aoristic pf. γέγονα (M, Pr., 52, 145f.; Field, Notes, 1f.), Mat.25:6, Luk.10:36, al. Aor. ἐγενήθη (for ἐγένετο, M, Pr., 139f.; Mayser, 379), Mat.11:23, al. (Cf. απο-, δια-, επι-, παρα-, συμ-, παρα-, προ-.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 637 NT verses. KJV: arise, be assembled, be(-come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, + God forbid, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, X soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought See also: 1 Corinthians 1:30; Acts 5:5; 1 Peter 1:15.

τοις ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ασθενεσιν asthenēs G772 "weak" Adj-DPM

This word describes someone or something that is weak or feeble, lacking physical or moral strength, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:27 and 2 Corinthians 10:10.

Definition: ἀσθενής -ές (ἀ- neg., σθένος, strength), [in LXX for עָנִי, etc. ;] without strength, weak, feeble: 1Co.1:27 4:10 12:22, 2Co.10:10, Gal.4:9, 1Th.5:14, Heb.7:18, 1Pe.3:7. Rhetorically, τό ἀ. τ. θεοῦ, God's action of apparent weakness: 1Co.1:25; of bodily debility, sick, sickly: Mat.25:39 (Rec.) Mat.25:43-44, Luk.9:2 (Rec.) Luk.10:9, Act.4:9 5:15-16 In moral and spiritual sense (MM, see word; Cremer, 526), Mat.26:41, Mrk.14:38, Rom.5:6, 1Co.8:7 8:9-10 9:22 11:30.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 23 NT verses. KJV: more feeble, impotent, sick, without strength, weak(-er, -ness, thing) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:25; Acts 4:9; 1 Peter 3:7.

ως hōs G5613 "as/when" Adv

This word means as or when, showing a comparison or timing. It's used in many verses, like Mark 4:26 and 1 Corinthians 3:15, to show how things are done. It helps explain how or when something happens.

Definition: ὡς, adverbial form of the relative pron. ὅς, ἥ, ὅ. __I. As relat. adv. of manner, as, like as, just as, even as; __1. with a demonstrative, like οὕτως, expressed or understood: οὕτως . . . ὡς, Mrk.4:26, 1Co.3:15, Eph.5:28, Jas.2:12, al.; ὡς . . . οὕτως, Act.8:32, 1Co.7:17, al.; elliptically (sc. οὕτως, οὕτω), with nom., Mat.6:29, al.; with accusative, Mat.19:19, Mrk.12:31, al.; with prep., Mat.26:55, Mrk.14:48, Luk.22:52, Jhn.7:10, al.; with verb., Jhn.15:6, 2Co.3:1, Eph.2:3, 1Th.5:6, al.; with ptcp. (the ptcp. however not having the special force wh. it has in cl.; see Bl., §73, 5; 74, 6), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Heb.13:17, al.; freq implying opinion or belief, Rom.9:32; so esp, with genitive absol., 1Co.4:18, 2Co.5:20, 1Pe.4:12, 2Pe.1:3. __2. Before numerals, about, nearly: Mrk.5:13, Jhn.1:40, Act.5:7, al. __3. Before adjectives and adverbs, how: Rom.10:15 11:33, 1Th.2:10; with superl., ὡς τάχιστα, as quickly as possible, Act.17:15. __II. As conjunction; __1. temporal, __(a) as, when, since: Mrk.9:21 14:72, Luk.1:23, Jhn.2:9, al.; __(b) while, when, as long as: Luk.12:58, Jhn.12:36, Gal.6:10 (Field, Notes, 191); ὡς ἄν (M, Pr., 167, and see: ἄν), Rom.15:24, 1Co.11:34, Php.2:23. __2. Final, in order that; with inf., in order to (M, Pr., 204n), Luk.9:52, Act.20:24, Heb.7:9. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 436 NT verses. KJV: about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed See also: 1 Corinthians 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:3; 1 Peter 1:14.

ασθενης asthenēs G772 "weak" Adj-NSM

This word describes someone or something that is weak or feeble, lacking physical or moral strength, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:27 and 2 Corinthians 10:10.

Usage: Occurs in 23 NT verses. KJV: more feeble, impotent, sick, without strength, weak(-er, -ness, thing) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:25; Acts 4:9; 1 Peter 3:7.

ινα hina G2443 "in order that/to" Conj

This word means 'in order that' or 'to', showing purpose or result, as seen in Acts 19:4 and Romans 11:31. It's used to express a goal or outcome. In Ephesians 1:17, it's used to describe a purpose.

Definition: ἵνα, __I. adverb (poët., Hom., al.), __1. of place, where, whither. __2. of circumstance, when. __II. Conjunction, __1. prop., final, denoting purpose or end (cl.), that, in order that, usually the first word in the clause, but sometimes (cl. also) preceded by an emphatic word (Act.19:4, Rom.11:31 (?), Gal.2:10, al.); __(a) with optative (so in cl. after historic tenses): after a pres., Eph.1:17 (but WH, mg., subjc.; see Burton, §225, Rem., 2); __(b) with subjc.: after a pres., Mrk.4:21, Luk.6:34, Jhn.3:15, Act.2:25, Rom.1:11, al.; after a pf., Mat.1:22, Jhn.5:23 1Co.9:22, al.; after an imperat. (present or aor.), Mat.7:1, Mrk.11:25, Jhn.10:38, 1Co.7:5, al.; after a delib. subjc., Mrk.1:38, al.; after a fut., Luk.16:4, Jhn.14:3, 1Co.15:28, al.; after historic tenses (where optative in cl.; WM, 359f.; M, Pr., 196f.), Mrk.6:41 (impf.), Jhn.4:8 (plpf.), Mrk.3:14 (aor.), al.; __(with) in late writers (M, Pr., 35; Burton, §§198, 199), with indic., fut: Luk.20:10, 1Pe.3:1, al.; __(d) as often in eccl. writers (Thayer, see word), with indic. pres.: 1Co.4:6, Gal.4:17, al. (?; but V. Burton, §198, Rem.); __(e) εἰς (διὰ) τοῦτο, ἵνα: Jhn.18:37, 1Ti.1:16, al.; τούτου χάριν, Tit.1:5; __(f) elliptical constructions: omission of the principal verb, Jhn.1:8, 2Th.3:9, 1Jn.2:19, al.; of the final verb, Rom.4:16, 2Co.8:13, al. __2. In late writers, definitive, = inf. (WM, 420; Bl, §69, 1), that; __(a) after verbs of wishing, caring, striving, etc.: θέλω, Mat.7:12, al.; ζητῶ, 1Co.4:2 14:12; ζηλόω, 1Co.14:1, al.; __(b) after verbs of saying, asking, exhorting: εἰπεῖν, Mat.4:3, al.; ἐρωτῶ, Mrk.7:26, al.; παρακαλῶ, Mat.14:36, 1Co.1:10, al., etc.; __(with) after words expressing expediency, etc.: συμφέρει, Mat.18:6, Jhn.11:50, al.; ἱκανός, Mat.8:8, Luk.7:6; χρείαν ἔχω, Jhn.2:25, al, etc.; __(d) after substantives, adding further definition: ὥρα, Jhn.12:23 13:1; χρόνος, Rev.2:21; συνήθεια, Jhn.18:39; μισθός, 1Co.9:18. __3. In late writers, ecbatic, denoting the result, = ὥστε, that, so that (M, Pr., 206ff.; WM, 572; Bl., §69, 3; Burton, §223): Rom.11:11, 1Co.7:29, 1Th.5:4, al. (but see Thayer, see word); so with the formula referring to the fulfilment of prophecy, ἵνα πληρωθῇ, Mat.1:22 2:14, Jhn.13:18, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 626 NT verses. KJV: albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Timothy 5:20; 1 Peter 1:7.

τους ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-APM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ασθενεις asthenēs G772 "weak" Adj-APM

This word describes someone or something that is weak or feeble, lacking physical or moral strength, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:27 and 2 Corinthians 10:10.

Usage: Occurs in 23 NT verses. KJV: more feeble, impotent, sick, without strength, weak(-er, -ness, thing) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:25; Acts 4:9; 1 Peter 3:7.

κερδησω kerdainō G2770 "to gain" Verb-AAS-1S

To gain something, like in Matthew 25:16-17, means to get or acquire it, and can also mean to save oneself from something.

Definition: κερδαίνω [in Sm.: Job.22:3 * ;] to gain: with accusative, Mat.25:16-17, 20 25:22; τ. κόσμον, Mat.16:26, Mrk.8:36, Luk.9:25; absol., to make profit, get gain: Jas.4:13. Metaphorical, with accusative of thing(s), to save oneself from, avoid: Act.27:21 (Field, Notes, 145); with accusative of person(s), to gain, win: Mat.18:15, 1Co.9:19-22, Php.3:8; pass., 1Pe.3:1.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 15 NT verses. KJV: (get) gain, win See also: 1 Corinthians 9:19; Luke 9:25; 1 Peter 3:1.

τοις ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

πασιν pas G3956 "all" Adj-DPM

This word means all or every, as in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 7:8, where it refers to everything or all people, emphasizing the universal nature of God's message.

Definition: πᾶς, πᾶσα, πᾶν, genitive, παντός, πάσης, παντός, [in LXX chiefly for כֹּל ;] all, every. __I. As adj., __1. with subst. anarth., all, every, of every kind: Mat.3:10 4:23, Mrk.9:49, Luk.4:37, Jhn.2:1o, Act.27:20, Rom.7:8, Rev.18:17, al. mult.; pl., all, Act.22:15, Rom.5:12, Heb.1:6, al.; of the highest degree, π. ἐξουσία (προθυμία, χαρά), Mat.28:18, Act.17:11, Phi 2:29, al.; also the whole (though in this sense more frequently with art.), Mat.2:3, Act.2:36, Rom.11:26. __2. C. art. (before the art., after the noun, or, denoting totality, between the art. and noun), all, whole: Mat.8:32 13:2, Mrk.5:33, Luk.1:10, Act.7:14, Rom.3:19, Gal.5:14, Eph.4:16, al.; pl., Mat.2:4, Mrk.4:13, Rom.1:5, al. __II. As pron., __1. masc. and fem., every one: Mrk.9:49, Luk.16:16, Heb.2:9; before rel. pron., Mat.7:24, Act.2:21, Gal.3:10, al.; with ptcp. (anarth.), Mat.13:19, Luk.11:4; with ptcp. (with art.), Mat.5:22, Mrk.7:8, Luk.6:47, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:16, al.; pl., πάντες, absol., all, all men, Mat.10:22, Mrk.13:13, Luk.20:38, Jhn.1:7 3:26, 1Co.8:1, al.; οἱ π. (collectively, as a definite whole), Rom.11:32, 1Co.1:17, Eph.4:13, al.; π. οἱ (ὅσοι), Mat.4:24, Mrk.1:32, Luk.4:40, al. __2. Neut., __(a) sing., πᾶν, everything, all: πᾶν τό, with ptcp., 1Co.10:25, 27, Eph.5:13, 1Jn.2:16 5:4 (sc. ὄν); πᾶν ὅ, Jhn.17:2, Rom.14:23; collectively, of persons (Westc., in l.), Jhn.6:37, 39; with prep., in adverbial phrases, διὰ παντός, always, Mat.18:10, al.; ἐν παντί, in everything, in every way, 2Co.4:8, Phi 4:6, al.; __(b) pl., πάτνα, all things: absol., Jhn.1:3, 1Co.2:10, Heb.2:8, al.; of certain specified things, Mrk.4:34, Luk.1:3, Rom.8:28, 1Th.5:21, al.; accusative, πάντα, adverbially, wholly, in all things, in all respects, Act.20:35, 1Co.9:25, al.; with art., τὰ π., all things (a totality, as distinct from anarth. πάντα, all things severally; cf. Westc, Eph., 186f.), absol.: Rom.11:36, 1Co.8:6, Eph.3:9, Heb.1:3, al.; relatively, Mrk.4:11, Act.17:25, Rom.8:32, al.; πάντα, with ptcp., Mat.18:31, al.; πάντα ταῦτα (ταῦτα π.), Mat.6:32, 33, al.; πάντα, with prep, in adverbial phrases, πρὸ πάντων, above all things, Jas.5:12, 1Pe.4:8; ἐν π́, in all things, in all ways, 1Ti.3:11, 1Pe.4:11, al.; κατὰ πάντα, in all respects, Act.17:22, al. __3. C. neg., πᾶς οὐ (μή) = οὐδείς, see: οὐ and μή, and cf. M, Pr., 245f. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1080 NT verses. KJV: all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Peter 1:15.

γεγονα ginomai G1096 "to be" Verb-2RAI-1S

A versatile word meaning to be, become, or come into being, used in John 1:15 and 1 Corinthians 15:37.

τα ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NPN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

παντα pas G3956 "all" Adj-NPN

This word means all or every, as in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 7:8, where it refers to everything or all people, emphasizing the universal nature of God's message.

ινα hina G2443 "in order that/to" Conj

This word means 'in order that' or 'to', showing purpose or result, as seen in Acts 19:4 and Romans 11:31. It's used to express a goal or outcome. In Ephesians 1:17, it's used to describe a purpose.

Usage: Occurs in 626 NT verses. KJV: albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Timothy 5:20; 1 Peter 1:7.

παντως pantōs G3843 "surely" Adv

Surely means something is definitely true or will happen, like in Luke 4:23 where Jesus says he will surely do something.

Definition: πάντως adv. (πάς), [in LXX: 4Ki.5:11 (see Thackeray, Gr., 47), Tob.14:8, al. ;] altogether, by all means; __(a) without neg. (from Hdt. on) : 1Co.16:12; esp. in strong affirmations, surely, at all events: Luk.4:23, Act.21:22 28:4, 1Co.9:10; __(b) with neg. (so always in mom.), in a complete negation: Rom.3:9; in a partial negation (Bl., § 75, 7), 1Co.5:10.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 9 NT verses. KJV: by all means, altogether, at all, needs, no doubt, in (no) wise, surely See also: 1 Corinthians 5:10; Acts 18:21; Romans 3:9.

τινας tis G5100 "one" Indef-APM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing in a general sense, as seen in Luke 9:49 and John 11:1. It can mean someone, anyone, or anything. This term is often used to describe an unspecified individual or object.

Definition: τις, neut., τι, genitive, τινός, enclitic indefinite pron., related to interrog. τίς as πού, πως, ποτέ to ποῦ, πῶς, πότε. __I. As subst., __1. one, a certain one: Luk.9:49, Jhn.11:1, Act.5:25, al.; pl., τίνες, certain, some: Luk.13:1, Act.15:1, Rom.3:8, al. __2. someone, anyone, something, anything: Mat.12:29, Mrk.9:30, Luk.8:46, Jhn.2:25, Act.17:25, Rom.5:7, al.; = indef., one (French on), Mrk.8:4, Jhn.2:25, Rom.8:24, al.; pl., τινες, some, Mrk.14:4, al. __II. II. As adj., __1. a certain: Mat.18:12, Luk.1:5 8:27, Act.3:2, al.; with proper names, Mrk.15:21, Luk.23:26, al.; with genitive partit., Luk.7:19, al. __2. some: Mrk.16:[8], Jhn.5:14, Act.17:21 24:24, Heb.11:40, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 490 NT verses. KJV: a (kind of), any (man, thing, thing at all), certain (thing), divers, he (every) man, one (X thing), ought, + partly, some (man, -body, - thing, -what), (+ that no-)thing, what(-soever), X wherewith, whom(-soever), whose(-soever) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:15; 2 Corinthians 12:17; 1 Peter 2:19.

σωσω sōzō G4982 "to save" Verb-AAS-1S

To save or deliver someone from harm, like Jesus saving people from sin. It can also mean to heal or protect, as in Matthew 8:25 and Mark 13:20.

Definition: σώζω (on the more accurate σῴζω, see WH, Intr., §410; Bl., §3, 1-3), [in LXX chiefly for ישׁע hi., also for מלט ni., נצל ni., etc. ;] to save from peril, injury or suffering: Mat.8:25, Mrk.13:20, Luk.23:35, al.; τ. ψυχήν, Mat.16:25, al.; before ἐκ, Jhn.12:27, Heb.5:7, Ju 5; of healing, restoring to health: Mat.9:22, Mrk.5:34, al. In NT, esp. of salvation from spiritual disease and death, in which sense it is "spoken of in Scripture as either (1) past, (2) present, or (3) future, according as redemption, grace, or glory is the point in view. Thus (1) Rom.8:24, Eph.2:5, 8 2Ti.1:9, Tit.3:5; (2) Act.2:47, 1Co.1:18, 15:2, 2Co.2:15; (3) Mat.10:22, Rom.13:11, Php.2:12, Heb.9:28" (Vau. on Rom.5:9). Seq. ἀπό, Mat.1:21, Act.2:40, Rom.5:9; ἐκ, Jas.5:20, Ju 23 (cf. Cremer, 532ff.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 102 NT verses. KJV: heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole See also: 1 Corinthians 1:18; Luke 8:12; 1 Peter 3:21.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 9:22

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Corinthians 9:22 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 9:22
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 9:22
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:22
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:22
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:22
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:22
Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 9:22
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 9:22
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:22
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 9:22

Context — Paul the Servant to All

20To 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. 21To 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.

22To 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.

23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings. 24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Corinthians 10:33	as I also try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.
2	Romans 15:1	We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
3	1 Corinthians 9:19	Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
4	Romans 11:14	in the hope that I may provoke my own people to jealousy and save some of them.
5	Galatians 6:1	Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
6	1 Corinthians 8:13	Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to stumble.
7	1 Corinthians 7:16	How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?
8	2 Corinthians 11:29	Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with grief?

1 Corinthians 9:22 Summary

[This verse means that Paul was willing to adapt and change his approach to reach different kinds of people with the gospel, as long as it didn't compromise his faith. He wanted to be able to relate to people and understand their struggles, like Jesus did in Matthew 9:10-13. By becoming all things to all people, Paul hoped to save some and bring them to Jesus, as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:23. This is an important principle for us to follow today, as we seek to share the love of God with those around us.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to become weak to win the weak?

According to 1 Corinthians 9:22, becoming weak to win the weak means being willing to identify with and understand those who are struggling, as seen in Jesus' ministry to the marginalized and oppressed in Luke 15:1-7 and Matthew 9:10-13.

Is becoming all things to all people a form of hypocrisy?

No, as explained in 1 Corinthians 9:22, becoming all things to all people is about being a servant to all, as Jesus demonstrated in Philippians 2:5-8, and is motivated by a desire to save some, not to deceive or manipulate others.

How can we apply this principle in our daily lives?

We can apply this principle by being willing to listen, learn, and adapt to the needs of those around us, as seen in 1 Peter 3:8-12, and by being motivated by a desire to share the gospel and bring people to Jesus, as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:23.

Does this mean we should compromise our values and beliefs?

No, as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:21, Paul makes it clear that he is not outside the law of God but is under the law of Christ, indicating that our adaptability should not lead to compromise on essential biblical truths, as emphasized in Jude 1:3 and 2 Timothy 4:2.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways you can become more like those around you in order to share the gospel with them?
How can you balance being adaptable with standing firm on essential biblical truths?
What are some potential risks or challenges of becoming all things to all people, and how can you mitigate them?
How can you cultivate a servant-hearted attitude, like Paul's, in your daily interactions with others?
What does it mean to 'save some' in the context of 1 Corinthians 9:22, and how can you be a part of that process in your own community?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 9:22

To the weak became I as weak,.... That is, to weak Christians, who were weak in faith, and had not such clear knowledge of Gospel liberty, and therefore scrupled the eating of some sorts of meat, and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:22

To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak; to those that I observed weak in knowledge and faith, who had not such a firm persuasion of the lawfulness of some things, (suppose circumcision, purifyings required by the law of Moses, &c.), I became as weak, that is, I yielded to them; and the things being to me matters of liberty, which I knew I might do, or not do, and be no transgressor of God’ s law, they being not able to comply with me, I complied with them, abating my liberty to gratify their consciences; though I knew that it was weakness in them, yet I indulged it, and made my more knowledge serve them in their weakness, so that I might not lose them. I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some; thus, that I might be an instrument in any degree to save them, according to the various persuasions of several Christians I behaved myself towards them; doing nothing to gratify them, by doing of which I knew, or had the least jealousy, I should offend God; but not refusing any thing, either as to doing or forbearing, (which by the law of God I saw I might do or forbear), where I saw the least hopes, by such doing or forbearing, to do the souls of those good, in order to their eternal salvation, with whom I was, and for whose sake I so did, or forbore any thing. Oh the humility and charity of this great apostle! What an example hath he set to all! For none can pretend to a greater superiority over men, as to spiritual things, than he unquestionably had.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:22

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. Ver. 22. To the weak] Not pressing upon them the austerities of religion, but condescending and complying with them, as far as I could with a good conscience. That I might save some] This is the highest honour in the world, to have any hand in the saving of souls. Let all of an ability put forth themselves hereunto; and if they have not fine manchet, yet give the poor people barley bread, or whatsoever else the Lord hath committed unto them, as Bucer bade Bradford. (Acts and Mon.)

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:22

(22) To the weak.—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 1 Corinthians 9:20, 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.” I am made all things to all. . . .—Better, I am become all things to all men that I should save at least some. 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 all.” 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 1 Corinthians 7:16, 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.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:22

Verse 22. To 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 the manner in which he pursued that end. It was not to get money, influence, or honour, but to save SOULS! It was not to get ease but to increase his labours. It was not to save his life, but rather that it should be a sacrifice for the good of immortal souls! A parallel saying to this of St. Paul has been quoted from Achilles Tatius, lib. v., cap. xix., where Clitophon says, on having received a letter from Leucippe: Τουτοιςεντυχωνπανταεγινομηνὁμου, ανεφλεγομην, ωχριων, εθαυμαζον, ηπιστουν, εχαιρον, ηχθομην· "When I read the contents, I became all things at once; I was inflamed, I grew pale, I was struck with wonder; I doubted, I rejoiced, became sad." The same form of speech is frequent among Greek writers. I think this casts some light on the apostle's meaning. That I might by all means save some.] On this clause there are some very important readings found in the MSS. and versions. Instead of παντωςτιναςσωσω, that I might by all means save some; πανταςσωσω, that I might save all, is the reading of DEFG, Syriac, Vulgate, AEthiopic, all the Itala, and several of the fathers. This reading Bishop Pearce prefers, because it is more agreeable to St. Paul's meaning here, and exactly agrees with what he says, 1 Corinthians 10:33, and makes his design more extensive and noble. Wakefield also prefers this reading.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 9:22

22. To the weak became I as weak] i.e. by an affectionate condescension to their prejudices (ch. 1 Corinthians 8:13; cf. Romans 15:1; 2 Corinthians 11:29).I am made (literally, become) all things to all men] Not in the sense of sacrifice of principle, but by the operation of a wide reaching sympathy, which enabled him, without compromising his own convictions, to approach all men from their most accessible side. See notes on 1 Corinthians 9:20-21, and ch. 1 Corinthians 10:32.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 9:22

To 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

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:22

22. To the weak—The weak in faith, of which the weaklings of Romans 14, where see notes, and 1 Corinthians 8:10, are classes.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 9:22

	Sermon	Description
	(Biographies) Athanasius by John Piper	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the gospel in a way that challenges and transforms people's understanding. He cautions against simply presentin
	Road to Reality - When We Have Failed, What Next? - Part 2 by K.P. Yohannan	In this sermon, K. P. Johannon discusses the importance of being concerned for the lost world and sharing the message of Jesus. He emphasizes that the greatest enemy is not the dev
	How to Get a Canadian to Love You (Comedy) by George Verwer	George Verwer shares a humorous and engaging experience from a youth meeting in Vancouver, where he connected with Canadian youth by embracing his identity as an American and using
	Is It Ok to Have a Beer as a Christian? by Bob Jennings	This sermon discusses the balance between being 'all things to all men' and maintaining biblical principles, particularly in the context of engaging in activities like pub theology
	The Double Portion / the Baptism of the Spirit by William P. Nicholson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being chosen by God to do His work, even if one feels insignificant or weak. He uses the analogy of wearing multiple layer
	Qualifications for Spiritual Leadership - Part 2 by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the qualities of a true leader. He highlights the importance of brokenness and humility in leadership, contrasting it with the ambition and s
	Just Following Jesus (P3) by K.P. Yohannan	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living as Jesus lived. He references Matthew's Gospel chapter nine, highlighting Jesus' compassion for the suffering and ab