1 Corinthians 9 19

1 Corinthians 9:19 kjv

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

1 Corinthians 9:19 nkjv

For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more;

1 Corinthians 9:19 niv

Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.

1 Corinthians 9:19 esv

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.

1 Corinthians 9:19 nlt

Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.

1 Corinthians 9 verses

1 Corinthians 9 19 Meaning

Paul, though possessing complete spiritual liberty and the right to financial support as an apostle, chose voluntarily to surrender his personal freedoms and preferences. He deliberately made himself a "slave" to everyone, adapting his conduct and forfeiting his personal rights for a singular, overarching purpose: to make the message of the gospel accessible to as many people as possible, thereby leading them to faith in Christ. This verse highlights radical self-sacrifice for the sake of evangelism and the edification of others.

1 Corinthians 9 19 Context

This verse sits within Paul’s extended defense of his apostolic ministry and the principles governing Christian freedom and responsibility, particularly in chapters 8-10 of 1 Corinthians. Chapter 9 specifically addresses Paul's rights as an apostle (to material support from the churches, to marry, etc.), but he asserts that he intentionally refrained from exercising many of these legitimate rights. His main purpose in foregoing these rights, including his financial freedom, was not out of weakness or compulsion, but as a deliberate strategic choice to remove any potential barrier to the spread of the gospel. This section flows directly from the discussion in Chapter 8 concerning "food sacrificed to idols," where he emphasizes that knowledge without love can cause a brother to stumble. Paul uses his own conduct as a primary example of how one's Christian liberty should be constrained by love and the greater good of others, especially for the purpose of winning souls for Christ. He argues against any belief system or personal assertion of rights that hinders the advancement of the gospel or causes a weaker brother to fall.

1 Corinthians 9 19 Word analysis

• For though I am free:

  • "For" (γάρ - gar): Connects to the previous idea, introducing an explanation or a reason.
  • "though I am free" (ἐλεύθερος γὰρ ὢν - eleutheros gar ōn):
    • ἐλεύθερος (eleutheros): Means "free," "unrestricted," "at liberty." Paul highlights his complete personal and spiritual freedom in Christ, including the freedom from obligation to any specific person or institution for his livelihood. He had every right to financial support as an apostle.
    • Significance: Paul's renunciation of rights is not from compulsion but from a position of absolute liberty. This underscores the voluntary, intentional nature of his self-abasement.

• from all:

  • "from all" (ἐκ πάντων - ek pantōn):
    • ἐκ (ek): From, out of.
    • πάντων (pantōn): "All" (genitive plural). Refers to all people, or all things, implying Paul is free from the control, demands, or financial obligation to any person or group.
    • Significance: Emphasizes the comprehensiveness of his freedom – he was independent and unconstrained by anyone.

• I have made myself a servant:

  • "I have made myself a servant" (ἐμαυτὸν ἐδούλωσα - emauton edoulōsa):
    • ἐμαυτὸν (emauton): Myself, emphasizes the volitional, active, and personal nature of his decision. This was not imposed on him.
    • ἐδούλωσα (edoulōsa): Aorist active indicative of douloō, meaning "to enslave" or "to make a slave." Derived from doulos (slave, bond-servant). This is a strong and paradoxical term given the preceding "free." It denotes a deliberate, complete, and binding surrender of one's own will and rights, taking on the posture and service of a slave.
    • Significance: This is the core paradox of the verse. From total freedom, Paul willingly chooses radical servitude. It’s a deliberate act of humility and submission to others for the sake of the gospel, sacrificing his "rights" and adapting his methods.

• to all:

  • "to all" (πᾶσιν - pasin):
    • πᾶσιν (pasin): Dative plural of pas, meaning "all, everyone." Corresponds to the "from all" but in a different relationship. It refers to all types of people, Jew or Gentile, strong or weak in faith, as further explained in verses 20-22.
    • Significance: Paul's voluntary submission was universal in its scope, adapting himself to people from all backgrounds and persuasions to bridge cultural, social, or religious divides.

• that I might win:

  • "that I might win" (ἵνα τοὺς πλείους κερδήσω - hina tous pleious kerdēsō):
    • ἵνα (hina): Introduces a purpose clause, "in order that," "so that." It highlights the clear, singular aim behind his self-enslavement.
    • κερδήσω (kerdēsō): Aorist active subjunctive of kerdainō, meaning "to gain," "to profit," "to acquire," or "to win." In this context, it is not financial gain but the spiritual "profit" of leading people to salvation or securing them in their faith.
    • Significance: The entire action of self-sacrifice is strictly purposeful, aimed at the ultimate spiritual benefit of others – their conversion or strengthened faith in Christ. This is not for personal merit or fame.

• more of them:

  • "more of them" (τοὺς πλείους - tous pleious):
    • τοὺς πλείους (tous pleious): "The greater number," "the more (of them)." Not just "some" but an abundance.
    • Significance: Paul’s desire was for a widespread impact, aiming to bring as many people as possible into the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, extending the reach of the gospel to the broadest possible audience.

1 Corinthians 9 19 Bonus section

Paul's actions described in this verse exemplify a core theological concept: agape love in action. It’s not just about what is permissible, but what is profitable and edifying for others. His "self-enslavement" for others finds its ultimate paradigm in Jesus Christ, who, though free and divine, took on the form of a servant (Phil 2:7) for the salvation of humanity. This verse directly challenges any Christian individualism that prioritizes personal "rights" or freedoms above the advancement of the gospel or the spiritual welfare of others. It implies a practical call for humility, empathy, and strategic self-denial in all interactions, with the constant aim of connecting people to God.

1 Corinthians 9 19 Commentary

1 Corinthians 9:19 presents a profound paradox at the heart of Christian ministry: the exercise of genuine freedom is expressed in radical self-denial for the sake of others. Paul, an apostle of Christ, possessed ultimate spiritual liberty and valid apostolic rights, including the right to financial support and unhindered personal choices. Yet, he voluntarily and decisively relinquished these entitlements. He deliberately adopted the posture of a "slave" (doulos), subjecting his personal preferences, privileges, and even legitimate rights to the needs and sensitivities of those he sought to reach.

This was not a loss of freedom, but its highest expression—using liberty to serve rather than be served. Paul’s self-enslavement was entirely motivated by an intense evangelistic and pastoral passion: "that I might win more of them." "To win" (kerdainō) means to gain, not just numerically, but to secure souls for Christ, bringing them into saving relationship with Him or strengthening them in their faith. It highlights the primary goal of the gospel: to bring people into relationship with God, valuing others' salvation above personal convenience or perceived rights. This principle transcends mere cultural adaptation, urging believers to be truly flexible and willing to sacrifice personal entitlements if doing so removes barriers to the gospel and enables more people to hear and embrace the message of Christ.