Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 9:19

What does 1 Corinthians 9:19 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 9:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 9:19 means

Though free from human ownership and not bound to any party, Paul willingly makes himself a servant to everyone in order to win as many as possible. His freedom enables true service; he is not driven by fear or favoritism but by the aim of saving people. He adapts without surrendering truth, taking the posture most likely to open a door for the gospel. This verse reveals Paul’s heart: liberty in Christ is not for self‑indulgence but for mission. He measures his choices by their evangelistic fruit, counting it gain to bend his preferences so that others might come to faith.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For though I was free from all men, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For though I was free from all men, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For though I was free from all men, I made myself a servant to all, so that more might have salvation.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for being free from all men, to all men I made myself servant, that the more I might gain;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For whereas I was free as to all, I made myself the servant of all, that I might gain the more.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For being free from all, I have made myself bondman to all, that I might gain the most [possible].

Context

With his financial renunciation explained, Paul applies the same principle to all of life. Verse 19 states the general method: voluntary servanthood to advance the gospel. The next verses (20–22) will supply concrete applications to Jews, those under the law, those without the law, and the weak. Verse 23 will then summarize the motive for this flexible approach—doing all for the gospel’s sake so as to share in its blessings.

v.18What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel without charge, so as not to use to the full my right in the gospel.

v.19This passage

v.20And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, not being myself under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 15:2

    Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, unto edifying.

  • Matthew 18:15

    And if thy brother sin against thee, go, show him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

  • Galatians 5:1

    For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:33

    even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved.

  • 2 Timothy 2:10

    Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

  • 1 Timothy 4:16

    Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee.

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