Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 9:22

What does 1 Corinthians 9:22 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 9:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 9:22 means

Paul says he became “weak” to reach the weak—those with tender consciences or limited understanding. He would gladly limit his own freedoms to avoid wounding them. His famous line, “I am become all things to all men,” captures his radical willingness to adapt in every lawful way so that, by every means, he might save some. He knows he cannot save all; salvation is God’s work. But humanly speaking, he will remove every needless barrier. His flexibility is purposeful and pastoral, focused on the eternal good of people rather than on his own preferences or rights.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

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.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I became to the weak, [as] weak, in order that I might gain the weak. To all I have become all things, in order that at all events I might save some.

Context

After addressing Jews and Gentiles, Paul includes the weak—likely those sensitive about practices like food and days. Verse 22 gathers all the examples under one motive: winning people to salvation. This does not dilute the gospel; it amplifies love’s creativity in bringing the gospel near. In verse 23 he will state explicitly that the gospel’s advance is the reason for all this adaptation and that he seeks to share fully in its blessings.

v.21to them that are without law, as without law, not being without law to God, but under law to Christ, that I might gain them that are without law.

v.22This passage

v.23And I do all things for the gospel’s sake, that I may be a joint partaker thereof.

Cross references

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

  • Galatians 6:1

    Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

  • 1 Corinthians 8:13

    Wherefore, if meat causeth my brother to stumble, I will eat no flesh for evermore, that I cause not my brother to stumble.

  • 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.

  • Romans 11:14

    if by any means I may provoke to jealousy them that are my flesh, and may save some of them.

  • Romans 15:1

    Now we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:16

    For how knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O husband, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Corinthians 9

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Corinthians 9.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to 1 Corinthians 9:22.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary