Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 9:23

What does 1 Corinthians 9:23 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 9:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 9:23 means

Paul declares that he does everything for the gospel’s sake, aiming to be a joint participant in its blessings. He wants to share not only in proclaiming the message but also in the fruit it brings—people saved, churches strengthened, and the eternal reward God promises. This keeps his methods from becoming mere pragmatism. The gospel itself governs his choices, and the joy of partnership with Christ’s work sustains his sacrifices. He is not trying to win favor with everyone; he is trying to win people to Christ. His single‑minded purpose orders his freedoms under the higher good of the gospel.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And I do all things for the cause of the good news, so that I may have a part in it.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And this I do because of the good news, that a fellow-partaker of it I may become;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And I do all things for the gospel's sake, that I may be made partaker thereof.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And I do all things for the sake of the glad tidings, that I may be fellow-partaker with them.

Context

This sentence sums up the motive behind Paul’s flexibility. Verse 23 ties his practices to the gospel’s progress and to his desire to share in its benefits. With his purpose clear, Paul will shift in verses 24–27 to athletic metaphors that illustrate the discipline required to live this way. The imagery of running and boxing will encourage the Corinthians to pursue focused, self‑controlled lives that aim at the imperishable prize God promises.

v.22To 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.

v.23This passage

v.24Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 9:25

    And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

  • Galatians 2:5

    to whom we gave place in the way of subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

  • Hebrews 3:1

    Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, evenJesus;

  • Hebrews 3:14

    for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end:

  • 2 Timothy 2:6

    The husbandman that laboreth must be the first to partake of the fruits.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:12

    If others partake of this right over you, do not we yet more? Nevertheless we did not use this right; but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.

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