Bible Strands
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers while defending his apostolic authority and explaining his right to financial support. He clarifies that his voluntary relinquishment of those rights serves his missionary strategy rather than diminishing his status.
The words — The text contrasts Ἐλεύθερος (Eleutheros), meaning free, with ἐδούλωσα (edoulōsa), meaning I became a slave. Paul states he is free from obligation to all, yet actively makes himself a servant to everyone.
The thread — This theme of voluntary service appears in Galatians 5:13, which warns against using freedom as an opportunity for the flesh but calls believers to serve one another. It also echoes 1 Corinthians 10:33, where Paul states he seeks not his own good but the good of many to save them.
Why it lands — The verse requires readers to examine whether they treat spiritual privileges as personal rights or as tools for others' benefit. It demands a practical shift from claiming autonomy to exercising restraint for the sake of a specific goal.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
Cross-references
- Galatians 5:13 For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.
- Matthew 18:15 If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.
- 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.
- James 5:19 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back,
- Matthew 20:26 It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
- 1 Timothy 4:16 Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
- 1 Corinthians 9:20 To 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.
- 2 Timothy 2:10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
- Romans 15:2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
- 2 Corinthians 4:5 For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.