1 Corinthians 9:19
17 If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility.
18 What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it.
Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
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.
21 To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law.
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
- KJV
- For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
- WEB
- For though I was free from all, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more.
- ASV
- For though I was free from all [men,] I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more.
- DARBY
- For being free from all, I have made myself bondman to all, that I might gain the most [possible].
- BLB
- For being free from all, I myself became a slave to all, so that I might gain the more.
- ÅB
- For om jeg enn er fri fra alle, har jeg dog selv gjort meg til tjener for alle, for å vinne de fleste,
- OTB
- For selv om jeg er fri fra alle mennesker, har jeg gjort meg til en tjener for alle, for at jeg kan vinne flere.
- B1930
- For om jeg enn er fri fra alle, har jeg dog selv gjort mig til tjener for alle, for å vinne de fleste,
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
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.
Read in contextMatthew 18:15
If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.
Read in context1 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.
Read in contextJames 5:19–20
My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back,
Read in contextMatthew 20:26–28
It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
Read in context1 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.
Read in context2 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.
Read in context1 Corinthians 9:20–22
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.
Read in context