1 Corinthians 9:22
Parallel Verses
New International Version
To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.


English Standard Version
To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.


New American Standard Bible
To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.


King James Bible
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.


Holman Christian Standard Bible
To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some.


International Standard Version
To the weak I became weak in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some of them.


American Standard Version
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.


Douay-Rheims Bible
To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak. I became all things to all men, that I might save all.


Darby Bible Translation
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.


Young's Literal Translation
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.


Commentaries
9:15-23 It is the glory of a minister to deny himself, that he may serve Christ and save souls. But when a minister gives up his right for the sake of the gospel, he does more than his charge and office demands. By preaching the gospel, freely, the apostle showed that he acted from principles of zeal and love, and thus enjoyed much comfort and hope in his soul. And though he looked on the ceremonial law as a yoke taken off by Christ, yet he submitted to it, that he might work upon the Jews, do away their prejudices, prevail with them to hear the gospel, and win them over to Christ. Though he would transgress no laws of Christ, to please any man, yet he would accommodate himself to all men, where he might do it lawfully, to gain some. Doing good was the study and business of his life; and, that he might reach this end, he did not stand on privileges. We must carefully watch against extremes, and against relying on any thing but trust in Christ alone. We must not allow errors or faults, so as to hurt others, or disgrace the gospel.

22. gain the weak—that is, establish, instead of being a stumbling-block to inexperienced Christians (1Co 8:7) Ro 14:1, "Weak in the faith." Alford thinks the "weak" are not Christians at all, for these have been already "won"; but those outside the Church, who are yet "without strength" to believe (Ro 5:6). But when "weak" Christians are by the condescending love of stronger brethren kept from falling from faith, they are well said to be "gained" or won.

by all means … some—The gain of even "some" is worth the expenditure of "all means." He conformed himself to the feelings of each in the several classes, that out of them all he might gain some.

1 Corinthians 9:21
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