19 For although I[a] am free from all people, I have enslaved myself to all, in order that I may gain more. 20 I have become like a Jew to the Jews, in order that I may gain the Jews. To those under the law I became as under the law (although I[b] myself am not under the law) in order that I may gain those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as outside the law (although I[c] am not outside the law of God, but subject to the law of Christ) in order that I may gain those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, in order that I may gain the weak. I have become all things to all people, in order that by all means I may save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, in order that I may become a participant with it.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 9:19 Here “although” is supplied as a component of the participle (“am”) which is understood as concessive
  2. 1 Corinthians 9:20 Here “although” is supplied as a component of the participle (“am”) which is understood as concessive
  3. 1 Corinthians 9:21 Here “although” is supplied as a component of the participle (“am”) which is understood as concessive

Paul’s Use of His Freedom

19 Though I am free(A) and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone,(B) to win as many as possible.(C) 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews.(D) To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law),(E) so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law(F) (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law),(G) so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.(H) I have become all things to all people(I) so that by all possible means I might save some.(J) 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

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