King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 9:22 Mean?

1 Corinthians 9:22 in the King James Version says “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 sav...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

1 Corinthians 9:22 · KJV

Salvation

Context

20

And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

21

To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

22

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.

23

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

24

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all , but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

Read 1 Corinthians 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: Paul circles back to chapter 8's concern—the "weak" in conscience who fear idol-meat defiles them (8:7-13). Though Paul knows idols are nothing (8:4), he voluntarily limits his freedom to avoid causing the weak to stumble. This is the chapter's central application: Paul practices what he preaches. He is the "strong" who becomes "weak" for others' sake.

I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. This famous statement summarizes Paul's missionary philosophy: maximum cultural flexibility to maximize gospel fruit. "All things to all men" is not doctrinal compromise (Paul anathematizes false gospels, Gal 1:8-9) but cultural adaptability. Paul adjusts secondary matters—language, customs, food, dress—while holding firm on gospel essentials. The goal is clear: "save some" (Greek sōzō, σώζω). Paul is willing to endure personal inconvenience, cultural awkwardness, and financial hardship if even a few more are saved.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Greco-Roman world was radically pluralistic—dozens of ethnicities, languages, religions, and customs coexisted in cities like Corinth. Missionaries had to navigate Jewish synagogues, Greek philosophical schools, Roman civic religion, and mystery cults. Paul's adaptive strategy allowed him to engage all groups without unnecessary cultural offense, focusing attention on the scandal of the cross itself.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does "all things to all men" apply to cross-cultural missions and contextualized ministry today?
  2. What are examples of cultural flexibility versus doctrinal compromise in your own context?
  3. How does Paul's goal ("save some") shape priorities in ministry and personal evangelism?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
γέγονα1 of 18

“I am made”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

τοῖς2 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀσθενεῖς3 of 18

“To the weak”

G772

strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)

ὡς4 of 18

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἀσθενεῖς5 of 18

“To the weak”

G772

strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)

ἵνα6 of 18

“men that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

τοὺς7 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀσθενεῖς8 of 18

“To the weak”

G772

strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)

κερδήσω·9 of 18

“I might gain”

G2770

to gain (literally or figuratively)

τοῖς10 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πάντα11 of 18

“all things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

γέγονα12 of 18

“I am made”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

τὰ13 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πάντα14 of 18

“all things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἵνα15 of 18

“men that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

πάντως16 of 18

“by all means”

G3843

entirely; specially, at all events, (with negative, following) in no event

τινὰς17 of 18

“some”

G5100

some or any person or object

σώσω18 of 18

“I might”

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 9:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 9:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 10:33Romans 15:11 Corinthians 9:19Romans 11:14Galatians 6:11 Corinthians 8:13

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