BibleWord.ai› Bible› 1 Corinthians› Chapter 9› Verse 19

1 Corinthians 9:19

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 9:19 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For though I was free from all [men,] I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For though I was free from all [men,] I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more.
1 Corinthians 9:19 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
16For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of; for necessity is laid upon me; for woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel.
17For if I do this of mine own will, I have a reward: but if not of mine own will, I have a stewardship intrusted to me.
18What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel without charge, so as not to use to the full my right in the gospel.
19For though I was free from all [men,] I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more.
20And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, not being myself under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
21to them that are without law, as without law, not being without law to God, but under law to Christ, that I might gain them that are without law.
22To 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.
← 1 Corinthians 9:181 Corinthians 9:20 →
← Full Chapter 9 1 Corinthians Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For though I be free from all men, etc.] As an apostle, being in the highest office in the church, he had none superior to him, that could exercise any power and authority over him, and was also independent of men for his maintenance, which he got by his own hand labour: though it may be observed, that the word “men” is not in the original text, and the word “all” may as well have respect to things as men; and the sense be, that he was free, as from the curse of the moral law, so from the yoke of the ceremonial law, and all the rituals of it, and might, if he would, make use of his Christian liberty; the following verses seem to incline to this sense, as the preceding ones do to the former:…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“free from all men--that is, from the power of all men. gain the more--that is, as many of them ("all men") as possible. "Gain" is an appropriate expression in relation to a "reward" (Th1 2:19-20); he therefore repeats it frequently (Co1 9:20-22).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For though I be free - I am a freeman. I am under obligation to none. I am not bound to. give them my labors, and at the same time to toil for my own support. I have claims like others, and could urge them; and no man could demand that I should give myself to a life of servitude, and comply with their prejudices and wishes, as if I were a “slave,” in order to their conversion; compare 1 Corinthians 9:1; see the notes at 1 Corinthians 6:12. From all men - (ἐκ πάντων ek pantōn). This may either refer to all “persons” or to all “things.” The word “men” is not in the original. The connection, however, seems to fix the signification to “persons.” “I am a freeman. And although I have conducted…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“I made myself the servant of all - I acted with as self - denying a regard to their interest, and as much caution not to offend them, as if I had been literally their servant or slave. Where is the preacher of the gospel who treads in the same steps? 1 Corinthians 9:20”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“9:19-23 Paul places himself in the position of a slave in the household. He shows how far he was willing to go in adjusting his lifestyle and behavior to that of the people to whom he was preaching in order to win them to Christ.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“I be: Co1 9:1; Gal 5:1 I made: Co1 10:33; Mat 20:26-28; Joh 13:14, Joh 13:15; Rom 1:14, Rom 15:2; Co2 4:5; Gal 5:13 that: Co1 9:20-22, Co1 7:16; Pro 11:30; Mat 18:15; Rom 11:14; Ti1 4:16; Ti2 2:10; Jam 5:19, Jam 5:20; Pe1 3:1 1 Corinthians 9:20”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read 1 Corinthians 9 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification