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1 Corinthians 9:22

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 9:22 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
1 Corinthians 9:22 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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.
23And I do all things for the gospel`s sake, that I may be a joint partaker thereof.
24Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain.
25And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they [do it] to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
← 1 Corinthians 9:211 Corinthians 9:23 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“To the weak became I as weak, etc.] That is, to weak Christians, who were weak in faith, and had not such clear knowledge of Gospel liberty, and therefore scrupled the eating of some sorts of meat, and particularly meats offered to idols; and the apostle so far consulted the peace and edification of these weak brethren, and so far complied with them, and became as one of them, that, rather than offend them, he determined to eat no meat while the world stood: that I might gain the weak; promote their edification and welfare, who otherwise might be stumbled, be in danger of falling from, and laid under a temptation to desert the faith of the Gospel: I am made all things to all men; which is to…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“gain the weak--that is, establish, instead of being a stumbling-block to inexperienced Christians (Co1 8:7) Rom 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 (Rom 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.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“To the weak; - See the note at Romans 15:1. To those weak in faith; scrupulous in regard to certain observances; whose consciences were tender and unenlightened, and who would be offended even by things which might be in themselves lawful. He did not lacerate their feelings, and run counter to their prejudices, for the mere sake of doing it. Became I as weak - I did not shock them. I complied with their customs. I conformed to them in my dress, habits, manner of life, and even in the services of religion. I abstained from food which they deemed it their duty to abstain from; and where, if I had partaken of it, I should have offended them. Paul did not do this to gratify himself, or them, but…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“I became as weak - As if I had been scrupulous too. I became all things to all men - Accommodating myself to all, so far as I could consistent with truth and sincerity. 1 Corinthians 9:24”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“To the weak: Co1 8:13; Rom 15:1; Co2 11:29; Gal 6:1 I am: Co1 10:33 that I might by: Co1 9:19, Co1 7:16; Rom 11:14 1 Corinthians 9:23”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification