1 Corinthians 9:22

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
γέγονα
I am made
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#2
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
ἀσθενεῖς
To the weak
strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)
#4
ὡς
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#5
ἀσθενεῖς
To the weak
strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)
#6
ἵνα
men that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#7
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἀσθενεῖς
To the weak
strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)
#9
κερδήσω·
I might gain
to gain (literally or figuratively)
#10
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
πάντα
all things
all, any, every, the whole
#12
γέγονα
I am made
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#13
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
πάντα
all things
all, any, every, the whole
#15
ἵνα
men that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#16
πάντως
by all means
entirely; specially, at all events, (with negative, following) in no event
#17
τινὰς
some
some or any person or object
#18
σώσω
I might
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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