1 Corinthians 9:22
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.
Original Language Analysis
γέγονα
I am made
G1096
γέγονα
I am made
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
1 of 18
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀσθενεῖς
To the weak
G772
ἀσθενεῖς
To the weak
Strong's:
G772
Word #:
3 of 18
strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
4 of 18
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἀσθενεῖς
To the weak
G772
ἀσθενεῖς
To the weak
Strong's:
G772
Word #:
5 of 18
strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀσθενεῖς
To the weak
G772
ἀσθενεῖς
To the weak
Strong's:
G772
Word #:
8 of 18
strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γέγονα
I am made
G1096
γέγονα
I am made
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
12 of 18
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 10:33Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.1 Corinthians 9:19For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.Romans 15:1We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.Romans 11:14If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.1 Corinthians 8:13Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.Galatians 6:1Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.1 Corinthians 7:16For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does "all things to all men" apply to cross-cultural missions and contextualized ministry today?
- What are examples of cultural flexibility versus doctrinal compromise in your own context?
- How does Paul's goal ("save some") shape priorities in ministry and personal evangelism?
Analysis & 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.