Ἐλεύθερος γὰρ ὢν ἐκ πάντων πᾶσιν ἐμαυτὸν ἐδούλωσα, ἵνα τοὺς πλείονας κερδήσω· (1 Corinthians 9:19)
In this verse, Paul encapsulates the paradox of Christian ministry: though free from all, he enslaves himself to all. The grammar dramatizes the tension between liberty and servanthood, and the purpose clause frames the theological aim – winning as many as possible. Each element of the sentence reinforces Paul’s radical reorientation of freedom as service.
Participial Background: Ἐλεύθερος… ὢν ἐκ πάντων
The phrase begins with ἐλεύθερος (“free”), modified by the participle ὢν (present participle of εἰμί, “being”). The prepositional phrase ἐκ πάντων (“from all”) specifies the scope: Paul owes no allegiance to anyone in terms of social or religious obligation. Grammatically, this is a circumstantial participial clause: “being free from all.” It sets the backdrop for his deliberate action.
The Main Action: πᾶσιν ἐμαυτὸν ἐδούλωσα
The verb ἐδούλωσα (aorist active indicative of δουλόω, “to enslave”) is shocking. It stands in direct contrast to Ἐλεύθερος. The aorist tense indicates decisive action: Paul freely chose to make himself a slave. The reflexive pronoun ἐμαυτόν emphasizes that this was not imposed but self-imposed. The dative πᾶσιν (“to all”) identifies the beneficiaries of this self-enslavement – everyone, Jew or Gentile, weak or strong.
The Purpose Clause: ἵνα τοὺς πλείονας κερδήσω
The conjunction ἵνα introduces Paul’s goal: “that I might win the more.” The verb κερδήσω (aorist active subjunctive of κερδαίνω, “to gain, win”) is used metaphorically for winning people to faith. The comparative adjective πλείονας (“more”) implies an expansive mission – the aim is to maximize outreach. The subjunctive mood reflects the potentiality of mission outcomes but underscores intent with certainty of purpose.
Syntax Table: Liberty Redefined as Service
| Greek Phrase | Grammar Role | Interpretive Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Ἐλεύθερος… ὢν ἐκ πάντων | Circumstantial participle | Asserts Paul’s independence from all obligations |
| πᾶσιν ἐμαυτὸν ἐδούλωσα | Aorist verb + reflexive pronoun | Expresses voluntary self-enslavement to all people |
| ἵνα τοὺς πλείονας κερδήσω | Purpose clause with subjunctive | Reveals evangelistic aim: winning as many as possible |
Grammar as Theology of Mission
Romans 9:19 (in the Corinthian context) shows Paul’s ability to use grammar to express theology in miniature. The participle underscores his freedom, the aorist verb dramatizes his voluntary servanthood, and the purpose clause frames his missional intent. The paradox, being free yet enslaved, embodies the gospel itself: true freedom is found in service, and true service is oriented toward bringing others into God’s kingdom.
