Tag Archives: 1 Corinthians 9:19

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.… Learn Koine Greek