New Testament
1 Corinthians 9:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I do all of this for the sake of the gospel, so that I can share in its blessings along with you.
Compare translations
And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
What 1 Corinthians 9:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Paul emphasizes his commitment to spreading the message of the gospel. He is willing to adapt his approach and make sacrifices to connect with different people. His goal is to ensure that everyone can experience the joy and blessings that come from faith. By doing this, he hopes to share in the rewards of the gospel alongside those he serves. Paul’s actions reflect a deep sense of purpose and dedication. He understands that the message of the gospel is transformative and wants to be part of that change in others' lives. His willingness to put others first shows the heart of a true leader and servant. This verse encourages us to think about how we can contribute to the greater good and support one another in our journeys of faith. It reminds us that sharing in the blessings of the gospel is a communal experience, not just an individual one. Together, we can uplift each other and grow in our understanding of what it means to live out our beliefs in everyday life.
How to apply 1 Corinthians 9:23 to your life
Consider how you can adapt your approach to connect with others in your community. Look for opportunities to share your experiences and support those around you. Remember, the journey of faith is more meaningful when shared with others. Your actions can inspire and uplift those who are seeking hope and connection. Be a source of encouragement today, and watch the blessings multiply as you engage with others in love and service.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Corinthians Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Peter

Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Corinthians 9:23
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Corinthians 9:23
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Corinthians
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 55
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- The church in Corinth
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Corinthians 9:23 mean?
1 Corinthians 9:23 means that Paul is dedicated to spreading the gospel and is willing to make sacrifices to reach different people. His goal is to ensure that everyone can experience the blessings of faith.
What is the meaning of 'for the sake of the gospel' in 1 Corinthians 9:23?
'For the sake of the gospel' means that Paul prioritizes the message of Jesus Christ above his own preferences. He adapts his methods to connect with others and share the joy of faith.
How does 1 Corinthians 9:23 relate to community?
1 Corinthians 9:23 emphasizes that sharing the gospel is a communal experience. Paul wants to ensure that everyone can partake in the blessings of faith together.
What can we learn from 1 Corinthians 9:23?
We can learn the importance of adapting our approach to connect with others and the value of serving our community. It encourages us to support one another in our faith journeys.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.