Lexical Summary adapanos: Without cost, free of charge Original Word: ἀδάπανος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance free of chargeFrom a (as negative particle); and dapane; costless, i.e. Gratuitous -- without expense. see GREEK a see GREEK dapane NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and dapané Definition without expense NASB Translation without charge (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 77: ἀδάπανοςἀδάπανος, (δαπάνη), without expense, requiring no outlay: 1 Corinthians 9:18 (ἵνα ἀδάπανον θήσω τό εὐαγγέλιον, 'that I may make Christian instruction gratuitous'). Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek Number 77 designates the term Paul uses in 1 Corinthians 9:18 to describe preaching the gospel “free of charge.” Though it appears only once, the idea it carries—ministry that refuses to burden hearers financially—reverberates through both Testaments and informs the Church’s understanding of sacrificial service. Single New Testament Occurrence (1 Corinthians 9:18) “What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use my rights in preaching it.” Here Paul declares that his reward is the privilege of proclaiming Christ without invoicing his audience. The apostle does not deny the scriptural right of gospel workers to receive support (9:7–14); instead, he voluntarily lays aside that right in Corinth so the message cannot be misconstrued as a profit venture (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:17). Immediate Literary Context 1 Corinthians 9 argues by example for surrendering personal freedoms for the good of others (a theme begun in chapter 8 about food offered to idols). By highlighting his refusal to draw a salary, Paul models the principle he later summarizes: “I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.” (9:23). Historical and Cultural Background In the Greco-Roman world, traveling rhetoricians often charged fees or relied on wealthy patrons, creating expectations of reciprocity. Accepting funds could entangle a speaker in obligations to benefactors. Paul’s tent-making (Acts 18:3) enabled him to distance himself from that patron-client system, preserving the gospel’s independence and displaying trust in God’s provision through voluntary gifts (Philippians 4:15–19). Biblical Theology of Free Ministry • Old Testament anticipation: “Come… without money and without cost!” (Isaiah 55:1). Salvation is portrayed as gratis, preparing the way for the gospel’s gratuity. Doctrinal Significance 1. Grace Illustrated: Refusing remuneration dramatizes that justification is by grace, not purchase. Related Scriptures Acts 20:33–35; 2 Corinthians 11:9; 12:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8; Matthew 17:24–27; Isaiah 55:1; Revelation 22:17. Practical Ministry Applications • Bi-vocational Service: Paul’s example legitimizes self-supporting ministry where resources are limited or gospel credibility is fragile. Christological Lens Jesus Himself embodied cost-free grace: “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45). Paul’s ἀδάπανον ministry echoes the Savior who paid every cost so that sinners would pay none. Summary Though occurring only once, ἀδάπανον crystallizes a powerful biblical principle: the gospel is priceless, therefore it must never be commercialized. Paul’s choice to waive material rights safeguards the message, exemplifies sacrificial love, and calls every generation of believers to ensure that nothing—especially money—obscures the freeness of God’s saving grace in Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations αδαπανον αδάπανον ἀδάπανον Αδάρ adapanon adápanonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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