ἀδάπανος (adapanos)
adapanos
free
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adjective adapanos describes something that is free of charge or requires no financial outlay. Derived from a negative prefix and the word for "expense," it literally means "without cost." In the New Testament, this term appears only once, in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 9:18).
Paul uses it to explain the nature of his ministry. He states that he makes the gospel adapanos—free of charge—to avoid placing any financial burden on the believers. This choice was not merely about saving money; it was a strategic decision to remove any obstacle that might hinder the message. By refusing support, Paul ensured that his preaching remained purely a gift, untainted by commercial motives.
The word highlights a specific kind of generosity where the provider absorbs all costs so the recipient pays nothing. It serves as a clear marker of unconditional giving in the early church context. The term underscores the value placed on spiritual gifts being accessible to everyone without economic barriers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word adapanos carries a simple but powerful meaning: free of charge. In the New Testament, it appears only once, when Paul explains his approach to sharing the Good News. He chose not to accept financial support for his ministry so that no one would feel they owed him anything in return. This decision was about removing barriers, ensuring that the message of Christ remained a pure gift, accessible to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.
For your faith today, this reminds us that God’s grace is never something we can earn or buy. It is given freely, without cost or condition. When we share love, forgiveness, or encouragement with others, we reflect this same spirit of unconditional giving. There is no hidden fee for kindness, no transaction required for compassion. The Gospel invites you to receive freely and give freely, trusting that God provides what is needed.
Let this truth encourage you in your daily life. Whether you are offering help to a neighbor or simply listening to someone in need, remember that the greatest gifts require no payment. May you find joy in giving without expecting return, knowing that such generosity mirrors the heart of Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- free of charge1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀδάπανον1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 9:18
What then is my reward? That when I preach the Good News, I may present the Good News of Christ without charge, so as not to abuse my authority in the Good News.
Paul uses this word to clarify that his refusal of financial support was a deliberate choice to keep the Gospel accessible and free from any commercial motive.
-
I Corinthians 9:18
What then is my reward? That when I preach the Good News, I may present the Good News of Christ without charge, so as not to abuse my authority in the Good News.
The term emphasizes that Paul’s ministry was not about personal gain but about removing obstacles so others could receive the message without burden.
-
I Corinthians 9:18
What then is my reward? That when I preach the Good News, I may present the Good News of Christ without charge, so as not to abuse my authority in the Good News.
By presenting the Good News without charge, Paul demonstrated that spiritual truth should never be treated as a commodity to be bought or sold.