And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

1 CORINTHIANS 9:20KJV
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1 Corinthians 9:20 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 9:20 mean?

1 Corinthians 9:20 describes how Paul, when trying to reach Jewish people, would live and act in ways familiar to them, following their customs and laws, so that he could better connect with them and share his message. Paul explains that he adapted himself to those "under the law"—meaning those who followed the Jewish law—so he might win them over.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining his approach to sharing the message of Jesus. He is showing that he is willing to set aside his own freedoms and adapt to different groups, in this case the Jews and those who live under the law, in order to help them understand and accept his message. This verse is part of a larger section where Paul talks about giving up his rights for the sake of others.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 9:20

  • Ἰουδαῖος (Ioudaios, "Jew"): Paul uses this word to refer specifically to Jewish people, highlighting that he is talking about a particular group with a shared identity and religious background.
  • ὑπὸ νόμον (hypo nomon, "under [the] law"): This phrase means being subject to the Jewish law (the Torah). Paul distinguishes between being ethnically Jewish and living under the religious obligations of the law, showing sensitivity to both cultural and religious aspects.
  • ἵνα κερδήσω (hina kerdēsō, "that I might gain"): The Greek here carries the sense of "winning" or "gaining" people, not for personal benefit, but for bringing them into understanding or acceptance of his message. This shows Paul's intent is relational and purposeful, not manipulative.

Why 1 Corinthians 9:20 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Paul was inconsistent or hypocritical; instead, he was intentionally flexible in non-essential matters to reach different people.
  • It highlights Paul's respect for the backgrounds and beliefs of others, showing that he did not expect everyone to become like him before he would speak to them.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage where Paul explains his willingness to give up personal rights for the sake of helping others, emphasizing humility and adaptability in sharing faith.