To them that are without law, as without law,(being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

1 CORINTHIANS 9:21KJV
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1 Corinthians 9:21 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 9:21 mean?

1 Corinthians 9:21 describes how Paul adapts himself to people who do not live under the Jewish law, acting as if he himself is not under that law, while still recognizing that he is accountable to God and guided by Christ’s teachings. Paul does this so that he can reach and win over those who are “without law” to faith.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining his approach to sharing the message of Jesus with different groups. In this verse, Paul is talking about his interactions with non-Jews (Gentiles), who do not follow the Jewish law. He clarifies that, although he adapts to their way of life, he is not ignoring God’s standards but is living under the guidance of Christ.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 9:21

  • νόμος (nomos, G459): This word means “law.” Paul uses it several times here to talk about the Jewish law, but also to contrast it with being under Christ’s direction.
  • ἄνομος (anomos, G459): This is the word for “without law.” Paul uses it to describe those who do not live by the Jewish law, meaning Gentiles.
  • ἔννομος Χριστοῦ (ennomos Christou, G1772, G5547): This phrase means “under the law to Christ.” Paul is saying that even when he adapts to Gentiles, he is still guided by Christ’s teachings, not lawless.
  • κερδήσω (kerdēsō, G2770): This word means “to gain” or “to win.” Paul’s goal in adapting is to win people over to faith, not simply to fit in.

Why 1 Corinthians 9:21 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Paul was lawless or careless about God’s commands; he makes it clear he is always accountable to God and Christ, even when adapting to others.
  • It shows Paul’s flexibility in sharing the gospel, meeting people where they are without compromising his core commitment to Christ.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage about Paul’s willingness to give up his own rights and preferences to help others come to faith, showing his practical approach to ministry.

Where else these words appear

“law” Greek G1772 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 19:39 But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

“law” Greek G459 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 15:28 And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.
  • Acts 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
  • 1 Timothy 1:9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

“gain” Greek G2770 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
  • Matthew 25:22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:20 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;