1 Corinthians 9 21

1 Corinthians 9:21 kjv

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 9:21 nkjv

to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law;

1 Corinthians 9:21 niv

To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law.

1 Corinthians 9:21 esv

To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law.

1 Corinthians 9:21 nlt

When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.

1 Corinthians 9 verses

1 Corinthians 9 21 Meaning

The Apostle Paul states his principle of adaptability in ministry: for the purpose of evangelism, he relates to those who are not under the Mosaic Law (Gentiles) as if he himself were without such law. He quickly clarifies, however, that this does not mean he lives lawlessly or without moral guidance, for he is subject to the higher authority and ethical principles embodied in the "law of Christ." His ultimate goal in this adaptive approach is to effectively win these uncircumcised Gentiles to the Christian faith.

1 Corinthians 9 21 Context

1 Corinthians 9 describes Paul's defense of his apostolic ministry and his choice to forego certain rights (like receiving financial support) for the sake of the gospel. He explains that his freedom in Christ allows him to adapt his behavior to various groups, so long as it advances the spread of the Good News. This specific verse (9:21) builds upon the preceding verse (9:20) where he states he became "as a Jew" to the Jews. Here, he shifts focus to "those without law," meaning Gentiles, who were not culturally or spiritually bound by the Mosaic Law. Paul clarifies that this adaptation is strategic and evangelistic, not an abandonment of God's moral standards.

Historically and culturally, "the law" primarily referred to the Mosaic Law given to Israel. Gentiles, by default, were considered "without law" (Romans 2:14) in the Jewish sense, not having received this covenant code. However, Paul knew that Gentiles were not without any moral compass; they had the "work of the law written on their hearts." Paul's declaration in this verse underscores the major theological and practical challenge of the early church: bridging the divide between Jewish and Gentile converts and demonstrating how the gospel transcended specific cultural or legal codes while upholding ultimate divine principles.

1 Corinthians 9 21 Word analysis

• to those without law (ἀνόμοις / anomois): Dative plural. Refers specifically to Gentiles, those outside the covenant and precepts of the Mosaic Law. This implies a distinct cultural and religious identity from the Jews.

• as without law (ὡς ἄνομος / hōs anomos): Paul takes on the perceived posture or relational approach of someone unbound by the Mosaic Law. Hōs signifies "as, like," emphasizing his method of relating, not his internal state. This is an adaptive methodology for effective engagement.

• though not without God's law (μὴ ὤν θεοῦ νόμος / mē ōn theou nomos): This strong negative clause immediately corrects any misinterpretation. Paul clarifies he is not living lawlessly or disrespecting God's ultimate moral will. The genitive "God's" highlights the divine origin of the true law.

• but under Christ's law (ἀλλ’ ἔννομος Χριστοῦ / all' ennomos Christou): The pivotal clarification. All' ("but rather") introduces a crucial contrast. Ennomos means "under law," "subject to law," or "within the bounds of law." It signifies an active obedience and submission. "Christ's law" (Χριστοῦ νόμος) is distinct from the Mosaic Law but encompasses its moral core, fulfilled through love (Gal 6:2; Rom 13:8-10). It is often understood as the ethical standard and loving obedience exemplified and taught by Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit within believers (Rom 8:2).

• so that I might win (ἵνα κερδήσω / hina kerdesō): Purpose clause. Hina ("in order that," "so that") introduces the objective. Kerdesō ("I might win," "gain") highlights the evangelistic aim. Paul's flexibility is not for personal comfort or worldly gain, but solely to bring others to Christ.

• those without law (ἀνόμους / anomous): Accusative plural, the direct object of "win." Re-emphasizes the target group—Gentiles—for whom he adapts his approach. The repetition of anomos frames the entire adaptive strategy around this specific group.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "to those without law, as without law": This phrase details Paul's cultural and legal adaptability. He approaches non-Jews on their own terms, not imposing the strictures of Mosaic Law on them or demanding its observance for salvation. It reflects a deep understanding of contextual ministry, removing cultural barriers where possible.
  • "though not without God's law but under Christ's law": This is the theological boundary and foundation for Paul's flexibility. His liberty is not antinomianism (against all law). He lives by God's eternal moral will, re-expressed and internalized through Christ. Christ's law is primarily characterized by love for God and neighbor, and obedience to Christ's teachings. This phrase underlines that gospel freedom is not an excuse for ethical anarchy.
  • "so that I might win those without law": This states the ultimate, overriding missionary objective behind Paul's self-abasement and adaptive strategy. All of his contextualized ministry methods are subordinate to the single, driving purpose of leading unbelievers to faith in Christ. "Winning" signifies drawing them into relationship with Christ, rescuing them from spiritual peril.

1 Corinthians 9 21 Bonus section

Paul's willingness to become "all things to all people" (1 Cor 9:22) including those without the Law, highlights the apostolic paradigm of missional incarnation. He "becomes" like them, not just for them. This reflects the Incarnation of Christ, who became fully human to redeem humanity (Phil 2:6-8). Paul's flexibility was not about intellectual relativism but pastoral wisdom, driven by intense compassion and a burning desire for Christ's kingdom to expand. This passage directly combats the legalistic tendencies sometimes found within the early church, which insisted on Gentile conversion to Jewish customs, demonstrating that gospel conversion to Christ is paramount, not cultural conformity. The profound implications challenge believers to examine what traditions, comforts, or cultural forms might inadvertently hinder others from hearing and receiving the pure gospel of Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 9 21 Commentary

1 Corinthians 9:21 encapsulates Paul's missionary genius and commitment to the gospel. He demonstrates radical flexibility in external practices and cultural engagement for the sake of effective evangelism. To those unfamiliar with or not bound by the Mosaic Law—primarily Gentiles—Paul presents the gospel without burdening them with its requirements. He adopts a posture of one "without law," meaning he does not insist on the customs, dietary laws, or ritual observances that distinguished Jews.

Crucially, Paul immediately qualifies this "without law" approach. It is not a descent into lawlessness or moral relativism. He emphatically declares that he is not without "God's law"—meaning the foundational, eternal moral will of God—and clarifies that he is "under Christ's law." The "law of Christ" is understood not as a new written code replacing the Mosaic Law point by point, but as the Spirit-empowered obedience motivated by love for God and neighbor. It fulfills the moral essence of the Old Testament Law (Galatians 5:14, Romans 13:8-10) and is epitomized by Christ's own example and teachings. This means Paul’s freedom is always tethered to Christ’s authority and principles, preventing his adaptation from becoming an occasion for sin (1 Peter 2:16).

The motivation behind this adaptable, yet ethically grounded, approach is purely evangelistic: "so that I might win those without law." Paul's self-denial and contextual sensitivity serve a higher purpose—the salvation of souls. This principle remains vital for believers today, especially in missionary work or engaging with diverse cultures. It means seeking to understand and meet people where they are, removing unnecessary stumbling blocks, while never compromising the essential truth or moral demands of the gospel.

Examples of practical usage:

• A missionary learning local customs and language, dressing in traditional attire, and adapting communication styles to better connect with a community without abandoning core Christian beliefs.
• A believer sharing faith with an unbelieving friend by participating in their hobbies or social events, showing genuine interest in their lives, without compromising their own Christian standards.
• A church designing its worship style or outreach programs to be accessible and culturally relevant to specific demographics in its neighborhood, while upholding biblical doctrine and ethical conduct.