Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 9:20

What does 1 Corinthians 9:20 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 9:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 9:20 means

To reach Jews, Paul lived as a Jew—observing customs, keeping ceremonies where appropriate—not because he remained bound to the law as a covenant, but to remove unnecessary offense. Likewise, to those “under the law” he adapted as if under it, while knowing he was not ultimately under that system. His aim was to win them, not to win arguments about scruples. He does not compromise the gospel; he simply refuses to make secondary issues barriers. Adaptation is not hypocrisy; it is love making room for the truth to be heard by people where they are.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, not being myself under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, not being myself under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And to the Jews I was as a Jew, so that I might give the good news to them; to those under the law I was the same, not as being myself under the law, but so that I might give the good news to those under the law.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and I became to the Jews as a Jew, that Jews I might gain; to those under law as under law, that those under law I might gain;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And I became to the Jews a Jew, that I might gain the Jews:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And I became to the Jews as a Jew, in order that I might gain the Jews: to those under law, as under law, not being myself under law, in order that I might gain those under law:

Context

Paul now illustrates his general principle with specifics. Verse 20 focuses on Jews and those under the law. He adapts his behavior to their context without surrendering the gospel’s freedom. In verse 21 he will address those “without law,” clarifying that flexibility is not lawlessness. Then verse 22 will include the weak, culminating in the famous summary, “all things to all men,” emphasizing his evangelistic goal: to save some.

v.19For though I was free from all men, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more.

v.20This passage

v.21to them that are without law, as without law, not being without law to God, but under law to Christ, that I might gain them that are without law.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Galatians 4:21

    Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?

  • Acts 16:3

    Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and he took and circumcised him because of the Jews that were in those parts: for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

  • Romans 3:19

    Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it speaketh to them that are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God:

  • Galatians 4:5

    that he might redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

  • Acts 17:2

    and Paul, as his custom was, went in unto them, and for three sabbath days reasoned with them from the scriptures,

  • Acts 18:18

    And Paul, having tarried after this yet many days, took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila: having shorn his head in Cenchreæ; for he had a vow.

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