Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 9:21

What does 1 Corinthians 9:21 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 9:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 9:21 means

When among those “without law,” Gentiles unfamiliar with the Mosaic code, Paul adapted to their way of life to win them. Yet he is careful to add that he is not “without law to God.” He remains “under law to Christ”—bound to God through the commands and character of Christ. This guards his flexibility from becoming license. He will not sin to win. But he also will not insist on cultural forms that obscure the message. True faithfulness both honors God’s moral will and removes unnecessary cultural stumbling blocks so that the gospel is clearly heard.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

to 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

to 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

To those without the law I was as one without the law, not as being without law to God, but as under law to Christ, so that I might give the good news to those without the law.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

to those without law, as without law--(not being without law to God, but within law to Christ) --that I might gain those without law;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

To them that are under the law, as if I were under the law, (whereas myself was not under the law,) that I might gain them that were under the law. To them that were without the law, as if I were without the law, (whereas I was not without the law of God, but was in the law of Christ,) that I might gain them that were without the law.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

to those without law, as without law, (not as without law toGod, but as legitimately subject to Christ,) in order that I might gain [those] without law.

Context

Continuing the application of his method, Paul addresses ministry among non‑Jews. Verse 21 balances adaptability with allegiance: he is not under the Mosaic code as a covenant but remains accountable to God in Christ. This counteracts any charge of antinomianism. Next, verse 22 will extend the principle to the “weak,” and then verse 23 will summarize his all‑encompassing aim in adopting this servant posture for the gospel’s sake.

v.20And 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;

v.21This passage

v.22To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak: I am become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.

Cross references

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

  • Galatians 2:12

    For before that certain came from James, he ate with the Gentiles; but when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing them that were of the circumcision.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:1

    Finally then, brethren, we beseech and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as ye received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, even as ye do walk,—that ye abound more and more.

  • Matthew 5:17

    Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil.

  • Psalms 119:32

    I will run the way of thy commandments, When thou shalt enlarge my heart. ה HE.

  • Acts 15:28

    For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:

  • Romans 2:14

    (for when Gentiles that have not the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are the law unto themselves;

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