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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Corinthians 9:21 To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/9-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/46_1Co_09_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 9:21 - Paul the Servant to All" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_corinthians/9-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_corinthians/9-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/">1 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-20.htm" title="1 Corinthians 9:20">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 9:21 <a href="/1_corinthians/9-22.htm" title="1 Corinthians 9:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/9.htm">New International Version</a> To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God&#8217s law but am under Christ&#8217s law), so as to win those not having the law. <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> To those outside the Law, as outside the Law (not being outside the law of God, but under the law of Christ) so that I might win those outside the Law. <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/9.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/9.htm">New King James Version</a> 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; <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> to those who are without the Law, I became as one without the Law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might gain those who are without the Law. <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, that I might win those who are without law. <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> To those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> To those who are without (outside) the Law, [I became] as one without the Law, though [I am] not without the law of God, but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> To those who are without the law, like one without the law—though I am not without God’s law but under the law of Christ—to win those without the law. <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> To those who are without that law, like one without the law—not being without God&#8217s law but within Christ&#8217s law—to win those without the law. <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> And when I am with people who are not ruled by the Law, I forget about the Law to win them. Of course, I never really forget about the law of God. In fact, I am ruled by the law of Christ. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I became like a person who does not have Moses' Teachings for those who don't have those teachings. I did this to win them even though I have God's teachings. I'm really subject to Christ's teachings. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> In the same way, when working with Gentiles, I live like a Gentile, outside the Jewish Law, in order to win Gentiles. This does not mean that I don't obey God's law; I am really under Christ's law. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> To those who do not have the Law, I became like a man who does not have the Law in order to win those who do not have the Law. However, I am not free from God's Law, but I'm subject to the Messiah's law. <a href="/net/1_corinthians/9.htm">NET Bible</a> To those free from the law I became like one free from the law (though I am not free from God's law but under the law of Christ) to gain those free from the law. <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 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. <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> to men without Law as if I were without Law--although I am not without Law in relation to God but am abiding in Christ's Law--in order to win those who are without Law.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law. <a href="/web/1_corinthians/9.htm">World English Bible</a> 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. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> 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; <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> To those outside the Law, as outside the Law (not being outside the law of God, but under the law of Christ) so that I might win those outside the Law. <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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; <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> To the lawless, as lawless, (not being lawless to God, but subject to the law to Christ,) that I might gain the lawless,<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> To those who are under the law, I became as if I were under the law, (though I was not under the law) so that I might gain those who were under the law. To those who were without the law, I became as if I were without the law, (though I was not without the law of God, being in the law of Christ) so that I might gain those who were without the law. <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/9.htm">New American Bible</a> To those outside the law I became like one outside the law—though I am not outside God’s law but within the law of Christ—to win over those outside the law. <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law) so that I might win those outside the law.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> To those who are without law, I became like one who is without law, though I am not lawless before God because I am under the law of Christ, that I might win them who are without law. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And to those who do not have The Written Law, I was as without The Law, while I am not without law to God, but in the law of The Messiah, that I may win those who are without The Written Law.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> to those who are without law, as without law, (not being myself without law to God, but under law to Christ,) that I might gain those who are without law: <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> to those without law, I became as without law, not being without the law of God, but under the law of Christ, that I may gain those without law. <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> to those who are without law, as without law (not as being without law to God, but under the law to Christ), that I might gain those who were without law. <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a> to those who are without the law, as without that law, (not as being under no law to God, but as under the law to Christ) that I might gain those who are without the law. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> to men without Law as if I were without Law--although I am not without Law in relation to God but am abiding in Christ's Law--in order to win those who are without Law. <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> to those without law, as without law (not being without law to God, but under law to Christ), that I might gain those without law. <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> and to those without the law as without the law, (not being without law to God, but under the law to Christ) that I might gain those who are without the law. <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/9-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=1868" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Paul the Servant to All</a> …20To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), to win those under the law. 21<a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">To those</a> <a href="/greek/459.htm" title="459: anomois (Adj-DMP) -- Lawless, wicked, without law. (by implication, a Gentile), or (positively) wicked.">without the law</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">I became like one</a> <a href="/greek/459.htm" title="459: anomos (Adj-NMS) -- Lawless, wicked, without law. (by implication, a Gentile), or (positively) wicked.">without the law</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">(though I am</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">not</a> <a href="/greek/459.htm" title="459: anomos (Adj-NMS) -- Lawless, wicked, without law. (by implication, a Gentile), or (positively) wicked.">outside the law</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but am</a> <a href="/greek/1772.htm" title="1772: ennomos (Adj-NMS) -- (a) legal, statutory, duly constituted, (b) under the law, obedient to the law. From en and nomos; legal, or subject to.">under the law</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christou (N-GMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">of Christ),</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">to</a> <a href="/greek/2770.htm" title="2770: kerdanō (V-ASA-1S) -- To gain, acquire, win (over), avoid loss. From kerdos; to gain.">win</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">those</a> <a href="/greek/459.htm" title="459: anomous (Adj-AMP) -- Lawless, wicked, without law. (by implication, a Gentile), or (positively) wicked.">without the law.</a> 22To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/2-14.htm">Romans 2:14-15</a> Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. / So they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them <a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">Galatians 6:2</a> Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. <a href="/romans/8-2.htm">Romans 8:2</a> For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death. <a href="/galatians/5-18.htm">Galatians 5:18</a> But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. <a href="/james/1-25.htm">James 1:25</a> But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does. <a href="/romans/7-22.htm">Romans 7:22</a> For in my inner being I delight in God’s law. <a href="/galatians/3-23.htm">Galatians 3:23-25</a> Before this faith came, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. / So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. / Now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. <a href="/romans/3-19.htm">Romans 3:19-20</a> Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. / Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. <a href="/galatians/4-4.htm">Galatians 4:4-5</a> But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, / to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons. <a href="/james/2-8.htm">James 2:8</a> If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. <a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17-18</a> Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. / For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. <a href="/romans/6-14.htm">Romans 6:14</a> For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. <a href="/galatians/5-14.htm">Galatians 5:14</a> The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” <a href="/hebrews/8-10.htm">Hebrews 8:10</a> For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. <a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a> “But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.them.<a href="/acts/15-28.htm">Acts 15:28</a> For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;<a href="/acts/16-4.htm">Acts 16:4</a> And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.<a href="/acts/21-25.htm">Acts 21:25</a> As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.not.<a href="/1_corinthians/7-19.htm">1 Corinthians 7:19-22</a> Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God… <a href="/psalms/119-32.htm">Psalm 119:32</a> I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.<a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17-20</a> Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/16-12.htm">Abiding</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-20.htm">Although</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-18.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-22.htm">Christ's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">Free</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-20.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-8.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-20.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-20.htm">Law</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-18.htm">News</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-20.htm">Order</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-18.htm">Outside</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-7.htm">Relation</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-20.htm">Win</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/10-34.htm">Abiding</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-12.htm">Although</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-4.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-3.htm">Christ's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-23.htm">Free</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-31.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-23.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-21.htm">Law</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-23.htm">News</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">Order</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-5.htm">Outside</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-3.htm">Relation</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-1.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">Win</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 9</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">He shows his liberty;</a> 7. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-7.htm">and that the minister ought to receive a living by the Gospel;</a> 15. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-15.htm">yet that himself has of his own accord abstained,</a> 18. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-18.htm">to be neither chargeable unto them,</a> 22. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">nor offensive unto any, in matters indifferent.</a> 24. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">Our life is like unto a race.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>To those without the law This phrase refers to Gentiles, who were not under the Mosaic Law given to Israel. In the first-century context, Gentiles were often seen as pagans or idolaters by the Jewish people. Paul, a Jew, is emphasizing his mission to reach those outside the Jewish faith. This reflects the Great Commission (<a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a>) where Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations, indicating the inclusivity of the Gospel.I became like one without the law Paul adapted his approach to connect with Gentiles, not adhering to Jewish customs that were unnecessary for them. This adaptability is seen in <a href="/acts/17-22.htm">Acts 17:22-31</a>, where Paul addresses the Athenians using their cultural context. His flexibility in ministry demonstrates the principle of becoming "all things to all people" (<a href="/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">1 Corinthians 9:22</a>) to share the Gospel effectively.(though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ) Paul clarifies that his freedom from the Mosaic Law does not mean he is lawless. The "law of Christ" refers to the teachings and commandments of Jesus, emphasizing love and grace (<a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">Galatians 6:2</a>). This distinction highlights the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, where the focus is on internal transformation rather than external adherence.to win those without the law Paul's ultimate goal is evangelism and the salvation of souls. His strategy is to remove barriers that might prevent Gentiles from accepting the Gospel. This aligns with Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost (<a href="/luke/19-10.htm">Luke 19:10</a>) and reflects the heart of God for all people to come to repentance (<a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">2 Peter 3:9</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 1 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, explaining his approach to evangelism and his adaptability in reaching different groups of people. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a> A diverse and often divided early Christian community in Corinth, a major city in ancient Greece, known for its cultural and religious plurality. 3. <a href="/topical/g/gentiles.htm">Gentiles ("those without the law")</a> Non-Jewish people who did not follow the Mosaic Law, representing a significant portion of Paul's missionary focus. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_law_of_god.htm">The Law of God</a> Refers to the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites, which Paul acknowledges but distinguishes from the "law of Christ." 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_law_of_christ.htm">The Law of Christ</a> A term used by Paul to describe the guiding principles of Christian life, centered on love and the teachings of Jesus.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/a/adaptability_in_evangelism.htm">Adaptability in Evangelism</a> Paul demonstrates the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability in sharing the Gospel. Christians are encouraged to meet people where they are, without compromising their own faith. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_law_of_christ.htm">Understanding the Law of Christ</a> The "law of Christ" emphasizes love, grace, and the teachings of Jesus. Believers are called to live under this law, which transcends the old covenant's legalistic requirements. <a href="/topical/b/balancing_freedom_and_responsibility.htm">Balancing Freedom and Responsibility</a> While Christians have freedom in Christ, they are still accountable to God's moral law. This balance is crucial in living a life that honors God and effectively witnesses to others. <a href="/topical/w/winning_souls_for_christ.htm">Winning Souls for Christ</a> Paul's primary goal was to win souls for Christ. This mission should be central to every believer's life, motivating them to share the Gospel in diverse contexts. <a href="/topical/l/living_out_the_gospel.htm">Living Out the Gospel</a> The Gospel should be lived out in practical ways, demonstrating Christ's love and truth in everyday interactions, especially with those who do not know Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 9</a> <a href="/q/who_is_the_angel_amenadiel.htm">What will happen to the righteous and the wicked?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_law_of_christ.htm">What is the Law of Christ?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_tithing_in_debt.htm">What does the Bible say about tithing while in debt?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_1_cor_9_9_and_9_21_align.htm">In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul appeals to the Old Testament law (v.9) yet speaks of being under “Christ’s law” (v.21); how can skeptics be convinced there is no conflict between these two references?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) To them that are without law--i.e., the heathen. St. Paul adapted himself to their habits and mode of thought when necessary. He quoted from their literature (<a href="/acts/17-28.htm" title="For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.">Acts 17:28</a>); he based an argument on the inscriptions on their altars (<a href="/acts/17-23.htm" title="For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore you ignorantly worship, him declare I to you.">Acts 17:23</a>); and he did not require them to adopt Jewish ceremonies (<a href="/galatians/2-9.htm" title="And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go to the heathen, and they to the circumcision.">Galatians 2:9</a>; <a href="/galatians/2-11.htm" title="But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.">Galatians 2:11</a>). The parenthesis explains in what sense only St. Paul was "without" the Law, so as to prevent the possibility of this statement being used as a justification of lawlessness. As being one with Christ, he was indeed under the law of God as revealed in the person, work, and teaching of the Lord. (See <a href="/galatians/6-2.htm" title="Bear you one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.">Galatians 6:2</a>.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - To them that are without law, as without law. In other words, I so far became to the heathen as a heathen (<a href="/romans/2-12.htm">Romans 2:12</a>), that I never wilfully insulted their beliefs (Acts 19:87) nor shocked their prejudices, but on the contrary, judged them with perfect forbearance (<a href="/acts/17-30.htm">Acts 17:30</a>) and treated them with invariable courtesy. St, Paul tried to look at every subject, so far as he could do so innocently, from 'their point of view (<a href="/acts/17.htm">Acts 17</a>.). He defended their gospel liberty, and had intercourse with Gentile converts on terms of perfect equality (<a href="/galatians/2-12.htm">Galatians 2:12</a>). Not without law to God. Not even "without law" (anomos) Much less "opposed to law" (antiheroes), though free from it as a bondage (<a href="/galatians/2-19.htm">Galatians 2:19</a>). The need for this qualification is shown by the fact that in the Clementine writings, in the spurious letter of Peter to James, St. Paul is surreptitiously calumniated as "the lawless one." Even the Gentiles were "not without law to God" (<a href="/romans/2-14.htm">Romans 2:14, 15</a>). So that St. Paul is here using language which base opponents might distort, but which the common sense of honest readers would prevent them from misinterpreting. <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/9-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>To those τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. without [the] Law ἀνόμοις (anomois) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_459.htm">Strong's 459: </a> Lawless, wicked, without law. (by implication, a Gentile), or (positively) wicked. [I became like one] ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. without [the] Law ἄνομος (anomos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_459.htm">Strong's 459: </a> Lawless, wicked, without law. (by implication, a Gentile), or (positively) wicked. ([though I] am ὢν (ōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. not μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. outside [the] law ἄνομος (anomos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_459.htm">Strong's 459: </a> Lawless, wicked, without law. (by implication, a Gentile), or (positively) wicked. of God Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. but [am] ἀλλ’ (all’) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. under [the] law ἔννομος (ennomos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1772.htm">Strong's 1772: </a> (a) legal, statutory, duly constituted, (b) under the law, obedient to the law. From en and nomos; legal, or subject to. of Christ), Χριστοῦ (Christou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. to ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. win κερδάνω (kerdanō) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2770.htm">Strong's 2770: </a> To gain, acquire, win (over), avoid loss. From kerdos; to gain. those τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. without [the] Law. ἀνόμους (anomous) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_459.htm">Strong's 459: </a> Lawless, wicked, without law. (by implication, a Gentile), or (positively) wicked. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/9-21.htm">1 Corinthians 9:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/9-21.htm">1 Corinthians 9:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/9-21.htm">1 Corinthians 9:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/9-21.htm">1 Corinthians 9:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/9-21.htm">1 Corinthians 9:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/9-21.htm">1 Corinthians 9:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/9-21.htm">1 Corinthians 9:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/9-21.htm">1 Corinthians 9:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/9-21.htm">1 Corinthians 9:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/9-21.htm">1 Corinthians 9:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-21.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 9:21 To those who are without law as (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 9:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 9:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 9:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 9:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>