King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 9:20 Mean?

1 Corinthians 9:20 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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;”

1 Corinthians 9:20 · KJV

Context

18

What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

19

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

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;

21

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.

22

To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Read 1 Corinthians 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; Paul begins illustrating his adaptive ministry. To Jews, he lived as a Jew—observing dietary laws (when helpful), attending synagogue, reasoning from Torah, and participating in Jewish festivals (Acts 18:18; 21:20-26). This was not hypocrisy but cultural sensitivity. Paul did not require Gentiles to become Jews (Gal 2), but he himself remained culturally Jewish to reach his kinsmen.

To them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; Paul explains: he lived "under the law" (observing Mosaic regulations) to reach law-observant Jews. He had freedom from the law's ceremonial requirements (Gal 3-4), yet voluntarily kept them when evangelizing Jews. This is missional wisdom: remove unnecessary offense, adapt culturally, and focus on the gospel. Paul distinguishes between doctrinal non-negotiables (justification by faith) and cultural flexibility (dietary customs, calendar observances).

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Judaism was diverse: Pharisees emphasized oral tradition, Sadducees rejected resurrection, Essenes practiced asceticism. Paul engaged all groups, reasoning from shared Scripture (Acts 17:2) and observing customs that built relational bridges. His circumcision of Timothy (Acts 16:3) exemplifies this flexibility—Timothy's circumcision was evangelistic strategy, not theological compromise.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did Paul live "as a Jew" to Jews without compromising justification by faith alone?
  2. What is the difference between cultural adaptation (1 Cor 9:20) and doctrinal compromise (Gal 2:11-14)?
  3. How does Paul's flexibility model contextualized gospel ministry today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐγενόμην2 of 20

“I became”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

τοῖς3 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰουδαίους4 of 20

“a Jew”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

ὡς5 of 20

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

Ἰουδαίους6 of 20

“a Jew”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

ἵνα7 of 20

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

Ἰουδαίους8 of 20

“a Jew”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

κερδήσω·9 of 20

“I might gain”

G2770

to gain (literally or figuratively)

τοῖς10 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑπὸ11 of 20

“them that are under”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

νόμον12 of 20

“the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

ὡς13 of 20

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ὑπὸ14 of 20

“them that are under”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

νόμον15 of 20

“the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

ἵνα16 of 20

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

τοὺς17 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑπὸ18 of 20

“them that are under”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

νόμον19 of 20

“the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

κερδήσω·20 of 20

“I might gain”

G2770

to gain (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 9:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 9:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 16:3Galatians 5:18Acts 21:20-26Acts 17:2-3Romans 6:14-15Acts 18:18

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