King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 9:21 Mean?

1 Corinthians 9:21 in the King James Version says “To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might ...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 · KJV

Context

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.

23

And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

Read 1 Corinthians 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
To them that are without law, as without law, When ministering to Gentiles unfamiliar with Torah, Paul did not impose Jewish customs. He ate with Gentiles (Gal 2:12), ignored kosher laws, and dismissed calendar observances as non-binding (Col 2:16-17). This offended Jewish Christians (Acts 15; Gal 2) but opened gospel access to the nations.

(Being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) Crucial qualification: Paul is not antinomian. He is not "lawless" (Greek anomos, ἄνομος) before God; he is "en-lawed to Christ" (Greek ennomos Christou, ἔννομος Χριστοῦ). Paul lives under Christ's moral authority—the "law of Christ" (Gal 6:2), fulfilled in love (Rom 13:8-10). He is free from Mosaic ceremonial law but bound to Christ's ethical will. This preserves moral accountability while granting cultural flexibility.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Gentile converts came from pagan backgrounds with no knowledge of Torah. Requiring circumcision and kosher laws would have erected insurmountable barriers (Acts 15:10). The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) affirmed that Gentiles need not become culturally Jewish to be saved. Paul applied this principle rigorously, refusing to burden Gentile churches with Jewish ceremonialism while maintaining gospel ethics.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul balance freedom from Mosaic law with submission to Christ's law?
  2. What is the "law of Christ" that governs believers freed from Torah?
  3. How does this verse prevent both legalism (imposing cultural rules) and antinomianism (rejecting moral authority)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
τοῖς1 of 14
G3588

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

ἀνόμους·2 of 14

“To them that are without law”

G459

lawless, i.e., (negatively) not subject to (the jewish) law; (by implication, a gentile), or (positively) wicked

ὡς3 of 14

“as”

G5613

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

ἀνόμους·4 of 14

“To them that are without law”

G459

lawless, i.e., (negatively) not subject to (the jewish) law; (by implication, a gentile), or (positively) wicked

μὴ5 of 14

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ὢν6 of 14

“(being”

G5607

being

ἀνόμους·7 of 14

“To them that are without law”

G459

lawless, i.e., (negatively) not subject to (the jewish) law; (by implication, a gentile), or (positively) wicked

θεῷ8 of 14

“to God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἀλλ'9 of 14

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἔννομος10 of 14

“under the law”

G1772

(subjectively) legal, or (objectively) subject to

Χριστῷ11 of 14

“to Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἵνα12 of 14

“) that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

κερδήσω13 of 14

“I might gain”

G2770

to gain (literally or figuratively)

ἀνόμους·14 of 14

“To them that are without law”

G459

lawless, i.e., (negatively) not subject to (the jewish) law; (by implication, a gentile), or (positively) wicked

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 9:21 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 9:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 2:12Galatians 3:2Romans 2:141 Corinthians 7:19-22Matthew 5:17-20Titus 2:2-12

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Corinthians 9 with CommentaryAll 1 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 1 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes