New Testament
1 Corinthians 9:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When I'm with Jews, I live like a Jew to reach Jews. When I'm with people who follow the law, I live as though I'm under the law — even though I'm not — so I can reach those under the law.
Compare translations
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;
What 1 Corinthians 9:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the author, Paul, shares his approach to connecting with different groups of people. When he is around Jews, he adopts their customs and practices to relate to them better. This doesn't mean he changes his beliefs; rather, he adapts his behavior to build trust and understanding. Similarly, when he interacts with those who strictly follow the law, he respects their traditions, even though he is not bound by those rules himself. His goal is clear: to reach as many people as possible with his message. By being flexible and considerate, he creates opportunities for meaningful conversations about faith. This approach highlights the importance of empathy and cultural sensitivity in communication. It shows that understanding others can lead to deeper connections and shared experiences, ultimately fostering a sense of community and belonging. Paul's example encourages us to be open-minded and adaptable in our interactions with others, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.
How to apply 1 Corinthians 9:20 to your life
Consider how you can adapt your approach when interacting with people from different backgrounds. Being open to understanding their perspectives can help you build stronger relationships. Remember, it's about connecting with others while staying true to your own values and beliefs. This can lead to meaningful conversations and shared experiences that enrich your life and theirs.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Corinthians Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Peter
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Corinthians 9:20
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Corinthians 9:20
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Corinthians
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 55
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- The church in Corinth
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Corinthians 9:20 mean?
1 Corinthians 9:20 means that Paul adapts his behavior to connect with different groups of people. He respects their customs and practices to build trust and share his message more effectively.
What is the meaning of 'I became as a Jew' in 1 Corinthians 9:20?
The phrase 'I became as a Jew' means that Paul adopted Jewish customs when he was with Jews to relate to them better. This shows his willingness to understand and connect with others while maintaining his own beliefs.
How does 1 Corinthians 9:20 apply to modern relationships?
1 Corinthians 9:20 encourages us to be open-minded and adaptable in our interactions with people from different backgrounds. By understanding their perspectives, we can build stronger relationships and have meaningful conversations.
What themes are present in 1 Corinthians 9:20?
The themes in 1 Corinthians 9:20 include cultural sensitivity, adaptability, connection, understanding, and faith sharing. These themes highlight the importance of empathy in communication and building community.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.