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1 Corinthians 9

BSB·27 verses ·New Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Am Iεἰμὶeimi — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → notΟὐκOuk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → freeἐλεύθεροςeleutheros — Free; released from bondage or constraintG1658 — Full Word Study →? Am Iεἰμὶeimi — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → notοὐκouk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → an apostleἀπόστολοςapostolos — One sent as an official messenger or delegateG652 — Full Word Study →? Have I not seenἑόρακαheoraka — To see, perceive, or observe with the eyes or mindG3708 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦνIēsoun — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → LordΚύριονKyrion — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study →? Areἐστεeste — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → you yourselves notοὐou — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → myμουmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → workmanshipἔργονergon — Work, deed, or action; labor or taskG2041 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the Lord? 2Even ifεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → I amεἰμὶeimi — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → notοὐκouk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → an apostleἀπόστολοςapostolos — One sent as an official messenger or delegateG652 — Full Word Study → to othersἄλλοιςallois — another, other, different oneG243 — Full Word Study →, surelyγεge — indeed, at least, even, surelyG1065 — Full Word Study → I amεἰμιeimi — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → to youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → youὑμεῖςhymeis — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → areἐστεeste — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → thehē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → sealσφραγίςsphragis — seal, official mark of authority and authenticityG4973 — Full Word Study → of myμουmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → apostleshipἀποστολῆςapostolēs — The office or function of an apostleG651 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the Lord. 3Thisαὕτηhautē — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → myἐμὴemē — my, mine, belonging to meG1699 — Full Word Study → defenseἀπολογίαapologia — Verbal defense or answer given in response to accusationG627 — Full Word Study → to those whoτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → scrutinizeἀνακρίνουσίνanakrinousin — To examine, interrogate, or investigate thoroughlyG350 — Full Word Study → meἐμὲeme — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →: 4Have weἔχομενechomen — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → noμὴmē — Not; negation; lestG3361 — Full Word Study → rightἐξουσίανexousian — authority, power, or right to actG1849 — Full Word Study → to foodφαγεῖνphagein — To eat food or consumeG5315 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → to drinkπεῖνpein — to drink, consume a beverageG4095 — Full Word Study →? 5Have weἔχομενechomen — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → noμὴmē — Not; negation; lestG3361 — Full Word Study → rightἐξουσίανexousian — authority, power, or right to actG1849 — Full Word Study → to take alongπεριάγεινperiagein — to go around, travel about, lead aroundG4013 — Full Word Study → a believingἀδελφὴνadelphēn — female sibling; woman in spiritual kinshipG79 — Full Word Study → wifeγυναῖκαgynaika — woman; wife; female personG1135 — Full Word Study →, asὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → do theοἱhoi — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → otherλοιποὶloipoi — The remaining ones; those left overG3062 — Full Word Study → apostlesἀπόστολοιapostoloi — One sent as an official messenger or delegateG652 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → theοἱhoi — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Lord’sΚυρίουKyriou — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → brothersἀδελφοὶadelphoi — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → CephasΚηφᾶςKēphas — A stone or rockG2786 — Full Word Study →? 6Or are BarnabasΒαρνάβαςBarnabas — Son of encouragementG921 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → Iἐγὼegō — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → the only apostles who mustοὐκouk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → work for a livingἐργάζεσθαιergazesthai — to work, labor, or perform actionG2038 — Full Word Study →? 7WhoΤίςTis — Who? What? Which? (interrogative pronoun)G5101 — Full Word Study → serves as a soldierστρατεύεταιstrateuetai — To serve as a soldier; to wage war or battleG4754 — Full Word Study → at his ownἰδίοιςidiois — one's own; private; personalG2398 — Full Word Study → expenseὀψωνίοιςopsōniois — soldier's wages or compensationG3800 — Full Word Study →? Whoτίςtis — Who? What? Which? (interrogative pronoun)G5101 — Full Word Study → plantsφυτεύειphyteuei — to plant or establishG5452 — Full Word Study → a vineyardἀμπελῶναampelōna — vineyard, a cultivated grapevine fieldG290 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → does not eat ofἐσθίειesthiei — to eat; to consume foodG2068 — Full Word Study → itsαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → fruitκαρπὸνkarpon — fruit; produce; result; outcomeG2590 — Full Word Study →? Whoτίςtis — Who? What? Which? (interrogative pronoun)G5101 — Full Word Study → tendsποιμαίνειpoimainei — to shepherd, tend, feed, or rule over a flockG4165 — Full Word Study → a flockποίμνηνpoimnēn — A flock of sheep; congregation under careG4167 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → does not drinkἐσθίειesthiei — to eat; to consume foodG2068 — Full Word Study → ofἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → its milkγάλακτοςgalaktos — milk; sustenance for infantsG1051 — Full Word Study →? 8Do I sayλαλῶlalō — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → thisταῦταtauta — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → from a human perspectiveκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study →? Doesn’tοὐou — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → the Law sayλέγειlegei — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study → the same thingταῦταtauta — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study →? 9Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → it is writtenγέγραπταιgegraptai — to write or compose in written formG1125 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Lawνόμῳnomō — law, rule, or principleG3551 — Full Word Study → of MosesΜωϋσέωςMōuseōs — The lawgiver and prophetG3475 — Full Word Study →: “Do not muzzleκημώσειςkēmōseis — to silence, muzzle, or gagG5392 — Full Word Study → an oxβοῦνboun — Ox, bovine animalG1016 — Full Word Study → while it is treading out the grain.” Is it aboutτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → oxenβοῶνboōn — Ox, bovine animalG1016 — Full Word Study → that God is concernedμέλειmelei — to care about, be concerned withG3199 — Full Word Study →? 10Isn’tē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → He actually speakingλέγειlegei — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study → on our behalfδι’di’ — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study →? Indeedγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study →, this was writtenἐγράφηegraphē — to write or compose in written formG1125 — Full Word Study → forδι’di’ — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → usἡμᾶςhēmas — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →, becauseὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → when the plowmanἀροτριῶνarotriōn — to plow or till the groundG722 — Full Word Study → plowsἀροτριᾶνarotrian — to plow or till the groundG722 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → thresher threshes, they should also expect to share in the harvestμετέχεινmetechein — to share in, partake of, participate inG3348 — Full Word Study →. 11IfΕἰEi — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → weἡμεῖςhēmeis — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → have sownἐσπείραμενespeiramen — to sow seed; to scatter for plantingG4687 — Full Word Study → spiritual seed among youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, is it too much for usἡμεῖςhēmeis — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → to reapθερίσομενtherisomen — to reap or harvestG2325 — Full Word Study → a material harvest from youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →? 12Ifεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → othersἄλλοιalloi — another, other, different oneG243 — Full Word Study → haveμετέχουσινmetechousin — to share in, partake of, participate inG3348 — Full Word Study → this rightἐξουσίαςexousias — authority, power, or right to actG1849 — Full Word Study → to your support, shouldn’tοὐou — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → weἡμεῖςhēmeis — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → have it all the more? Butἀλλ’all’ — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → we did not exerciseἐχρησάμεθαechrēsametha — to use, make use of, employG5530 — Full Word Study → thisταύτῃtautē — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → rightἐξουσίᾳexousia — authority, power, or right to actG1849 — Full Word Study →. Insteadἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study →, we put up withστέγομενstegomen — to bear with, endure, or tolerateG4722 — Full Word Study → anythingπάνταpanta — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → rather thanἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → hinderδῶμενdōmen — to give, grant, or bestowG1325 — Full Word Study → theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → gospelεὐαγγελίῳeuangeliō — Good news; the Gospel messageG2098 — Full Word Study → ofτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →. 13Do you not knowοἴδατεoidate — to see, perceive, understand, knowG1492 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → those whoοἱhoi — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → workἐργαζόμενοιergazomenoi — to work, labor, or perform actionG2038 — Full Word Study → in theτὰta — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → templeἱερὰhiera — sacred, holy, set apart for divine purposesG2413 — Full Word Study → eat ofἐσθίουσινesthiousin — to eat; to consume foodG2068 — Full Word Study → its food, and those who serveπαρεδρεύοντεςparedreuontes — to sit beside and serve; to attend toG4332 — Full Word Study → at theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → altarθυσιαστηρίῳthysiastēriō — A place or structure for offering sacrifices to GodG2379 — Full Word Study → partakeσυμμερίζονταιsymmerizontai — to share in or participate withG4829 — Full Word Study → of its offerings? 14In the same wayοὕτωςhoutōs — in this manner; thus; soG3779 — Full Word Study →, theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → LordΚύριοςKyrios — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → has prescribed thatδιέταξενdietaxen — to arrange, order, command, appointG1299 — Full Word Study → those whoτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → preachκαταγγέλλουσινkatangellousin — To proclaim publicly; to announce or declareG2605 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → gospelεὐαγγέλιονeuangelion — Good news; the Gospel messageG2098 — Full Word Study → should receive their livingζῆνzēn — to live, be alive, existG2198 — Full Word Study → fromἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → gospelεὐαγγελίουeuangeliou — Good news; the Gospel messageG2098 — Full Word Study →. 15Butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → Iἐγὼegō — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → have not usedκέχρημαιkechrēmai — to use, make use of, employG5530 — Full Word Study → any of these rights. Andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → I am not writingἔγραψαegrapsa — to write or compose in written formG1125 — Full Word Study → thisταῦταtauta — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → to suggest thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → somethingοὕτωςhoutōs — in this manner; thus; soG3779 — Full Word Study → be doneγένηταιgenētai — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → forἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → meἐμοίemoi — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →. Indeedγάρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study →, Iμοιmoi — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → would ratherμᾶλλονmallon — more, rather, increasinglyG3123 — Full Word Study → dieἀποθανεῖνapothanein — to die, to perish, to be put to deathG599 — Full Word Study → thanē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → let anyone nullifyκενώσειkenōsei — To empty, nullify, or drain of powerG2758 — Full Word Study → myμουmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → boastκαύχημάkauchēma — that which is boasted in; grounds for boasting or prideG2745 — Full Word Study →. 16Yetγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → whenἘὰνEan — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → I preach the gospelεὐαγγελίζωμαιeuangelizōmai — To proclaim or announce good news; to preach the gospelG2097 — Full Word Study →, Iμοιmoi — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → haveἔστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → no reasonοὐκouk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → to boastκαύχημαkauchēma — that which is boasted in; grounds for boasting or prideG2745 — Full Word Study →, becauseγάρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → Iμοιmoi — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → am obligated to preach. Woeοὐαὶouai — Woe; an exclamation of lament or judgmentG3759 — Full Word Study → to meμοίmoi — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → ifἐὰνean — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → I do not preach the gospelεὐαγγελίσωμαιeuangelisōmai — To proclaim or announce good news; to preach the gospelG2097 — Full Word Study →! 17Ifεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → myπράσσωprassō — to do, practice, or perform actionsG4238 — Full Word Study → preaching is voluntary, I haveἔχωechō — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → a rewardμισθὸνmisthon — Wages, reward, or payment for laborG3408 — Full Word Study →. Butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → ifεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility. 18Whatτίςtis — Who? What? Which? (interrogative pronoun)G5101 — Full Word Study → thenοὖνoun — therefore, then, so, thusG3767 — Full Word Study → isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → myμούmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → rewardμισθόςmisthos — Wages, reward, or payment for laborG3408 — Full Word Study →? Thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → in preaching the gospelεὐαγγελιζόμενοςeuangelizomenos — To proclaim or announce good news; to preach the gospelG2097 — Full Word Study → I may offerθήσωthēsō — To place, set, or lay downG5087 — Full Word Study → it free of chargeἀδάπανονadapanon — without cost or expense; free of chargeG77 — Full Word Study →, and soεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → notμὴmē — Not; negation; lestG3361 — Full Word Study → use upκαταχρήσασθαιkatachrēsasthai — to use up, abuse, misuse harshlyG2710 — Full Word Study → myμουmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → rightsἐξουσίᾳexousia — authority, power, or right to actG1849 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → preaching it. 19Thoughγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → I amὢνōn — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → free of obligationἘλεύθεροςEleutheros — Free; released from bondage or constraintG1658 — Full Word Study → toἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → anyoneπάντωνpantōn — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study →, I make myself a slaveἐδούλωσαedoulōsa — To enslave or bring into bondageG1402 — Full Word Study → to everyoneπᾶσινpasin — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study →, toἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → winκερδήσωkerdēsō — to gain, profit, or winG2770 — Full Word Study → as many as possibleπλείοναςpleionas — greater, more, larger in quantity or qualityG4119 — Full Word Study →. 20To theτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → JewsἸουδαίοιςIoudaiois — A Jewish personG2453 — Full Word Study → I becameἐγενόμηνegenomēn — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → likeὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → a JewἸουδαῖοςIoudaios — A Jewish personG2453 — Full Word Study →, toἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → winκερδήσωkerdēsō — to gain, profit, or winG2770 — Full Word Study → the Jews. To thoseτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → underὑπὸhypo — under; by; from the agency ofG5259 — Full Word Study → the law I became like one underὑπὸhypo — under; by; from the agency ofG5259 — Full Word Study → the law (though I myself amὢνōn — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → notμὴmē — Not; negation; lestG3361 — Full Word Study → underὑπὸhypo — under; by; from the agency ofG5259 — Full Word Study → the law), toἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → winκερδήσωkerdēsō — to gain, profit, or winG2770 — Full Word Study → thoseτοὺςtous — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → underὑπὸhypo — under; by; from the agency ofG5259 — Full Word Study → the law. 21To thoseτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → without the law I became like one without the law (though I am notμὴmē — Not; negation; lestG3361 — Full Word Study → outside the law of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → but am under the law of Christ)ΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →, toἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → winκερδάνωkerdanō — to gain, profit, or winG2770 — Full Word Study → thoseτοὺςtous — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → without the law. 22To theτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → weakἀσθενέσινasthenesin — Weak, feeble, lacking strength or powerG772 — Full Word Study → I becameἐγενόμηνegenomēn — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → weakἀσθενήςasthenēs — Weak, feeble, lacking strength or powerG772 — Full Word Study →, toἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → winκερδήσωkerdēsō — to gain, profit, or winG2770 — Full Word Study → theτοὺςtous — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → weakἀσθενεῖςastheneis — Weak, feeble, lacking strength or powerG772 — Full Word Study →. I have becomeγέγοναgegona — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → allπάνταpanta — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → thingsτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → to all people so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → by all possible meansπάντωςpantōs — Certainly, surely, by all means, absolutelyG3843 — Full Word Study → I might saveσώσωsōsō — To save, rescue, or deliver from danger or harmG4982 — Full Word Study → someτινὰςtinas — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study →. 23I doποιῶpoiō — to do, make, perform, or accomplishG4160 — Full Word Study → all this for the sake ofδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → gospelεὐαγγέλιονeuangelion — Good news; the Gospel messageG2098 — Full Word Study →, so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → I may shareγένωμαιgenōmai — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → in its blessings. 24Do you not knowοἴδατεoidate — to see, perceive, understand, knowG1492 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → a raceσταδίῳstadiō — A unit of linear measurement; a stadium or furlongG4712 — Full Word Study → allπάντεςpantes — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → theοἱhoi — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → runnersτρέχοντεςtrechontes — to run, move swiftlyG5143 — Full Word Study → runτρέχουσινtrechousin — to run, move swiftlyG5143 — Full Word Study →, butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → only oneεἷςheis — one, a single unit, unifiedG1520 — Full Word Study → receivesλαμβάνειlambanei — to take, receive, or obtainG2983 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → prizeβραβεῖονbrabeion — Prize, reward, victor's crownG1017 — Full Word Study →? Runτρέχετεtrechete — to run, move swiftlyG5143 — Full Word Study → in such a wayοὕτωςhoutōs — in this manner; thus; soG3779 — Full Word Study → as toἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → take the prize. 25Everyoneπᾶςpas — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → whoho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → competes in the gamesἀγωνιζόμενοςagōnizomenos — To struggle, fight, or strive intenselyG75 — Full Word Study → trains with strict disciplineἐγκρατεύεταιenkrateuetai — To exercise self-control; to abstain or restrain oneselfG1467 — Full Word Study →. They do it for a crownστέφανονstephanon — Crown; victor's wreath; honor or rewardG4735 — Full Word Study → that is perishable, butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → we do it for a crown that is imperishable. 26Thereforeτοίνυνtoinyn — then, therefore, accordinglyG5106 — Full Word Study → Iἐγὼegō — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → do not runτρέχωtrechō — to run, move swiftlyG5143 — Full Word Study → aimlesslyἀδήλωςadēlōs — in an uncertain or unclear mannerG84 — Full Word Study →; I do not fightπυκτεύωpykteuō — to fight with fists; to boxG4438 — Full Word Study → likeοὕτωςhoutōs — in this manner; thus; soG3779 — Full Word Study → I am beatingδέρωνderōn — to beat, strike, or flogG1194 — Full Word Study → the air. 27Noἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study →, I disciplineὑπωπιάζωhypōpiazō — to strike under the eye; to wear out or exhaustG5299 — Full Word Study → myμουmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → bodyσῶμαsōma — Physical body; corporeal formG4983 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → make it my slaveδουλαγωγῶdoulagōgō — to bring into bondage; to enslaveG1396 — Full Word Study →, so that after I have preached to othersἄλλοιςallois — another, other, different oneG243 — Full Word Study →, I myselfαὐτὸςautos — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → will not beγένωμαιgenōmai — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → disqualifiedἀδόκιμοςadokimos — Rejected; failing the test; disqualifiedG96 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — 1 Corinthians 9
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul defends his apostolic authority and explains his voluntary renunciation of financial support from the churches he planted. Rather than merely asserting his rights, Paul demonstrates Christian maturity by willingly sacrificing his legitimate claims for the sake of the gospel. This chapter presents a compelling model of Christian freedom exercised through self-denial, showing that true spiritual authority is not demanded but earned through faithful, humble service.

Verses 1–5: Paul's Apostolic Credentials

Paul opens with rhetorical questions establishing his apostolic legitimacy. He had personally encountered the risen Christ (verse 1), which was the essential qualification for apostleship in the early church. The Corinthians themselves were living proof of his calling—they were "his work in the Lord" (verse 2). He acknowledges that while some might question his status, the Corinthian church itself served as the "seal" of his apostleship. In verses 4–5, Paul asserts his legitimate rights: to receive financial support, to marry and travel with a believing wife as other apostles did, and to be relieved from secular employment. These were standard privileges for those in full-time ministry.

Verses 6–12: The Principle of Financial Support

Paul supports his claims with three practical illustrations (verse 7): a soldier doesn't pay for his own provisions, a vineyard owner eats of his own fruit, and a shepherd drinks the milk of his flock. These are common-sense examples of those who labor receiving support from their labor. He then appeals to the Mosaic Law (verse 9), citing Deuteronomy 25:4 about not muzzling an ox. Significantly, Paul applies this law to human workers, not merely animals. The law was written "for our sakes"—meaning those who preach the gospel (verses 9–10). If spiritual laborers have sown spiritual things among the Corinthians, they have the right to reap material support (verse 11). Yet in verses 12, Paul reveals his actual practice: though he and Barnabas could claim this power, they deliberately chose not to use it to avoid hindering the gospel's progress.

Verses 13–18: Voluntary Self-Denial

Paul reinforces the principle by noting that temple workers and altar servants lived from temple provisions (verse 13), and the Lord ordained that gospel preachers should similarly live by the gospel (verse 14). However, Paul had exercised none of these rights. His resolve was absolute: he would rather die than forfeit his boasting in preaching the gospel freely (verse 15). This apparent paradox is clarified in verses 16–18. Paul's preaching was not optional—it was an inescapable divine commission ("necessity is laid upon me"). Therefore, he had no grounds for pride in merely fulfilling his duty. Yet if he preaches willingly and refuses payment, he gains a reward: the joy of offering Christ without charge, thus avoiding any abuse of his apostolic authority.

Verses 19–27: Becoming All Things to All People

Paul's ultimate motive emerges in verse 19: though free from all constraints, he has enslaved himself to all people that he might win more to Christ. Verses 20–22 illustrate this flexibility—he adapted to Jews, to those under the law, to the lawless, and to the weak, always with the singular purpose of gospel advancement. His famous declaration, "I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some" (verse 22), shows that Christian liberty exists for mission, not indulgence. Paul closes with an athletic metaphor (verses 24–27): believers must run life's race with discipline and focus, like athletes who practice self-control to win a perishable crown. We pursue an incorruptible crown, demanding even greater discipline. Paul "keeps under his body," maintaining spiritual vigilance lest he become spiritually disqualified despite his faithful preaching.

Application for Today

Paul teaches that Christian freedom and apostolic authority find their true expression not in demanding rights but in voluntarily surrendering them for others' spiritual benefit. Believers today are called to similar self-denial—not through legalism, but through love. Our greatest reward comes not from asserting what we deserve, but from sacrificing what we could claim, always asking: "Does this serve the gospel and benefit others?"

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