1 Corinthians 9:16

Modern

Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

Traditional

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

Literal

For if I preach the gospel, there is no boasting to me, for necessity is laid upon me. But woe be to me if I should not preach the gospel!

Latin

Nam si evangelizavero, non est mihi gloria: necessitas enim mihi incumbit: væ enim mihi est, si non evangelizavero.

Greek

English

Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

Continuing the argument from 8:1, Paul shares personal examples of giving up his rights to help others (see study note on 1 Corinthians 8:1–11:1).

Theme notes and profiles

Romans 1:14
I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.
Jeremiah 20:9
If I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,” His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail.
Colossians 4:17
Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”
Luke 9:62
Then Jesus declared, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Acts 26:16–20
‘But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen from Me and what I will show you.
Acts 4:20
For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
Amos 3:8
The lion has roared—who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken—who will not prophesy?
Acts 9:6
“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
Romans 15:17
Therefore I exult in Christ Jesus in my service to God.
Acts 9:15
“Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.
Isaiah 6:5
Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.”
Romans 4:2
If Abraham was indeed justified by works, he had something to boast about, but not before God.