1 Corinthians 9:24

Translations

Modern

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize.

Traditional

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

Literal

Do you not know that those running in a race indeed all run, but one receives the prize? Run thus, so that you might obtain it.

Latin

Nescitis quod ii qui in stadio currunt, omnes quidem currunt, sed unus accipit bravium? Sic currite ut comprehendatis.

Original

Greek

English

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize.

Notes

1 Corinthians 9:24–27

To show how seriously the Corinthians must take their salvation, Paul refers to the Isthmian games, a well-known athletic event held in Corinth every two years.
Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline: Athletes must have strict self-discipline to compete for a prize. In Paul's time, athletes trained rigorously for months before competing. Similarly, strict self-discipline (see Galatians 5:22–23) is needed to achieve the eternal prize of salvation. Christians must follow the daily discipline of obeying Christ.
for a crown that is perishable: Athletic prizes were often wreaths made of laurel leaves (see 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10).

1 Corinthians 9:1–27

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

Corinth Paul (Saul)

Related verses

Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.
2 Timothy 4:7–8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Revelation 3:11
I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
Philippians 2:16
…as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
Galatians 5:7
You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth?
1 Corinthians 9:26
Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air.
Jeremiah 12:5
“If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in a peaceful land, how will you do in the thickets of the Jordan?
Galatians 2:2
I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I spoke privately to those recognized as leaders, for fear that I was running or had already run in vain.
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
Ecclesiastes 9:11
I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; neither is the bread to the wise, nor the wealth to the intelligent, nor the favor to the skillful. For time and chance happen to all.
Psalm 19:5
Like a bridegroom emerging from his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course,

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Brothers of Jesus Conscience First Letter to the Corinthians Gymnasium Prize Sanctification Second Letter to the Corinthians

Topics

Compared To Saints: Runners in a Race Compensation Doing your Best Don't Give Up Finish the Race Games of the Christian Life Games: Foot Races Physical Exercise Prize: A Reward of Merit Quitting Race: Foot Race: Figurative Righteous: Runners in a Race Run the Race Running Running the Race Sportsmanship The Roman Empire: Allusions to Grecian Game Adapted by Foot Races Winning

1 Corinthians 9:24

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