1 Corinthians 9:26

Translations

Modern

Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air.

Traditional

I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

Literal

Therefore I run thus, not as aimlessly; I fight thus, not as beating the air.

Latin

Ego igitur sic curro, non quasi in incertum: sic pugno, non quasi aërem verberans:

Original

Greek

English

Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air.

Notes

1 Corinthians 9:26

I do not fight like I am beating the air: Christians need to truly follow Christ instead of just acting like they do.

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

2 Peter 1:10
Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble,
2 Timothy 2:5
Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules.
Philippians 1:21
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Colossians 1:29
To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me.
Luke 13:24
“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.
2 Timothy 1:12
For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.
1 Peter 5:1
As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you:
Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Hebrews 4:1
Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be deemed to have fallen short of it.
1 Corinthians 14:9
So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.
2 Corinthians 5:1
For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
2 Corinthians 5:8
We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

Glossary

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

Topics

Boxing: Figurative Games of the Christian Life Games: Fighting Wild |Beasts|, of Spiritual Conflict Games: Foot Races Games: Gladiatorial Running Running the Race Self-Denial: General Scriptures Concerning Self-Denial: Necessary: To the Triumph of Saints War with Self-Denial War: The Flesh Warfare of Saints is Against: The Flesh Warfare of Saints: To be Carried On with Self-Denial

1 Corinthians 9:26

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