1 Corinthians 9 16

1 Corinthians 9:16 kjv

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!

1 Corinthians 9:16 nkjv

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!

1 Corinthians 9:16 niv

For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

1 Corinthians 9:16 esv

For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

1 Corinthians 9:16 nlt

Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn't preach the Good News!

1 Corinthians 9 verses

1 Corinthians 9 16 Meaning

The Apostle Paul declares that proclaiming the gospel is not his boast or primary source of personal pride. Instead, he emphasizes that a compelling obligation, a necessity laid upon him, drives his ministry. He views his gospel proclamation not as an optional activity, but as a mandate, a responsibility from God. This dedication means that woe or a curse would be his portion if he were to fail in this divine commission.

1 Corinthians 9 16 Context

This verse is found in 1 Corinthians chapter 9, where Paul is defending his apostolic rights and practices, specifically his right to receive financial support for his ministry. He has been discussing various analogies, like the soldier, the vinedresser, and the temple workers, who all receive sustenance from their labor. He asserts that just as they are sustained by their work, so he has a right to be sustained by the gospel ministry. He voluntarily gives up these rights for the sake of the gospel, not wanting to hinder it. This verse, 1 Corinthians 9:16, comes as he explains the personal imperative behind his unwavering commitment to preach, a commitment that goes beyond mere preference. He states that he does not boast in his work, but if he fails to preach, he would be accountable, underscoring the divinely imposed necessity of his task.

1 Corinthians 9 16 Word Analysis

• εἰ (ei): If. Conditional particle. Introduces a hypothetical condition.
• δὲ (de): But. Conjunction indicating contrast or transition.
• μὴ (mē): Not. Particle of negation.
• λέγω (legō): I say. First-person singular present active indicative of Lego. Verb of speaking.
• ἐμοὶ (emoi): To me. First-person singular dative pronoun. Indicates possession or to whom something applies.
• καύχημα (kaúchēma): Boasting, cause for exultation. Noun referring to that about which one boasts. Paul here states this is not his boasting.
• εἰ (ei): If. Again, a conditional particle.
• δὲ (de): But. Conjunction for contrast or transition.
• ἀγγέλλω (angellō): I preach, announce, proclaim. First-person singular present active indicative of Angello. Relates to bringing news or a message. The core of gospel ministry.
• εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion): The gospel, good news. Noun. The message of salvation through Christ.
• ἐστὶν (estin): It is. Third-person singular present active indicative of Eimi. Being verb.
• ἀνάγκη (anánkē): Necessity, compulsion, obligation. Noun. A force that must be obeyed. This highlights that Paul's preaching is not a choice but a must.
• οὐαὶ (ouai): Woe. Interjection expressing grief, distress, or a calamitous fate. A pronouncement of severe misfortune.
• δὲ (de): But. Conjunction.
• μοί (moi): To me. First-person singular dative pronoun.
• ἐὰν (ean): If. A stronger conditional particle than "ei", often meaning "if indeed".
• μὴ (mē): Not. Negation.
• τοῦτο (touto): This. Neuter singular demonstrative pronoun. Referring to the act of preaching the gospel.
• ᾖ (ē): May be, might be, it happens. First-person singular present subjunctive active of Eimi. Used in potential clauses or subordinate clauses, here in the subjunctive due to the conditional "ean."

Words Grouped:

• “εἰ δὲ μὴ λέγω ἐμοὶ καύχημα”: "if I do not boast." Paul states that preaching the gospel is not his personal source of pride or glory. His boasting, if any, lies elsewhere (like in Christ, as seen in other passages).
• “εἰ δὲ ἀγγέλλω εὐαγγέλιον, οὐκ ἔστιν μοὶ καύχημα”: "if I preach the gospel, it is not a boast for me." Reiterates the previous point with the specific action of preaching the gospel.
• “ἀνάγκη γάρ ἐστίν μοί κείμενον”: "for necessity is laid upon me." The core statement of obligation. This is not a human compulsion but a divine imposition. The "laid upon me" suggests a burden or duty placed by an external authority.
• “οὐαὶ γάρ μοί ἐστιν ἐὰν μὴ τοῦτο ᾖ”: "for woe to me if I do not do this." This expresses the severe consequence of neglecting this divinely imposed duty. It signifies accountability and judgment.

1 Corinthians 9 16 Bonus Section

Paul's declaration that preaching the gospel is not a source of boasting (1 Cor 9:15-16) contrasts with human tendencies to pride oneself on achievements or status. His emphasis on "necessity" (anánkē) is akin to the prophetic calling in the Old Testament, where prophets like Jeremiah felt compelled to speak God's word, describing it as "a fire shut up in my bones" (Jer 20:9). This internal, divine compulsion supersedes personal desires or comfort, underscoring the weight of stewardship. The "woe" pronouncement signifies a profound accountability before God for the entrusted message. It suggests that shirking such a mandate would lead to severe spiritual consequences.

1 Corinthians 9 16 Commentary

Paul reframes his ministry from a potential source of personal pride to a divinely mandated duty. He does not seek glory in the act of preaching itself; rather, he is compelled by an internal necessity, a divine "must." This obligation is so profound that failure to preach would result in a pronouncement of "woe," indicating severe judgment or dire consequence for unfaithfulness to his calling. This principle highlights the profound sense of responsibility that the Apostle felt, understanding his preaching not as a career or personal endeavor, but as a sacred trust from God. This compelling drive is what enabled him to endure hardships and preach faithfully, even at personal cost.