1 Corinthians 9 24

1 Corinthians 9:24 kjv

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

1 Corinthians 9:24 nkjv

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

1 Corinthians 9:24 niv

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

1 Corinthians 9:24 esv

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

1 Corinthians 9:24 nlt

Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!

1 Corinthians 9 verses

1 Corinthians 9 24 Meaning

The verse, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it," uses the vivid metaphor of an ancient athletic race to instruct believers on the seriousness and intentionality required in the Christian life. It highlights that while many participate in the spiritual journey, the true prize—the eternal reward and commendation from God—is given to those who run with purpose, discipline, and the specific goal of winning, not merely participating. This implies a call to dedicated effort, focus, and perseverance, urging believers to live in a way that secures their spiritual prize, not taking their salvation or the Christian life for granted but actively pursuing its ultimate culmination.

1 Corinthians 9 24 Context

First Corinthians 9:24 is embedded within Paul's discourse on Christian liberty and responsible living, specifically his defense of his apostolic rights and his willing surrender of those rights for the sake of the Gospel (1 Cor 9:1-23). He exemplifies self-denial and flexibility ("all things to all people," v. 22-23) to effectively evangelize. Immediately before this verse, Paul concludes that he does everything for the sake of the gospel (v. 23). Verse 24 introduces a new analogy—that of athletic competition common in Corinth's Isthmian Games—to further explain why such disciplined living is essential. This athletic metaphor continues into verses 25-27, where Paul explicitly links self-control and aiming for an "imperishable" crown to his own rigorous apostolic lifestyle, implicitly calling his readers to similar earnestness in their Christian walk. The historical context of the Isthmian Games, a significant pan-Hellenic athletic event held near Corinth every two years, made this analogy particularly resonant and easily understood by the Corinthian audience, contrasting the temporary glory of an athlete's wreath with the eternal prize of salvation and heavenly reward.

1 Corinthians 9 24 Word analysis

• Do you not know (Οὐκ οἴδατε; - Ouk oidate?): This is a rhetorical question, characteristic of Paul's teaching style, designed to grab attention and imply that the truth being presented is something they should already know or easily grasp. It suggests a call to awareness and a challenge to any complacency.
• that in a race (ὅτι οἱ ἐν σταδίῳ - hoti hoi en stadiō):
  • race/stadium (σταδίῳ - stadiō): Literally refers to a stadium or a race track. Metaphorically, it represents the course of Christian life or the spiritual struggle. This directly references the well-known Isthmian Games in Corinth.
• all the runners run (πάντες μὲν τρέχουσιν - pantes men trechousin):
  • all (πάντες - pantes): Indicates universal participation, many profess Christ.
  • run (τρέχουσιν - trechousin): From trechō, meaning to run, hasten. In a spiritual sense, it denotes active progress, zealous pursuit of Christian life. It's not passive belief but an active journey.
• but only one (εἷς δὲ - heis de): This emphasizes exclusivity in winning the prize in an athletic context. It draws a stark contrast and highlights the intense competition of earthly games. In a spiritual context, this prompts listeners to consider if their effort is equivalent to someone aiming for the sole prize.
• receives the prize (λαμβάνει τὸ βραβεῖον - lambanei to brabeion):
  • receives (λαμβάνει - lambanei): From lambanō, meaning to take, receive, seize. Implies actively laying hold of something, not just passively acquiring.
  • prize (βραβεῖον - brabeion): The reward for victory in athletic games. This refers to the eternal, spiritual prize believers strive for, which Paul clarifies as "imperishable" in the next verse (1 Cor 9:25). It’s not necessarily about salvation itself, which is a gift, but the fullness of eternal reward or commendation based on one’s faithful walk.
• So run (οὕτως τρέχετε - houtōs trechete): This is an imperative command, a direct exhortation to the Corinthians. "So" connects the analogy to the practical application for their lives, indicating a call to imitate the disciplined approach of an athlete.
• that you may obtain it (ἵνα καταλάβητε - hina katalabēte):
  • obtain (καταλάβητε - katalabēte): From katalambanō, meaning to lay hold of, seize, apprehend, attain. It signifies a strong, purposeful act of reaching for and securing something. It implies intention, effort, and successful appropriation of the prize. It reinforces the idea of running with the specific aim of winning, not just participating.

Words-group analysis

• "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize?": This entire phrase sets up the athletic analogy, making an undeniable observation about common knowledge (the rules of racing). It challenges the audience to apply the understood discipline of the physical realm to the spiritual. It is designed to provoke self-reflection on whether their spiritual "running" exhibits the same level of focus and striving as that of an athlete seeking an exclusive prize.
• "So run that you may obtain it.": This phrase provides the direct exhortation and application of the analogy. "So" bridges the observation to the imperative, demanding a parallel level of earnestness and purpose in their Christian lives. The purpose clause, "that you may obtain it," clarifies the goal: not merely to finish, but to finish in a manner worthy of the prize. This suggests that the spiritual prize requires intentionality and discipline akin to an athlete's pursuit of victory.

1 Corinthians 9 24 Bonus section

The concept of "the prize" (brabeion) is crucial and distinguished from salvation. It speaks to the rewards or varying degrees of commendation given at the judgment seat of Christ (Bema Seat, Rom 14:10, 2 Cor 5:10), based on faithfulness in stewardship and obedience to His call. This implies that while all true believers are saved, not all may receive the same level of reward. This creates an incentive for active, purposeful living out of gratitude and love for God. Furthermore, Paul's rhetorical question, "Do you not know," appeals to their presumed knowledge of the Isthmian Games, a familiar spectacle in their city, making the analogy relatable and potent. It indirectly challenges any lingering Gnostic tendencies or antinomianism by asserting that spiritual life, far from being purely intellectual or mystical, demands physical and ethical discipline mirroring the rigorous self-control of an athlete. The focus is on active striving to attain an ultimate, enduring outcome, contrasting sharply with the transient crowns of earthly contests.

1 Corinthians 9 24 Commentary

Paul’s use of the athletic analogy in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 is a powerful call to disciplined and intentional Christian living. He reminds the Corinthians that in earthly races, a singular focus on victory dictates an athlete’s every move and rigorous training. While salvation itself is a free gift by grace through faith, Paul emphasizes that the Christian life is a race requiring immense effort and perseverance. The "prize" here is not salvation, but rather the full measure of eternal reward, divine commendation, and the "imperishable crown" (v. 25) that awaits those who live faithfully and obediently for Christ. This verse highlights that merely being "in the race" is insufficient; believers are exhorted to run with the aim of winning, indicating a life marked by spiritual discipline, purpose, and self-control. It serves as a stark reminder that casual or half-hearted Christianity does not align with the strenuous demands of truly following Christ and achieving the divine purpose and reward He has set.

• Practical Example: Consider a student aiming for a scholarship. They don't just attend classes; they study diligently, pursue extra opportunities, and maintain discipline. Similarly, a believer doesn't just attend church; they diligently study the Word, pray, serve, and exercise self-control to live out their faith purposefully for God's glory.