1 Corinthians 9 25

1 Corinthians 9:25 kjv

And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

1 Corinthians 9:25 nkjv

And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.

1 Corinthians 9:25 niv

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

1 Corinthians 9:25 esv

Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

1 Corinthians 9:25 nlt

All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.

1 Corinthians 9 verses

1 Corinthians 9 25 Meaning

Every athlete competes with the aim of winning an imperishable crown, but we aim for an imperishable one. This verse highlights the dedication required in Christian life, comparing it to the intense training and striving of ancient athletes for earthly rewards. The believer's focus, however, is on an eternal, unfading prize.

1 Corinthians 9 25 Context

In 1 Corinthians chapter 9, Paul is addressing the Corinthians' questions and potential criticisms regarding his apostolic rights and freedoms, particularly his right to be supported financially by the churches. He has been asserting his legitimate claims as an apostle, but then he pivots to discuss how he voluntarily relinquished certain rights for the sake of the Gospel. He has used the analogy of an athlete's discipline to illustrate the self-denial and hard work required of ministers and believers. This verse, 1 Corinthians 9:25, concludes this illustration by emphasizing the superior and enduring nature of the believer's prize compared to that of an earthly athlete.

1 Corinthians 9 25 Word Analysis

• "Oucheti" (οὐχέτι): "no longer" or "not any longer". This word signifies a progression or change. Paul isn't saying they never competed, but that their current and future competition is different from the past if they are true athletes of Christ.

• "kai" (καί): "and". Connects the athlete's striving to the purpose.

• "hoplois" (ὅπλοις): "in arms," "weapons." This implies rigorous training and readiness. It is plural, suggesting multiple forms of discipline or preparation.

• "pantes" (πάντες): "all." Emphasizes universality among the athletes Paul is describing – all who compete seriously in this way.

• "ton agona" (τὸν ἀγῶνα): "the contest," "the struggle," "the athletic contest." This Greek word (agōn) is the root of our word "agony." It refers to a specific, intense, and challenging competition, like the Olympic Games.

• "ergazontes" (ἐργαζόμενοι): "working," "working diligently," "practicing." This is a present participle, indicating an ongoing action. It signifies the hard work and persistent effort involved.

• "stephanoúmenoi" (στεφούμενοι): "being crowned," "receiving a crown." This is a present passive participle. It refers to the reward given to the victor, which was typically a laurel or olive wreath in ancient games – a perishable crown.

• "hēmeis" (ἡμεῖς): "we." Paul uses this to include himself and fellow apostles/ministers.

• "de" (δὲ): "but," "but rather." A strong adversative conjunction indicating a contrast.

• "aphtharton" (ἄφθαρτον): "incorruptible," "imperishable," "undying." This is the key descriptor of the believer's prize, contrasting it directly with the phainomenon (visible, temporal) and fictitious (though real and costly to the athlete) earthly prize. It signifies something that cannot decay or be destroyed.

• "stéphanon" (στέφανον): "a crown," "a wreath." This is the accusative singular of "stephanos," the prize.

• Word-group analysis:

  • "all run, but one receives the prize": This phrase encapsulates the competitive nature of ancient games. Only one victor received the ultimate earthly crown. This highlights the intensity and the stakes.
  • "The contest" (ton agona): This refers to the specific, disciplined training regimen and the event itself, requiring great effort and commitment.
  • "striving... being crowned": The continuous effort (striving) is directly linked to the eventual reception of a reward (crowned), though that reward is perishable.
  • "But we": This introduces the crucial contrast and the point Paul wants to emphasize.
  • "imperishable crown": The contrast here is the central theme – a prize that will not wither, decay, or cease to exist, directly opposing the perishable wreaths of the pagan games.

1 Corinthians 9 25 Bonus Section

The athletic imagery was profoundly understood by Paul's original audience, as athletic festivals were prominent in the Greco-Roman world. The "agon" (contest) concept wasn't just about the final event but the entire period of disciplined preparation. The word "aphtharton" (imperishable) powerfully counters the pagan concept of victory, which was often associated with mere temporal glory. The imperishable crown symbolizes not just eternal life itself, but also rewards for faithful service and adherence to Christ's teachings, as seen in passages like 2 Timothy 2:5 where faithfulness to the rules leads to the crown. Paul is essentially calling believers to invest their energy in a contest with eternal stakes, rather than ephemeral gains.

1 Corinthians 9 25 Commentary

Paul's analogy is sharp: ancient athletes trained with relentless rigor, subjecting themselves to strict discipline (abstinence, grueling workouts) for a wreath that would fade within days. Our spiritual discipline and striving are for a crown that will never perish. This prize is not dependent on a single victory but on faithful perseverance. The emphasis is on the quality and duration of the reward. The Corinthians needed to understand that true victory in the spiritual life is defined by endurance and fidelity to God, leading to an eternal, incorruptible reward, rather than fleeting worldly recognition or even religious prestige. This contrasts the athlete's self-centered pursuit of personal glory with the believer's pursuit of glorifying God through submission to His will and dedication to His cause, ultimately sharing in Christ's eternal glory.