1CO 9:24-27

Run Your Race to Win

24Do you not know that those who run in a stadium all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. [9:25] And everyone who competes in the games controls himself in all things — they, then, to receive a withering crown, but we an imperishable one. [9:26] Therefore I run — not without a clear aim; I fight — not as one beating the air; [9:27] but I batter my body and lead it into submission, lest after proclaiming to others, I myself might be disqualified.

In the world it was spoken into

In the first century, athletic competitions like the Isthmian Games near Corinth were major cultural events, drawing competitors and spectators from across the Roman Empire. The prize was typically a wreath of pine or celery, a symbol of honor that quickly withered. Paul uses this imagery to contrast the fleeting glory of earthly crowns with the eternal reward promised to followers of Christ. The discipline required of athletes—strict training, diet, and self-control—was well-known and respected. Paul likens this to the spiritual discipline necessary for believers, emphasizing focus and purpose in their faith journey. The metaphor of striking the body evokes the rigorous self-denial athletes practiced to avoid disqualification. For Paul, this physical discipline parallels the spiritual struggle against sin and complacency. His audience, familiar with the prestige and rigor of athletic contests, would understand the urgency and commitment he calls for in their spiritual lives.

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How other translations render this

1CO 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.
BSB: 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.
Koinōnos: Do you not know that those who run in a stadium all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

1CO 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.
BSB: Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.
Koinōnos: And everyone who competes in the games controls himself in all things — they, then, to receive a withering crown, but we an imperishable one.

1CO 9:26

KJV: I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
BSB: Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air.
Koinōnos: Therefore I run — not without a clear aim; I fight — not as one beating the air;

1CO 9:27

KJV: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
BSB: No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
Koinōnos: but I batter my body and lead it into submission, lest after proclaiming to others, I myself might be disqualified.

Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.

Translator's notes

1CO 9:24

prize?:The word translated 'prize' refers specifically to the award given to the victor in athletic games, often a wreath or crown, symbolizing honor and achievement.

1CO 9:25

controls himself;:The term translated 'controls himself' implies a strong, disciplined self-mastery, particularly in abstaining from certain desires or practices, much like an athlete's rigorous training.

1CO 9:26

uncertainly,:The word translated 'uncertainly' suggests a lack of clear aim or a hidden, unseen target, implying a runner who doesn't know where the finish line is or what they are striving for.

1CO 9:27

I batter:The phrase 'I batter' literally means to strike someone under the eye, giving them a black eye, and metaphorically refers to a severe and punishing discipline of the body.