1 Corinthians 9:25
New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
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.

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

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
Now everyone striving controls himself in all things; then indeed they, that they might receive a perishable crown; but we, an imperishable.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. So they do it to obtain a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

NASB 1995
Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

NASB 1977
And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.

Amplified Bible
Now every athlete who [goes into training and] competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things. They do it to win a crown that withers, but we [do it to receive] an imperishable [crown that cannot wither].

Christian Standard Bible
Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. However, they do it to receive a crown that will fade away, but we a crown that will never fade away.

American Standard Version
And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

Contemporary English Version
Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a crown that will last forever.

English Revised Version
And every man that striveth in the games is temperate in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Everyone who enters an athletic contest goes into strict training. They do it to win a temporary crown, but we do it to win one that will be permanent.

Good News Translation
Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever.

International Standard Version
Everyone who enters an athletic contest practices self-control in everything. They do it to win a wreath that withers away, but we run to win a prize that never fades.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
Each competitor must exercise self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one.

New Heart English Bible
Now everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
But every competitor in an athletic contest practices abstemiousness in all directions. They indeed do this for the sake of securing a perishable wreath, but we for the sake of securing one that will not perish.

World English Bible
Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and everyone who is striving is temperate in all things; these, indeed, then, that they may receive a corruptible garland, but we an incorruptible;

Berean Literal Bible
Now everyone striving controls himself in all things; then indeed they, that they might receive a perishable crown; but we, an imperishable.

Young's Literal Translation
and every one who is striving, is in all things temperate; these, indeed, then, that a corruptible crown they may receive, but we an incorruptible;

Smith's Literal Translation
And every one contending for the prize, has self command in all things. These surely therefore that they might receive a corruptible crown; and we an incorruptible.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And every one that striveth for the mastery, refraineth himself from all things: and they indeed that they may receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible one.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And one who competes in a contest abstains from all things. And they do this, of course, so that they may achieve a corruptible crown. But we do this, so that we may achieve what is incorruptible.

New American Bible
Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one.

New Revised Standard Version
Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And every man who battles in the contest, frees his mind from every thing else. And yet they run to win a garland which is perishable; but we to win one which is everlasting.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But every man who does competition restrains his mind from everything, and these run to receive a destructible crown, but we, what is indestructible.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Every combatant in the public games is temperate in all things: they, indeed, that they may obtain a corruptible, but we, that we may obtain an incorruptible crown.

Godbey New Testament
But every one contesting is abstinent in all things, they indeed also that they may receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.

Haweis New Testament
And every one who contendeth in the games is temperate in all things: they indeed therefore do it that they may receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.

Mace New Testament
every one that strives for the mastery, is extremely temperate: now, they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible one.

Weymouth New Testament
But every competitor in an athletic contest practices abstemiousness in all directions. They indeed do this for the sake of securing a perishable wreath, but we for the sake of securing one that will not perish.

Worrell New Testament
And every one who strives in the games exercises self restraint in all things; they, indeed, therefore, to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.

Worsley New Testament
And every one that enters the lists is temperate in all things: they indeed do it that they may receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible one.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Run Your Race to Win
24Do 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. 25 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. 26Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air.…

Cross References
2 Timothy 2:5
Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules.

Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.

1 Peter 1:4
and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,

James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

2 Peter 1:10-11
Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble, / and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Revelation 2:10
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Matthew 6:19-20
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Galatians 6:8-9
The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. / Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Romans 8:17
And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.

1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18
For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. / So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

1 Peter 5:4
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Matthew 19:29
And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for the sake of My name will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.


Treasury of Scripture

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

striveth.

Ephesians 6:12-18
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places

1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

2 Timothy 2:5
And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

temperate.

Galatians 5:23
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Titus 1:8
But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

Titus 2:2
That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

but.

1 Corinthians 15:54
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

2 Timothy 4:8
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Hebrews 12:28
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

Jump to Previous
Athlete Athletic Contest Corruptible Crown Directions Exercises Exerciseth Forever Games Goes Imperishable Incorruptible Indeed Last Mastery Obtain Part Perish Perishable Practices Receive Sake Securing Self-Control Strict Strives Striveth Temperate Training Wreath
Jump to Next
Athlete Athletic Contest Corruptible Crown Directions Exercises Exerciseth Forever Games Goes Imperishable Incorruptible Indeed Last Mastery Obtain Part Perish Perishable Practices Receive Sake Securing Self-Control Strict Strives Striveth Temperate Training Wreath
1 Corinthians 9
1. He shows his liberty;
7. and that the minister ought to receive a living by the Gospel;
15. yet that himself has of his own accord abstained,
18. to be neither chargeable unto them,
22. nor offensive unto any, in matters indifferent.
24. Our life is like unto a race.














Everyone who competes in the games
The phrase "competes in the games" refers to the ancient Greek athletic contests, such as the Isthmian Games, which were held near Corinth. The Greek word for "competes" is "agonizomai," which implies a struggle or intense effort. This imagery would have been familiar to the Corinthians, who lived in a culture that highly valued athletic prowess. The Apostle Paul uses this metaphor to illustrate the Christian life as one of discipline and dedication, akin to an athlete's rigorous training.

exercises self-control in all things
The Greek word for "self-control" is "enkrateia," which denotes mastery over one's desires and impulses. In the context of the games, athletes would abstain from certain foods, pleasures, and activities to maintain peak physical condition. For Christians, this self-control extends beyond physical discipline to spiritual and moral areas, emphasizing the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. It is a call to holistic discipline, encompassing every aspect of life.

They do it to receive a perishable crown
The "perishable crown" refers to the laurel wreath awarded to victors in the ancient games. Made of leaves, it was a temporary symbol of victory and honor. This highlights the transient nature of earthly rewards and achievements. Paul contrasts this with the eternal rewards promised to believers, urging them to focus on what truly lasts.

but we an imperishable one
The "imperishable crown" symbolizes the eternal rewards that await faithful Christians. Unlike the temporary accolades of this world, the rewards from God are everlasting. This phrase underscores the Christian hope of eternal life and the ultimate victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ. It serves as an encouragement to persevere in faith and righteousness, knowing that the ultimate prize is eternal and secure.

(25) Every man that striveth for the mastery.--Better, Every one that enters into the contest. The Greek word (agonizomenos) is identical with the English "agonise." Hence the use in devotional works of the phrase "to agonise in prayer," etc.

Is temperate in all things.--He fulfils not only some, but all of the necessary preliminary conditions. He indulges self in no way.

They do it to obtain a corruptible crown.--There are two striking points of contrast between the earthly race and the spiritual course. There is but one obtains a reward in the earthly contest; none need fail of it in the heavenly race. That reward in the one case is perishable; in the other it is imperishable. If, then--such is St. Paul's argument--men show such extraordinary devotion and self-sacrifice for a reward which is merely perishable, and which each has only a chance of gaining, what should not be the devotion and self-sacrifice of those for all of whom an imperishable reward is certain!

Verse 25. - That striveth for the mastery; rather, that strives to win in a contest. St. Paul never allows his converts to dream of the indefectibility of grace, and so to slide into antinomian security. He often reminds them of the extreme severity and continuousness of the contest (Ephesians 6:12 1 Timothy 6:12). Is temperate in all things. One good moral result which sprang from the ancient system of athleticism was the self denial and self mastery which it required. The candidate for a prize had to be pure, sober, and enduring (Horace, 'Ars Poet.,' 412), to obey orders, to eat sparely and simply and to bear effort and fatigue (Epict., 'Enchir.,' 35) for ten months before the contest. A corruptible crown. A fading garland of Isthmian pine, or Nemean parsley, or Pythian olive, or Olympian bay. An incorruptible; "unwithering" (1 Peter 2:4); "amaranthine" (1 Peter 5:4); "a crown of righteousness" (2 Timothy 4:8); "a crown of life" (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10; comp. also 2 Timothy 2:5; Revelation 3:11).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Everyone
πᾶς (pas)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

who
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

competes in the games
ἀγωνιζόμενος (agōnizomenos)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 75: From agon; to struggle, literally, figuratively, or genitive case.

trains with strict discipline.
ἐγκρατεύεται (enkrateuetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1467: To exercise self-control, be continent. Middle voice from egkrates; to exercise self-restraint.

They [do it]
ἐκεῖνοι (ekeinoi)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1565: That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.

[for]
λάβωσιν (labōsin)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.

a crown
στέφανον (stephanon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4735: A crown, garland, honor, glory. From an apparently primary stepho; a chaplet, literally or figuratively.

[that is] perishable,
φθαρτὸν (phtharton)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5349: Corruptible, perishable. From phtheiro; decayed, i.e. perishable.

but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

we [ do it for a crown ]
ἡμεῖς (hēmeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

[that is] imperishable.
ἄφθαρτον (aphtharton)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 862: Indestructible, imperishable, incorruptible; hence: immortal. Undecaying.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 9:25 Every man who strives in the games (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 9:24
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