24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives (A)the prize? So (B)run that you may obtain it. 25 Every (C)athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we (D)an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I (E)do not box as one (F)beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and (G)keep it under control,[a] lest after preaching to others (H)I myself should be (I)disqualified.

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Notas al pie

  1. 1 Corinthians 9:27 Greek I pummel my body and make it a slave

24 Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race,(A) but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize.(B) 25 Now everyone who competes exercises self-control(C) in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown,(D) but we an imperishable crown. 26 So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. 27 Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.(E)

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24 [a]Do you not know that in a race all the runners run [their very best to win], but only one receives the prize? Run [your race] in such a way that you may seize the prize and make it yours! 25 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 [b]crown that withers, but we [do it to receive] an imperishable [crown that cannot wither]. 26 Therefore I do not run without a definite goal; I do not flail around like one beating the air [just shadow boxing]. 27 But [like a boxer] I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached [the gospel] to others, I myself will not somehow be disqualified [as unfit for service].

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Notas al pie

  1. 1 Corinthians 9:24 The Isthmian Games, held near Corinth, were among the major athletic competitions of ancient Greece. The Corinthians’ familiarity with this sporting event would have made this passage (vv 24-27) very meaningful to them.
  2. 1 Corinthians 9:25 Lit perishable crown, usually a woven wreath of pine worn as a crown.

24-25 You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally.

26-27 I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No lazy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

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