1 Corinthians 9:15-18

World English Bible

¹⁵But I have used none of these things, and I don’t write these things that it may be done so in my case; for I would rather die, than that anyone should make my boasting void. ¹⁶For if I preach the Good News, I have nothing to boast about; for necessity is laid on me; but woe is to me if I don’t preach the Good News. ¹⁷For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward. But if not of my own will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. ¹⁸What then is my reward? That when I preach the Good News, I may present the Good News of Christ without charge, so as not to abuse my authority in the Good News.

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1 Corinthians 9:15-18

New Living Translation

¹⁵Yet I have never used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that I want to start now. In fact, I would rather die than lose my right to boast about preaching without charge. ¹⁶Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!

¹⁷If I were doing this on my own initiative, I would deserve payment. But I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust. ¹⁸What then is my pay? It is the opportunity to preach the Good News without charging anyone. That’s why I never demand my rights when I preach the Good News.

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1 Corinthians 9:15-18

New International Version

¹⁵But I have not used any of these rights.^(A) And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me, for I would rather die than allow anyone to deprive me of this boast.^(B) ¹⁶For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach.^(C) Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! ¹⁷If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward;^(D) if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.^(E) ¹⁸What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge,^(F) and so not make full use of my rights^(G) as a preacher of the gospel.