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15 But I used none of these things; and I wrote not these things, that they be done so in me; for it is good rather for me to die, than that any man should make my rejoicing void [than that any man void my glory].

16 For if I preach the gospel, glory is not to me, for need-like I must do it[a]; for woe to me, if I preach not the gospel.

17 But if I do this thing willfully, I have meed; but if against my will, dispensing is betaken to me. [Forsooth if I willing do this thing, I have meed; soothly if against my will, dispensation is betaken to me.]

18 What then is my meed? That I preaching the gospel, put the gospel without others' cost, that I use not my power in the gospel.[b]

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 9:16 forsooth need lieth to me (forsooth need lieth before me)/forsooth need nigheth to me
  2. 1 Corinthians 9:18 What therefore is my hire, or meed? That I preach the gospel, put the gospel without expense, either taking of sustenance therefore, that I mis-use not my power in the gospel.

15 But 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) 16 For 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! 17 If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward;(D) if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.(E) 18 What 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.

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