1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Amplified Bible
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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- 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.
- 1 Corinthians 9:25 Lit perishable crown, usually a woven wreath of pine worn as a crown.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
New American Standard Bible
24 (A)Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives (B)the prize? (C)Run in such a way that you may win. 25 Everyone who (D)competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. So they do it to obtain a perishable (E)wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 Therefore I (F)run in such a way as not to run aimlessly; I box in such a way, as [a]to avoid (G)hitting air; 27 but I strictly discipline (H)my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
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- 1 Corinthians 9:26 Lit not hitting
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