24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Other Translations of 1 Corinthians 9:24

King James Version

24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

English Standard Version

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

The Message

24 You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win.

New King James Version

24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

New Living Translation

24 Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:24

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

(Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

The apostle compares himself to the racers and combatants in the Isthmian games, well known by the Corinthians. But in the Christian race all may run so as to obtain. There is the greatest encouragement, therefore, to persevere with all our strength, in this course. Those who ran in these games were kept to a spare diet. They used themselves to hardships. They practised the exercises. And those who pursue the interests of their souls, must combat hard with fleshly lusts. The body must not be suffered to rule. The apostle presses this advice on the Corinthians. He sets before himself and them the danger of yielding to fleshly desires, pampering the body, and its lusts and appetites. Holy fear of himself was needed to keep an apostle faithful: how much more is it needful for our preservation! Let us learn from hence humility and caution, and to watch against dangers which surround us while in the body.

25 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.

Other Translations of 1 Corinthians 9:25

King James Version

25 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.

English Standard Version

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

The Message

25 All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.

New King James Version

25 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 Living Translation

25 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.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:25

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

(Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

The apostle compares himself to the racers and combatants in the Isthmian games, well known by the Corinthians. But in the Christian race all may run so as to obtain. There is the greatest encouragement, therefore, to persevere with all our strength, in this course. Those who ran in these games were kept to a spare diet. They used themselves to hardships. They practised the exercises. And those who pursue the interests of their souls, must combat hard with fleshly lusts. The body must not be suffered to rule. The apostle presses this advice on the Corinthians. He sets before himself and them the danger of yielding to fleshly desires, pampering the body, and its lusts and appetites. Holy fear of himself was needed to keep an apostle faithful: how much more is it needful for our preservation! Let us learn from hence humility and caution, and to watch against dangers which surround us while in the body.