Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 9:17

What does 1 Corinthians 9:17 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 9:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 9:17 means

Paul contrasts two conditions. If he preached by his own initiative alone, he might claim a reward. But even if he is not acting from personal choice—if he is under orders—he is still entrusted with a stewardship. The gospel is a deposit to manage faithfully, not a platform for personal gain. This shows why he is careful with money: he is an administrator of God’s message, not its proprietor. His reward, then, will not be in the mere act of preaching—since that is his duty—but in the way he carries out that duty, especially when he can choose to restrain his rights to advance the gospel.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For if I do this of mine own will, I have a reward: but if not of mine own will, I have a stewardship intrusted to me.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For if I do this of mine own will, I have a reward: but if not of mine own will, I have a stewardship intrusted to me.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But if I do it gladly, I have a reward; and if not, I am under orders to do it.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for if willing I do this, I have a reward; and if unwillingly--with a stewardship I have been entrusted!

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation is committed to me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with an administration.

Context

Paul clarifies his posture toward his calling. Verse 17 distinguishes the obligation of stewardship from the realm where voluntary choice can express love. This paves the way for verse 18, where he identifies his particular “reward” as preaching without charge. The flow keeps the Corinthians from mistaking his defense of rights for a request, and it deepens their understanding of his motives and methods in gospel ministry.

v.16For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of; for necessity is laid upon me; for woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel.

v.17This passage

v.18What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel without charge, so as not to use to the full my right in the gospel.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:8

    Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: but each shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:4

    but even as we have been approved of God to be intrusted with the gospel, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God who proveth our hearts.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:1

    Let a man so account of us, as of ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

  • Nehemiah 11:2

    And the people blessed all the men that willingly offered themselves to dwell in Jerusalem.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:9

    Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with a perfect heart they offered willingly to Jehovah: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.

  • Luke 12:42

    And the Lord said, Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall set over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?

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