1 Corinthians 9:24
What does 1 Corinthians 9:24 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 9:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 9:24 means
Paul uses a race to picture the Christian life. Many runners compete, but only one receives the prize. His point is not that only one believer will be saved, but that believers should run with the same intensity and focus as an athlete bent on winning. Aim to obtain the prize; do not drift. The spiritual race requires purpose, effort, and perseverance. Lazy running does not match the value of the goal. The call is to bring our energies under the direction of a worthy aim—the glory of God in the gospel—and to make choices that help us finish well, not just start fast.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Do you not see that in a running competition all take part, but only one gets the reward? So let your minds be fixed on the reward.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862have ye not known that those running in a race--all indeed run, but one doth receive the prize? so run ye, that ye may obtain;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Know you not that they that run in the race, all run indeed, but one receiveth the prize. So run that you may obtain.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Know ye not that they who run in [the] race-course run all, but one receives the prize? Thus run in order that ye may obtain.
Context
After describing his missionary flexibility, Paul turns to the discipline that sustains it. Verse 24 opens a series of athletic images familiar in a city like Corinth. The lesson is motivational: run to win. In verse 25 he will expand on the theme of self‑control, contrasting perishable and imperishable crowns. Then verses 26–27 will make the application personal, showing Paul’s own focused running and rigorous self‑discipline to avoid disqualification.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 2:16
holding forth the word of life; that I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain neither labor in vain.
- Galatians 2:2
And I went up by revelation; and I laid before them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles but privately before them who were of repute, lest by any means I should be running, or had run, in vain.
- Psalms 19:5
Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoiceth as a strong man to run his course.
- Ecclesiastes 9:11
I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
- James 1:12
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to them that love him.
- Revelation 3:11
I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no one take thy crown.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Corinthians 9
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Corinthians 9.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Evangelism
Evangelism is the commission to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the world, inviting others into God's kingdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Self-Control
Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, helping believers live righteously and honor God in every area of life
Topic
Bible Verses About Body Image
Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, and these scriptures help us to see ourselves through His eyes.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Your Marriage Is Falling Apart
When the silence at home is louder than the words — verses to pray for your marriage.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You're Struggling With Addiction
When the cycle won't break — verses for the long road home.