Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 9:25

What does 1 Corinthians 9:25 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 9:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 9:25 means

Athletes prepare by strict self‑control in every area—diet, sleep, training—because they aim for a prize that soon perishes. By contrast, believers are pursuing an “incorruptible” crown—eternal fellowship and reward from God. If competitors discipline themselves for a fading wreath, how much more should Christians embrace discipline for everlasting joy. Paul elevates the stakes and invites a sober recalibration of priorities. The spiritual life is not casual recreation; it is a race worth every restraint that sharpens faith, love, and holiness. The promise of an imperishable crown fuels the hard choices that keep us spiritually fit for the long course.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And every man who takes part in the sports has self-control in all things. Now they do it to get a crown which is of this world, but we for an eternal crown.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and every one who is striving, is in all things temperate; these, indeed, then, that a corruptible crown they may receive, but we an incorruptible;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And every one that striveth for the mastery refraineth himself from all things. And they indeed that they may receive a corruptible crown: but we an incorruptible one.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But every one that contends [for a prize] is temperate in all things: they then indeed that they may receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.

Context

Building on the race image, Paul highlights the athlete’s self‑control as a model. Verse 25 contrasts temporary rewards with the eternal prize believers seek. This reinforces why Paul limits his freedoms and endures hardship. Next, in verse 26, he will shift from general principle to his own example—running with clear aim and boxing with purpose. The flow moves from exhortation to embodiment, preparing for the final warning in verse 27 about potential disqualification.

v.24Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain.

v.25This passage

v.26I therefore so run, as not uncertainly; so fight I, as not beating the air:

Cross references

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

  • Titus 1:8

    but given to hospitality, a lover of good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled;

  • 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.

  • Hebrews 12:28

    Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe:

  • 1 Timothy 6:12

    Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.

  • 2 Peter 1:6

    and in your knowledge self-control; and in your self-control patience; and in your patience godliness;

  • Hebrews 12:4

    Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin:

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