Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 9:26

What does 1 Corinthians 9:26 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 9:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 9:26 means

Paul applies the athletic metaphor to himself. He runs with a clear target in view, not wandering aimlessly. He boxes with real opponents, not shadow‑punching the air. His ministry is intentional and disciplined, not haphazard or for show. He knows what he is about—preaching Christ—and he moves in straight lines toward that end. This is how he can bear losses and forego rights without confusion: he has a goal that orders his choices. Spiritual focus spares him from wasting energy on distractions and keeps him pressing forward in the path God has marked out.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So then I am running, not uncertainly; so I am fighting, not as one who gives blows in the air:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

I, therefore, thus run, not as uncertainly, thus I fight, as not beating air;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I therefore so run, not as at an uncertainty: I so fight, not as one beating the air.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I therefore thus run, as not uncertainly; so I combat, as not beating the air.

Context

After calling believers to disciplined effort, Paul offers his own conduct as a pattern. Verse 26 portrays purposefulness in both running and fighting. This sets the stage for the climactic statement in verse 27, where he explains his rigorous self‑discipline and the sober reason behind it—avoiding disqualification after preaching to others. The flow moves from metaphor to personal warning, urging the Corinthians to combine liberty with vigilant self‑control.

v.25And 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.

v.26This passage

v.27but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.

Cross references

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

  • Philippians 1:21

    For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

  • 2 Timothy 2:5

    And if also a man contend in the games, he is not crowned, except he have contended lawfully.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:8

    we are of good courage, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Lord.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:1

    For we know that if the earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.

  • 2 Timothy 1:12

    For which cause I suffer also these things: yet I am not ashamed; for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed unto him against that day.

  • 2 Peter 1:10

    Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble:

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