Christian Standard Bible
1 Corinthians 9:26
26So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air.
1 Corinthians 9:26 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
- New International Version (NIV)Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.
- English Standard Version (ESV)So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.
- New King James Version (NKJV)Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.
Context of 1 Corinthians 9:26
24Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. 25Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown. So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. 27Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
Read all of 1 Corinthians 91 Corinthians 9:26 word by word
ἐγὼ τοίνυν οὕτως τρέχω ὡς οὐκ ἀδήλως, οὕτως πυκτεύω ὡς οὐκ ἀέρα δέρων·Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for 1 Corinthians 9:26
- 2 Corinthians 5:1For we know that if our earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling in the heavens, not made with hands.
- Philippians 1:21For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
- 2 Timothy 1:12and that is why I suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day.
- 2 Timothy 2:5Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
- Hebrews 4:1Therefore, since the promise to enter his rest remains, let us beware that none of you be found to have fallen short.
- 1 Peter 5:1I exhort the elders among you as a fellow elder and witness to the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory about to be revealed:
- 2 Peter 1:10Therefore, brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election, because if you do these things you will never stumble.
- Matthew 11:12From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been suffering violence, and the violent have been seizing it by force.
- Luke 13:24“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because I tell you, many will try to enter and won’t be able
- Ephesians 6:12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.
- Colossians 1:29I labor for this, striving with his strength that works powerfully in me.
Commentaries on 1 Corinthians 9:26
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly - In the foot-course in those games, how many soever ran, only one could have the prize, however strenuously they might exert themselves; therefore, all ran uncertainly; but it was widely different in the Christian course, if every one ran as he ought, each would receive the prize. The word , which we translate uncertainly, has other meanings. It signifies ignorantly; I do not run like one ignorant of what he is…Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 26I therefore so run - In the Christian race; in my effort to obtain the prize, the crown of immortality. I exert myself to the utmost, that I may not fail of securing the crown. Not as uncertainly - ( ̓ ̓́ ouk adēlōs). This word occurs no where else in the New Testament. It usually means, in the Classic writers, “obscurely.” Here it means that he did not run as not knowing to what object he aimed. “I do not run haphazardly; I do not exert myself for…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 24-27Verses 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…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 26I do not fight like I am beating the air: Christians need to truly follow Christ instead of just acting like they do.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 2626. I--Paul returns to his main subject, his own self-denial, and his motive in it. run, not as uncertainly--not as a runner uncertain of the goal. Ye Corinthians gain no end in your entering idol temples or eating idol meats. But I, for my part, in all my acts, whether in my becoming "all things to all men," or in receiving no sustenance from my converts, have a definite end in view, namely, to "gain the more." I know what 1 aim at, and how to aim at it…Read the comment
Topics related to 1 Corinthians 9:26
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on 1 Corinthians 9
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Illustrated New Testament
- Burkitt’s Expository Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Family Bible Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Luther’s Commentary on Selected Bible Passages
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- The People’s New Testament
- Robertson’s Word Pictures
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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