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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Corinthians 9:17 If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/9-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/46_1Co_09_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 9:17 - The Rights of an Apostle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. 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But I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if unwillingly, I am entrusted with a stewardship. <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/9.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/9.htm">New King James Version</a> For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a commission nonetheless. <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For if I do this work of my own free will, then I have a reward; but if it is not of my will [but by God’s choosing], I have been entrusted with a [sacred] stewardship. <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For if I do this willingly, I have a reward, but if unwillingly, I am entrusted with a commission. <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For if I do this willingly, I have a reward, but if unwillingly, I am entrusted with a stewardship. <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> If I preach because I want to, I will be paid. But even if I don't want to, it is still something God has sent me to do. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> If I spread the Good News willingly, I'll have a reward. But if I spread the Good News unwillingly, I'm [only] doing what I've been entrusted to do. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> If I did my work as a matter of free choice, then I could expect to be paid; but I do it as a matter of duty, because God has entrusted me with this task. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> For if I preach voluntarily, I get a reward, but if I am unwilling to do it, I am still entrusted with that obligation. <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility. <a href="/net/1_corinthians/9.htm">NET Bible</a> For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward. But if I do it unwillingly, I am entrusted with a responsibility. <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward. But if not of my own will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed to me. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And if I preach willingly, I receive my wages; but if against my will, a stewardship has nevertheless been entrusted to me. <a href="/web/1_corinthians/9.htm">World English Bible</a> For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward. But if not of my own will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for if I do this willingly, I have a reward; and if unwillingly—I have been entrusted with a stewardship! <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if unwillingly, I am entrusted with a stewardship. <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for if willing I do this, I have a reward; and if unwillingly -- with a stewardship I have been entrusted! <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For if of free will I do this, I have reward: and if unwillingly, I have been entrusted with a stewardship.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation is committed to me: <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For if I do this willingly, I have a reward. But if I do this reluctantly, a dispensation is granted to me. <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/9.htm">New American Bible</a> If I do so willingly, I have a recompense, but if unwillingly, then I have been entrusted with a stewardship. <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For if I do this thing willingly, I have my reward: but if against my will, it is like a stewardship intrusted to me. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For if I do this with my pleasure, I have a reward, but if without my pleasure, I am entrusted with a stewardship.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if unwillingly, an apostolic stewardship has been intrusted to me. <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For if I do this willingly, I have a reward: but if unwillingly, I have been intrusted with a dispensation. <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if unwillingly, I am entrusted with the dispensation of it. <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a> now if I do this willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, it is a dispensation of trust which must be discharged. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And if I preach willingly, I receive my wages; but if against my will, a stewardship has nevertheless been entrusted to me. <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> For, if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but, if unwillingly, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Now if I do this willingly, I have a reward; and if unwillingly, yet I am intrusted with the commission, and I must execute it. <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/9-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=1824" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">The Rights of an Apostle</a> …16Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">If</a> <a href="/greek/4238.htm" title="4238: prassō (V-PIA-1S) -- To do, perform, accomplish; be in any condition, i.e. I fare; I exact, require. ">my</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-ANS) -- This; he, she, it. ">preaching</a> <a href="/greek/1635.htm" title="1635: hekōn (Adj-NMS) -- Willing, willingly, voluntarily. Of uncertain affinity; voluntary.">is voluntary,</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echō (V-PIA-1S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">I have</a> <a href="/greek/3408.htm" title="3408: misthon (N-AMS) -- (a) pay, wages, salary, (b) reward, recompense, punishment. Apparently a primary word; pay for service, good or bad.">a reward.</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/210.htm" title="210: akōn (Adj-NMS) -- Unwilling, generally used where English would express by an adverb: unwillingly. Unwilling.">it is not voluntary,</a> <a href="/greek/4100.htm" title="4100: pepisteumai (V-RIM/P-1S) -- From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.">I am still entrusted with</a> <a href="/greek/3622.htm" title="3622: oikonomian (N-AFS) -- Management of household affairs, stewardship, administration. From oikonomos; administration; specially, a economy.">a responsibility.</a> 18What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/galatians/2-7.htm">Galatians 2:7</a> On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted to preach the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised. <a href="/1_timothy/1-11.htm">1 Timothy 1:11-12</a> that agrees with the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted. / I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service. <a href="/romans/1-1.htm">Romans 1:1</a> Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God— <a href="/2_corinthians/5-18.htm">2 Corinthians 5:18-19</a> All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: / that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. <a href="/ephesians/3-7.htm">Ephesians 3:7-8</a> I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given me through the working of His power. / Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, <a href="/colossians/1-25.htm">Colossians 1:25</a> I became its servant by the commission God gave me to fully proclaim to you the word of God, <a href="/acts/9-15.htm">Acts 9:15</a> “Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel. <a href="/1_peter/4-10.htm">1 Peter 4:10</a> As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. <a href="/romans/15-15.htm">Romans 15:15-16</a> However, I have written you a bold reminder on some points, because of the grace God has given me / to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/2_timothy/1-11.htm">2 Timothy 1:11</a> to which I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher. <a href="/acts/26-16.htm">Acts 26:16-18</a> ‘But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen from Me and what I will show you. / I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them / to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’ <a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Matthew 25:14-30</a> For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. / To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. / The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more. ... <a href="/luke/19-12.htm">Luke 19:12-27</a> So He said, “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to lay claim to his kingship and then return. / Beforehand, he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Conduct business with this until I return,’ he said. / But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’ ... <a href="/jeremiah/1-5.htm">Jeremiah 1:5</a> “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” <a href="/isaiah/6-8.htm">Isaiah 6:8</a> Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And I said: “Here am I. Send me!”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed to me.if I.<a href="/1_chronicles/28-9.htm">1 Chronicles 28:9</a> And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.<a href="/1_chronicles/29-5.htm">1 Chronicles 29:5,9,14</a> The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD? … <a href="/nehemiah/11-2.htm">Nehemiah 11:2</a> And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.have.<a href="/1_corinthians/3-8.htm">1 Corinthians 3:8,14</a> Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour… <a href="/matthew/10-41.htm">Matthew 10:41</a> He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.against.<a href="/exodus/4-13.htm">Exodus 4:13,14</a> And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send… <a href="/jeremiah/20-9.htm">Jeremiah 20:9</a> Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.<a href="/ezekiel/3-14.htm">Ezekiel 3:14</a> So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.dispensation.<a href="/1_corinthians/9-16.htm">1 Corinthians 9:16</a> For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!<a href="/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">1 Corinthians 4:1</a> Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.<a href="/matthew/24-25.htm">Matthew 24:25</a> Behold, I have told you before.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/12-7.htm">Administration</a> <a href="/acts/26-12.htm">Commission</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-3.htm">Committed</a> <a href="/romans/15-28.htm">Discharging</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-4.htm">Dispensation</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">Entrusted</a> <a href="/acts/21-17.htm">Gladly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-16.htm">Gospel</a> <a href="/titus/1-3.htm">Intrusted</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-12.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-14.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-16.htm">Preach</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-7.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-14.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-10.htm">Simply</a> <a href="/luke/16-4.htm">Stewardship</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-2.htm">Trust</a> <a href="/ezekiel/46-12.htm">Voluntarily</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-8.htm">Wages</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-13.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/romans/8-20.htm">Willingly</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/8-19.htm">Administration</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-19.htm">Commission</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-8.htm">Committed</a> <a href="/romans/15-28.htm">Discharging</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-7.htm">Dispensation</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-3.htm">Entrusted</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-17.htm">Gladly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-18.htm">Gospel</a> <a href="/galatians/2-7.htm">Intrusted</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-5.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-1.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-18.htm">Preach</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-18.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-16.htm">Simply</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-2.htm">Stewardship</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-7.htm">Trust</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">Voluntarily</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-18.htm">Wages</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-8.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-2.htm">Willingly</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 9</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">He shows his liberty;</a> 7. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-7.htm">and that the minister ought to receive a living by the Gospel;</a> 15. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-15.htm">yet that himself has of his own accord abstained,</a> 18. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-18.htm">to be neither chargeable unto them,</a> 22. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">nor offensive unto any, in matters indifferent.</a> 24. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">Our life is like unto a race.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>If my preaching is voluntary, Paul is addressing the nature of his apostolic mission. The term "voluntary" suggests a willing and intentional act of service. In the context of 1 Corinthians, Paul is defending his rights as an apostle while also explaining his choice to forgo certain rights for the sake of the Gospel. Voluntary service in biblical terms often implies a heart aligned with God's will, reminiscent of the willing offerings in the Old Testament (<a href="/exodus/35-29.htm">Exodus 35:29</a>).I have a reward. The concept of a "reward" in Scripture often refers to both earthly blessings and eternal rewards. Paul speaks elsewhere about the "crown of righteousness" (<a href="/2_timothy/4-8.htm">2 Timothy 4:8</a>) and the "imperishable wreath" (<a href="/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">1 Corinthians 9:25</a>) as rewards for faithful service. This reward is not necessarily material but is rooted in the joy and fulfillment of serving Christ and seeing the fruit of one's labor in the lives of others.But if it is not voluntary, Here, Paul contrasts voluntary service with a sense of obligation. The idea of compulsion in ministry can be seen in the calling of prophets like Jonah, who initially resisted God's call. Paul himself experienced a dramatic conversion and calling on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), which could be seen as a divine compulsion to preach the Gospel.I am still entrusted with a responsibility. Regardless of the voluntary nature of his preaching, Paul acknowledges a divine stewardship. The term "entrusted" implies a sacred duty or commission, similar to the parable of the talents (<a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Matthew 25:14-30</a>), where servants are given responsibilities by their master. This stewardship is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, emphasizing accountability to God for the ministry entrusted to him (<a href="/1_timothy/1-11.htm">1 Timothy 1:11-12</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth. He discusses his role and responsibilities as a preacher of the Gospel. 2. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> A major city in ancient Greece, known for its diverse population and significant trade. The church in Corinth faced various challenges, including issues of division and immorality. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a> The recipients of Paul's letter, a community of believers struggling with understanding their roles and responsibilities in the faith.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/v/voluntary_service_and_reward.htm">Voluntary Service and Reward</a> Paul distinguishes between voluntary and involuntary service. Voluntary service in ministry is often accompanied by a sense of personal fulfillment and reward. Believers are encouraged to serve willingly, recognizing the eternal rewards that come from God. <a href="/topical/e/entrusted_responsibility.htm">Entrusted Responsibility</a> Even when service is not voluntary, it remains a divine responsibility. Christians are called to be faithful stewards of the Gospel, understanding that God has entrusted them with a significant mission. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_ministry.htm">Faithfulness in Ministry</a> Regardless of personal feelings, faithfulness in ministry is crucial. Paul exemplifies commitment to his calling, urging believers to remain steadfast in their duties. <a href="/topical/d/divine_calling_and_human_response.htm">Divine Calling and Human Response</a> The passage highlights the balance between God's calling and human response. While God initiates the call, individuals must respond with obedience and dedication. <a href="/topical/s/stewardship_of_the_gospel.htm">Stewardship of the Gospel</a> Believers are entrusted with the Gospel, much like stewards with their master's possessions. This stewardship requires diligence, integrity, and a commitment to spreading the message of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 9</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_charity.htm">What does the Bible say about giving to the poor?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_teachings_on_affliction.htm">What are the Bible's teachings on affliction?</a> <a href="/q/is_baptism_essential_for_salvation.htm">Is baptism necessary for salvation? (Mark 16:16 vs. 1 Corinthians 1:17)</a> <a href="/q/why_is_god's_anger_brief_in_psalm_30_5.htm">Psalm 30:5: Why does the verse say God's anger is momentary if the Bible elsewhere depicts extended periods of divine punishment?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward.--The previous words, "Yea, woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel," are a parenthesis; and now the writer proves the truth of his assertion--that the necessity of preaching the gospel deprives the mere act itself of any grounds of boasting--by showing that if there were no necessity there would be a ground of boasting. The argument is this:--Suppose it to be otherwise, and that there is no such necessity, then, by voluntarily undertaking it, I have a reward. The undertaking it of my own free will would entitle me to a reward. But if (as is the case) not of my free will, but of necessity, then I am merely a steward--a slave doing his duty (<a href="/1_corinthians/4-1.htm" title="Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.">1Corinthians 4:1</a>; <a href="/context/luke/17-7.htm" title="But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say to him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?">Luke 17:7-10</a>).A dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.--Better, I am entrusted with a stewardship.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 17. - If I do this thing willingly. The word rather means "spontaneously;" "without compulsion." He was preaching willingly, but still it was in obedience to an irresistible behest (<a href="/acts/9-6.htm">Acts 9:6, 15</a>). I have a reward. The reward (or rather, "wage ") of such self chosen work would be the power to fulfil it (comp. <a href="/matthew/6-1.htm">Matthew 6:1</a>). Against my will; rather, involuntarily, "under Divine constraint." A dispensation. He was appointed a "steward" or "dispenser" of the gospel, and could only regard himself at the best as "an unprofitable slave," who had done merely what it was his bare duty to do (<a href="/luke/17-10.htm">Luke 17:10</a>). There is no merit in yielding to a must. <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/9-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>If εἰ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. my πράσσω (prassō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4238.htm">Strong's 4238: </a> To do, perform, accomplish; be in any condition, i.e. I fare; I exact, require. [preaching] τοῦτο (touto) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. [is] voluntary, ἑκὼν (hekōn) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1635.htm">Strong's 1635: </a> Willing, willingly, voluntarily. Of uncertain affinity; voluntary. I have ἔχω (echō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. a reward. μισθὸν (misthon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3408.htm">Strong's 3408: </a> (a) pay, wages, salary, (b) reward, recompense, punishment. Apparently a primary word; pay for service, good or bad. But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. if εἰ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. [it is] not voluntary, ἄκων (akōn) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_210.htm">Strong's 210: </a> Unwilling, generally used where English would express by an adverb: unwillingly. Unwilling. I am [still] entrusted with πεπίστευμαι (pepisteumai) Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust. [a] responsibility. οἰκονομίαν (oikonomian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3622.htm">Strong's 3622: </a> Management of household affairs, stewardship, administration. From oikonomos; administration; specially, a 'economy'. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/9-17.htm">1 Corinthians 9:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/9-17.htm">1 Corinthians 9:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/9-17.htm">1 Corinthians 9:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/9-17.htm">1 Corinthians 9:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/9-17.htm">1 Corinthians 9:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/9-17.htm">1 Corinthians 9:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/9-17.htm">1 Corinthians 9:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/9-17.htm">1 Corinthians 9:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/9-17.htm">1 Corinthians 9:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/9-17.htm">1 Corinthians 9:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-17.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 9:17 For if I do this of my (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 9:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 9:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 9:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 9:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>