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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 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/9-25.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/46_1Co_09_25.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 9:25 - Run Your Race to Win" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. 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They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now everyone striving controls himself in all things; then indeed they, that they might receive a perishable crown; but we, an imperishable. <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/9.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/9.htm">New King James Version</a> And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. So they do it to obtain a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now every athlete who [goes into training and] competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things. They do it to win a crown that withers, but we [do it to receive] an imperishable [crown that cannot wither]. <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown. <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. However, they do it to receive a crown that will fade away, but we a crown that will never fade away. <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a crown that will last forever. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> And every man that striveth in the games is temperate in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Everyone who enters an athletic contest goes into strict training. They do it to win a temporary crown, but we do it to win one that will be permanent. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> Everyone who enters an athletic contest practices self-control in everything. They do it to win a wreath that withers away, but we run to win a prize that never fades. <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. <a href="/net/1_corinthians/9.htm">NET Bible</a> Each competitor must exercise self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But every competitor in an athletic contest practices abstemiousness in all directions. They indeed do this for the sake of securing a perishable wreath, but we for the sake of securing one that will not perish. <a href="/web/1_corinthians/9.htm">World English Bible</a> Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and everyone who is striving is temperate in all things; these, indeed, then, that they may receive a corruptible garland, but we an incorruptible; <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now everyone striving controls himself in all things; then indeed they, that they might receive a perishable crown; but we, an imperishable. <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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; <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And every one contending for the prize, has self command in all things. These surely therefore that they might receive a corruptible crown; and we an incorruptible.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And one who competes in a contest abstains from all things. And they do this, of course, so that they may achieve a corruptible crown. But we do this, so that we may achieve what is incorruptible. <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/9.htm">New American Bible</a> Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And every man who battles in the contest, frees his mind from every thing else. And yet they run to win a garland which is perishable; but we to win one which is everlasting. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But every man who does competition restrains his mind from everything, and these run to receive a destructible crown, but we, what is indestructible.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Every combatant in the public games is temperate in all things: they, indeed, that they may obtain a corruptible, but we, that we may obtain an incorruptible crown. <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But every one contesting is abstinent in all things, they indeed also that they may receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And every one who contendeth in the games is temperate in all things: they indeed therefore do it that they may receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a> every one that strives for the mastery, is extremely temperate: now, they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible one. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But every competitor in an athletic contest practices abstemiousness in all directions. They indeed do this for the sake of securing a perishable wreath, but we for the sake of securing one that will not perish. <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And every one who strives in the games exercises self restraint in all things; they, indeed, therefore, to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And every one that enters the lists is temperate in all things: they indeed do it that they may receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible one. <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/9-25.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=1910" 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">Run Your Race to Win</a> 24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. 25<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pas (Adj-NMS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">Everyone</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">who</a> <a href="/greek/75.htm" title="75: agōnizomenos (V-PPM/P-NMS) -- From agon; to struggle, literally, figuratively, or genitive case.">competes in the games</a> <a href="/greek/1467.htm" title="1467: enkrateuetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To exercise self-control, be continent. Middle voice from egkrates; to exercise self-restraint.">trains with strict discipline.</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: panta (Adj-ANP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole."></a> <a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly."></a> <a href="/greek/3303.htm" title="3303: men (Conj) -- A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de."></a> <a href="/greek/1565.htm" title="1565: ekeinoi (DPro-NMP) -- That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.">They do it</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that."></a> <a href="/greek/2983.htm" title="2983: labōsin (V-ASA-3P) -- (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. ">for</a> <a href="/greek/4735.htm" title="4735: stephanon (N-AMS) -- A crown, garland, honor, glory. From an apparently primary stepho; a chaplet, literally or figuratively.">a crown</a> <a href="/greek/5349.htm" title="5349: phtharton (Adj-AMS) -- Corruptible, perishable. From phtheiro; decayed, i.e. perishable.">that is perishable,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmeis (PPro-N1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">we do it for a crown</a> <a href="/greek/862.htm" title="862: aphtharton (Adj-AMS) -- Indestructible, imperishable, incorruptible; hence: immortal. Undecaying.">that is imperishable.</a> 26Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air.…<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="/2_timothy/2-5.htm">2 Timothy 2:5</a> Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules. <a href="/philippians/3-14.htm">Philippians 3:14</a> I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus. <a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1</a> Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. <a href="/1_peter/1-4.htm">1 Peter 1:4</a> and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, <a href="/james/1-12.htm">James 1:12</a> Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. <a href="/2_peter/1-10.htm">2 Peter 1:10-11</a> Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble, / and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. <a href="/revelation/2-10.htm">Revelation 2:10</a> Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-20</a> Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. <a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23-24</a> Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. <a href="/galatians/6-8.htm">Galatians 6:8-9</a> The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. / Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. <a href="/romans/8-17.htm">Romans 8:17</a> And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him. <a href="/1_timothy/6-12.htm">1 Timothy 6:12</a> Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-17.htm">2 Corinthians 4:17-18</a> For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. / So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. <a href="/1_peter/5-4.htm">1 Peter 5:4</a> And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. <a href="/matthew/19-29.htm">Matthew 19:29</a> And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for the sake of My name will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.striveth.<a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12-18</a> For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places… <a href="/1_timothy/6-12.htm">1 Timothy 6:12</a> Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.<a href="/2_timothy/2-5.htm">2 Timothy 2:5</a> And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.temperate.<a href="/galatians/5-23.htm">Galatians 5:23</a> Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.<a href="/titus/1-8.htm">Titus 1:8</a> But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;<a href="/titus/2-2.htm">Titus 2:2</a> That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.but.<a href="/1_corinthians/15-54.htm">1 Corinthians 15:54</a> So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.<a href="/2_timothy/4-8.htm">2 Timothy 4:8</a> Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.<a href="/hebrews/12-28.htm">Hebrews 12:28</a> Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_timothy/2-5.htm">Athlete</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-5.htm">Athletic</a> <a href="/job/9-19.htm">Contest</a> <a href="/romans/1-23.htm">Corruptible</a> <a href="/john/19-5.htm">Crown</a> <a href="/acts/21-30.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/luke/18-7.htm">Exercises</a> <a href="/revelation/13-12.htm">Exerciseth</a> <a href="/romans/16-27.htm">Forever</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-5.htm">Games</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-7.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/romans/1-23.htm">Imperishable</a> <a href="/romans/1-23.htm">Incorruptible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-9.htm">Last</a> <a href="/romans/6-9.htm">Mastery</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">Obtain</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-23.htm">Part</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-11.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/romans/1-23.htm">Perishable</a> <a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Practices</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-23.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/romans/15-18.htm">Securing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-9.htm">Self-Control</a> <a href="/acts/22-3.htm">Strict</a> <a href="/jeremiah/15-10.htm">Strives</a> <a href="/hosea/12-1.htm">Striveth</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-7.htm">Temperate</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-7.htm">Training</a> <a href="/john/19-5.htm">Wreath</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_timothy/2-5.htm">Athlete</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-5.htm">Athletic</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-5.htm">Contest</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-53.htm">Corruptible</a> <a href="/philippians/4-1.htm">Crown</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-34.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/revelation/13-12.htm">Exercises</a> <a href="/revelation/13-12.htm">Exerciseth</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-9.htm">Forever</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-5.htm">Games</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-21.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-42.htm">Imperishable</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-52.htm">Incorruptible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-7.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-11.htm">Last</a> <a href="/exodus/32-18.htm">Mastery</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-9.htm">Obtain</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-16.htm">Part</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-9.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-42.htm">Perishable</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-2.htm">Practices</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-5.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-25.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-3.htm">Securing</a> <a href="/galatians/5-23.htm">Self-Control</a> <a href="/daniel/3-22.htm">Strict</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-9.htm">Strives</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-5.htm">Striveth</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">Temperate</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-12.htm">Training</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-4.htm">Wreath</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>Everyone who competes in the games In ancient Corinth, athletic competitions were a significant part of the culture, notably the Isthmian Games, which were second only to the Olympics. These games were held every two years and included events such as foot races, wrestling, and chariot racing. The Apostle Paul uses this familiar imagery to connect with his audience, who would understand the dedication and effort required to compete.trains with strict discipline. Athletes in the ancient world adhered to rigorous training regimens, often for months or even years, to prepare for these competitions. This discipline included strict diets, physical exercises, and mental preparation. Paul draws a parallel between the athlete's discipline and the Christian's spiritual discipline, emphasizing the need for self-control and perseverance in the faith journey.They do it for a crown that is perishable, Winners of the Isthmian Games received a crown made of pine or celery leaves, which would wither and decay over time. This temporary reward symbolizes the fleeting nature of earthly achievements and honors. Paul contrasts this with the eternal rewards promised to believers, highlighting the transient nature of worldly pursuits.but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. The imperishable crown represents the eternal life and rewards that await believers who faithfully follow Christ. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/2_timothy/4-8.htm">2 Timothy 4:8</a>, where Paul speaks of the "crown of righteousness," and <a href="/1_peter/5-4.htm">1 Peter 5:4</a>, which mentions the "crown of glory." These crowns symbolize the eternal rewards and recognition from God, contrasting with the temporary accolades of the world. This imagery encourages believers to focus on spiritual goals and the eternal kingdom, rather than temporary, earthly successes.<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, using athletic metaphors to convey spiritual truths. 2. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> A major city in ancient Greece known for its athletic games, similar to the Olympics, which provides the cultural backdrop for Paul's metaphor. 3. <a href="/topical/i/isthmian_games.htm">Isthmian Games</a> Biennial athletic events held near Corinth, familiar to Paul's audience, emphasizing the discipline and dedication required of athletes.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/discipline_in_the_christian_life.htm">Discipline in the Christian Life</a> Just as athletes train rigorously, Christians are called to spiritual discipline, including prayer, study of the Word, and obedience to God's commands. <a href="/topical/f/focus_on_the_eternal.htm">Focus on the Eternal</a> Unlike the temporary rewards of this world, the Christian's goal is an eternal crown. This perspective should influence our priorities and decisions. <a href="/topical/p/perseverance_in_faith.htm">Perseverance in Faith</a> The Christian journey requires endurance. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith, even amidst trials and challenges. <a href="/topical/v/value_of_self-control.htm">Value of Self-Control</a> Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit and essential for spiritual growth. It involves saying no to sin and yes to God's will. <a href="/topical/m/motivation_by_eternal_rewards.htm">Motivation by Eternal Rewards</a> Understanding the eternal rewards promised by God can motivate believers to live faithfully and sacrificially in the present.<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/do_i_discipline_my_body_and_control_it.htm">Do I discipline my body and control it?</a> <a href="/q/meaning_of_'fought_the_good_fight'.htm">What does "I have fought the good fight" mean?</a> <a href="/q/is_the_'crown_of_glory'_promise_inconsistent.htm">(1 Peter 5:4) Does the promise of an unfading “crown of glory” conflict with other biblical views on heavenly rewards, creating a theological inconsistency? </a> <a href="/q/what_is_self-control_in_the_spirit.htm">What is self-control in the Holy Spirit's fruit?</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>(25) Every man that striveth for the mastery.--Better, Every one that enters into the contest. The Greek word (agonizomenos) is identical with the English "agonise." Hence the use in devotional works of the phrase "to agonise in prayer," etc.Is temperate in all things.--He fulfils not only some, but all of the necessary preliminary conditions. He indulges self in no way.They do it to obtain a corruptible crown.--There are two striking points of contrast between the earthly race and the spiritual course. There is but one obtains a reward in the earthly contest; none need fail of it in the heavenly race. That reward in the one case is perishable; in the other it is imperishable. If, then--such is St. Paul's argument--men show such extraordinary devotion and self-sacrifice for a reward which is merely perishable, and which each has only a chance of gaining, what should not be the devotion and self-sacrifice of those for all of whom an imperishable reward is certain!<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 25. - That striveth for the mastery; rather, that strives to win in a contest. St. Paul never allows his converts to dream of the indefectibility of grace, and so to slide into antinomian security. He often reminds them of the extreme severity and continuousness of the contest (<a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-12.htm">1 Timothy 6:12</a>). Is temperate in all things. One good moral result which sprang from the ancient system of athleticism was the self denial and self mastery which it required. The candidate for a prize had to be pure, sober, and enduring (Horace, 'Ars Poet.,' 412), to obey orders, to eat sparely and simply and to bear effort and fatigue (Epict., 'Enchir.,' 35) for ten months before the contest. A corruptible crown. A fading garland of Isthmian pine, or Nemean parsley, or Pythian olive, or Olympian bay. An incorruptible; "unwithering" (<a href="/1_peter/2-4.htm">1 Peter 2:4</a>); "amaranthine" (<a href="/1_peter/5-4.htm">1 Peter 5:4</a>); "a crown of righteousness" (<a href="/2_timothy/4-8.htm">2 Timothy 4:8</a>); "a crown of life" (<a href="/james/1-12.htm">James 1:12</a>; <a href="/revelation/2-10.htm">Revelation 2:10</a>; comp. also <a href="/2_timothy/2-5.htm">2 Timothy 2:5</a>; <a href="/revelation/3-11.htm">Revelation 3:11</a>). <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Everyone πᾶς (pas) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. who ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. competes in the games ἀγωνιζόμενος (agōnizomenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_75.htm">Strong's 75: </a> From agon; to struggle, literally, figuratively, or genitive case. trains with strict discipline. ἐγκρατεύεται (enkrateuetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1467.htm">Strong's 1467: </a> To exercise self-control, be continent. Middle voice from egkrates; to exercise self-restraint. They [do it] ἐκεῖνοι (ekeinoi) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1565.htm">Strong's 1565: </a> That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed. [for] λάβωσιν (labōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2983.htm">Strong's 2983: </a> (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. a crown στέφανον (stephanon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4735.htm">Strong's 4735: </a> A crown, garland, honor, glory. From an apparently primary stepho; a chaplet, literally or figuratively. [that is] perishable, φθαρτὸν (phtharton) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5349.htm">Strong's 5349: </a> Corruptible, perishable. From phtheiro; decayed, i.e. perishable. but δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. we [ do it for a crown ] ἡμεῖς (hēmeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. [that is] imperishable. ἄφθαρτον (aphtharton) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_862.htm">Strong's 862: </a> Indestructible, imperishable, incorruptible; hence: immortal. Undecaying. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">1 Corinthians 9:25 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">1 Corinthians 9:25 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">1 Corinthians 9:25 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">1 Corinthians 9:25 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">1 Corinthians 9:25 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">1 Corinthians 9:25 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">1 Corinthians 9:25 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">1 Corinthians 9:25 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">1 Corinthians 9:25 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">1 Corinthians 9:25 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 9:25 Every man who strives in the games (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 9:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 9:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-26.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 9:26"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 9:26" /></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>