1 Corinthians 9:15

KJV

¶ But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for [it were] better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} I {G1473} have used {G5530} none {G3762} of these things {G5130}:{G1161} neither {G3756} have I written {G1125} these things {G5023}, that {G2443} it should be {G1096} so {G3779} done {G1096} unto {G1722} me {G1698}: for {G1063} it were better {G3123} for me {G3427} to die {G599}{G2570}, than {G2228} that {G2443} any man {G5100} should make {G2758} my {G3450} glorying {G2745} void {G2758}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I have not made use of any of these rights. Nor am I writing now to secure them for myself, for I would rather die than be deprived of my ground for boasting!

Berean Standard Bible

But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that something be done for me. Indeed, I would rather die than let anyone nullify my boast.

American Standard Version

But I have used none of these things: and I write not these things that it may be so done in my case; for it were good for me rather to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul makes a profound declaration in this verse, asserting his deliberate choice to forgo his legitimate apostolic right to financial support from the Corinthian church. He emphasizes that his decision is not a subtle plea for future remuneration, but rather an unwavering commitment to preserve the integrity and unimpeded progress of the Gospel message. So deeply does he value the unique "boast" of preaching without charge that he would rather face death than allow anyone to nullify or diminish this distinguishing mark of his ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial turning point in Paul's extensive defense of his apostolic authority and rights, a discussion initiated in [1 Corinthians 9:1](/1_corinthians/9-1 "1 Corinthians 9:1 - Paul's Apostolic Defense"). Leading up to [1 Corinthians 9:15](/1_corinthians/9-15 "1 Corinthians 9:15 - Paul's Refusal of Support"), Paul meticulously constructs an argument for the right of those who minister the Gospel to receive financial support. He employs various analogies, including soldiers, farmers, and shepherds, and appeals to both the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 25:4](/deuteronomy/25-4 "Deuteronomy 25:4 - Do Not Muzzle the Ox")) and the established practice of temple priests ([1 Corinthians 9:13](/1_corinthians/9-13 "1 Corinthians 9:13 - Priests' Share of Offerings")). He culminates this argument by stating in [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - Right to Live by the Gospel") that "the Lord commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel." However, with the emphatic "But I have used none of these things," Paul immediately pivots, shifting from defending his right to explaining his voluntary renunciation of that right, thereby highlighting his conscious strategic choice for the sake of the Gospel's wider acceptance and unhindered proclamation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, it was a common practice for various public figures, including philosophers, rhetoricians, and religious teachers, to charge fees for their instruction or services. While accepted, this practice often exposed them to accusations of sophistry or mercenary motives, which could undermine the perceived sincerity or truthfulness of their message. Paul, who often supported himself through his trade as a tentmaker ([Acts 18:3](/acts/18-3 "Acts 18:3 - Paul's Trade in Corinth")), was acutely aware of these cultural perceptions. His deliberate decision to preach without charge was a counter-cultural act that sharply differentiated him from the itinerant teachers of his day. This choice effectively preempted any potential accusations that he was motivated by financial gain, particularly in a wealthy, commercial city like Corinth, where financial transactions and social status were highly valued. Paul's self-sufficiency thus served as a powerful testament to the Gospel's freeness and the purity of his motives.

* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Introduction") and Paul's broader theological framework. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Voluntary Self-Denial** for the sake of the Gospel, showcasing Paul's unwavering commitment to prioritize the spiritual good of others over his personal rights or comfort, a principle he further elaborates in [1 Corinthians 10:33](/1_corinthians/10-33 "1 Corinthians 10:33 - Seeking the Profit of Many"). Secondly, it underscores the critical importance of **Integrity and Purity of Ministry**, revealing Paul's earnest desire to eliminate any potential [stumbling block](/1_corinthians/8-9 "1 Corinthians 8:9 - Avoiding Stumbling Blocks") that might impede the reception of the Gospel message. His refusal of financial support was a strategic maneuver to ensure that his message of God's free grace remained untainted by any perception of greed. Finally, the verse introduces the unique concept of Paul's "glorying" or "boast" (Greek: *kauchema*), which is not rooted in personal achievement but in the **Unimpeded Proclamation of the Gospel**. This "glorying" becomes a central motif in his defense, revealing his deep passion for the Gospel's unhindered advance, even to the point of declaring he would rather die than have this precious privilege nullified, a sentiment echoed in his willingness to count all things loss for Christ in [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Counting All Things Loss for Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **used (Greek, _chráomai'_):** This verb signifies "to employ, to make use of, or to act towards one in a given manner." In this context, Paul states he has "used none of these things," referring to the legitimate rights to financial support he has just meticulously outlined. His choice of *chráomai* emphasizes a deliberate, active decision not to avail himself of these provisions, highlighting his conscious self-restraint and strategic renunciation of a valid privilege.
* **glorying (Greek, _kaúchēma'_):** Derived from the verb *kaucháomai* (to boast), *kaúchēma* refers to "a boast, ground for boasting, or object of pride." For Paul, this was not a boast in worldly accomplishments or personal gain, but a profound, holy zeal for his unique privilege of preaching the Gospel without charge. It was his distinctive mark, a source of spiritual joy and a testament to the Gospel's inherent worth and freeness, which he valued above all else.
* **void (Greek, _kenóō'_):** This verb means "to make empty, to abase, neutralize, or falsify." Paul's declaration that he would rather die than have his "glorying void" reveals the intense depth of his commitment. To make his glorying void would be to nullify, empty, or render ineffective the very thing he considered his most cherished spiritual distinction – the unhindered, uncompensated proclamation of the Gospel. It implies a fear that accepting payment would undermine the purity and power of his message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I have used none of these things":** Paul immediately contrasts his personal practice with the legitimate rights he has just established for Gospel ministers. Despite having a valid claim to financial support as an apostle and preacher, he has deliberately chosen not to exercise this right, setting the stage for his explanation of this radical self-denial.
* **"neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me":** This clause clarifies Paul's motive for discussing his rights. He is not writing to subtly solicit support from the Corinthians, nor is he laying groundwork for them to provide for him. His intention is not to receive, but to explain his principled decision to *not* receive, ensuring his motives are transparent and beyond reproach.
* **"for [it were] better for me to die":** Paul introduces a dramatic and emphatic declaration of his conviction. The phrase "better for me to die" is a powerful expression of hyperbole, conveying the extreme importance he places on his principle. It signifies that the alternative—having his "glorying" nullified—is so abhorrent that death would be preferable.
* **"than that any man should make my glorying void."** This climactic statement reveals the core of Paul's motivation. His "glorying" is the unique boast or privilege of preaching the Gospel freely, without financial burden to his hearers. To "make it void" would mean to nullify, empty, or render ineffective this precious aspect of his ministry, perhaps by forcing him to accept payment, or by creating a perception that his motives were impure, thereby hindering the Gospel's power.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [1 Corinthians 9:15](/1_corinthians/9-15 "1 Corinthians 9:15 - Paul's Renunciation of Rights") to underscore the intensity of his commitment. The most striking is **Hyperbole**, evident in his declaration, "it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void." This extreme statement is not meant to be taken literally as a death wish, but rather to dramatically emphasize the profound value Paul places on his uncompensated ministry and the abhorrence he feels towards anything that would compromise its integrity. The term "glorying" itself functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where his "boast" or "pride" stands in for the specific practice of preaching the Gospel without charge. This "glorying" is not self-aggrandizement but a holy zeal for the Gospel's unimpeded progress. Furthermore, the entire passage, following Paul's detailed defense of his rights, creates a powerful **Antithesis** between what is permissible (receiving support) and what Paul chooses to do (forgo support), highlighting his radical self-sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's radical commitment to preach the Gospel without charge in [1 Corinthians 9:15](/1_corinthians/9-15 "1 Corinthians 9:15 - Paul's Selfless Ministry") is a profound theological statement on the nature of ministry and the Gospel itself. It underscores that the Gospel is a message of God's free grace, priceless and unpurchasable, and therefore its proclamation should ideally reflect this freeness. His willingness to sacrifice a legitimate right for the sake of the Gospel's unhindered advance exemplifies the principle of putting the spiritual welfare of others above personal gain or comfort. This act of voluntary self-denial serves as a powerful model for all believers, demonstrating that true spiritual "glorying" is found not in what one receives, but in what one gives up for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom. It reveals a deep understanding of stewardship, where Paul sees his ministry as a sacred trust to be guarded from anything that might diminish its effectiveness or bring reproach upon the name of Christ.

* [2 Corinthians 11:7](/2_corinthians/11-7 "2 Corinthians 11:7 - Paul's Free Preaching")
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and Looking to Others' Interests")
* [Romans 15:26-27](/romans/15-26-27 "Romans 15:26-27 - Sharing Spiritual and Material Blessings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's declaration in [1 Corinthians 9:15](/1_corinthians/9-15 "1 Corinthians 9:15 - The Apostle's Sacrifice") challenges us to critically examine our own motivations and priorities in service, whether in formal ministry or daily life. His "glorying" was not in personal comfort, recognition, or financial gain, but in the unhindered proclamation of the Gospel. This prompts us to consider what we truly boast in, what we are willing to sacrifice, and what we would rather die than see compromised. For those in ministry, it is a powerful call to integrity, reminding us that while support is legitimate, the purity of motive and the effectiveness of the message must always take precedence over personal entitlements. For all believers, it is an invitation to radical selflessness, encouraging us to identify and remove potential stumbling blocks that might hinder others from receiving the Good News, and to prioritize the advancement of God's Kingdom above our own perceived rights or comforts. Paul's example calls us to a higher standard of sacrificial love, mirroring the very nature of the Gospel we proclaim.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is my "glorying" or primary source of spiritual satisfaction in my service to God?**
* **Are there legitimate rights or comforts I am willing to forgo for the sake of the Gospel's unhindered progress or the spiritual welfare of others?**
* **How can I ensure that my actions and motivations in ministry or daily life do not create a "stumbling block" for unbelievers or new converts?**
* **In what ways can I demonstrate the "freeness" and priceless value of the Gospel through my own life and choices?**

### FAQ
**Why did Paul refuse financial support when he clearly stated he had a right to it?**

Answer: Paul's refusal of financial support, despite asserting his legitimate apostolic right to it, was a strategic and deeply principled decision. He explains this throughout [1 Corinthians 9](/1_corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Rights and Renunciation"). His primary motivation was to remove any potential stumbling block or accusation that he was preaching for personal gain, thereby ensuring the Gospel message would be received without prejudice. In a culture where many teachers charged fees, Paul's self-sufficiency distinguished him and powerfully demonstrated that the Gospel was a message of free grace, not a commodity. He considered this uncompensated ministry his unique "glorying" or boast, valuing its integrity so highly that he would rather die than see it compromised.

**What does Paul mean by "my glorying"?**

Answer: When Paul refers to "my glorying" (Greek: *kaúchēma*), he is not speaking of a boast in personal achievement or worldly success. Rather, it refers to his unique and cherished privilege, his spiritual "boast," of being able to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ without imposing any financial burden on those to whom he ministered. This was a source of profound joy and satisfaction for him because it underscored the freeness and priceless nature of the Gospel. It was a distinguishing mark of his ministry, demonstrating his pure motives and preventing any accusation that he was motivated by greed. He valued this aspect of his ministry so highly that he declared he would rather die than have this "glorying" nullified or taken away.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's radical self-denial in [1 Corinthians 9:15](/1_corinthians/9-15 "1 Corinthians 9:15 - Paul's Christ-like Sacrifice") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's willingness to "make himself void" of his rights for the sake of the Gospel directly mirrors Christ's own **kenosis**, His self-emptying, as described in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation"). Just as Paul, though having the right to support, chose not to use it, so Christ, "who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." Christ voluntarily relinquished the prerogatives of His divine glory and heavenly comforts, not for personal gain, but to become a human, suffer, and die on the cross for the salvation of humanity. His ultimate "glorying" was in accomplishing the Father's will and securing redemption through His selfless sacrifice, a "boast" that could never be made void. Paul's ministry, characterized by a similar spirit of sacrificial love and a desire for the unhindered spread of the message, becomes a powerful echo of the Lord he serves, demonstrating that true spiritual authority and effectiveness flow from a posture of humble, Christ-like self-giving for the glory of God and the good of others, as Jesus Himself taught in [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Thessalonians 2:9

For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

2 Thessalonians 3:8

Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

1 Corinthians 9:12

If others be partakers of [this] power over you, [are] not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:9

And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all [things] I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and [so] will I keep [myself].

2 Corinthians 11:12

But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

Acts 20:24

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 20:34

Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.