1 Corinthians 9:24

KJV

¶ Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

KJV (with Strong's)

Know ye {G1492} not {G3756} that {G3754} they which run {G5143} in {G1722} a race {G4712} run {G5143} all {G3956}{G3303}, but {G1161} one {G1520} receiveth {G2983} the prize {G1017}? So {G3779} run {G5143}, that {G2443} ye may obtain {G2638}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don’t you know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one wins the prize? So then, run to win!

Berean Standard Bible

Do 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.

American Standard Version

Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 9:24, the Apostle Paul employs a powerful and relatable athletic metaphor to impress upon the Corinthian believers, and all subsequent generations of Christians, the profound seriousness, intentionality, and disciplined effort required for the Christian life. He challenges them to approach their spiritual journey not with casual participation, but with the focused determination of a runner striving for a singular, ultimate prize, urging them to "run" in such a way that they genuinely "obtain" the imperishable reward of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader discussion in [1 Corinthians 9](/1_corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Apostolic Rights and Self-Denial") where Paul defends his apostolic rights and, more importantly, explains his willingness to forgo those rights for the sake of the gospel. He has just articulated his principle of "becoming all things to all people" ([1 Corinthians 9:22](/1_corinthians/9-22 "1 Corinthians 9:22 - Becoming All Things to All People")) so that he "might by all means save some" ([1 Corinthians 9:22](/1_corinthians/9-22 "1 Corinthians 9:22 - Becoming All Things to All People")). The athletic metaphor in [1 Corinthians 9:24-27](/1_corinthians/9-24-27 "1 Corinthians 9:24-27 - The Christian Race") serves as a vivid illustration of the discipline and self-control he exercises in his own life, contrasting his self-denial with the pursuit of an eternal prize. It transitions from his personal example of sacrifice to a general exhortation for all believers to live with similar purpose and discipline.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Corinth was a city renowned for its Isthmian Games, second only to the Olympic Games in prestige, held every two years in the nearby Isthmus of Corinth. Paul's audience would have been intimately familiar with the rigorous training, strict rules, and intense competition involved in these athletic contests. Athletes underwent significant self-denial, strict diets, and disciplined regimens for months, even years, leading up to the events. The ultimate prize for the victor was a perishable wreath, typically made of wild celery or pine, which quickly withered. Paul masterfully leverages this well-understood cultural phenomenon to draw a stark contrast between the temporary nature of earthly accolades and the enduring value of the spiritual prize, making his exhortation immediately relevant and impactful to the Corinthian church.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 9:24](/1_corinthians/9-24 "1 Corinthians 9:24 - The Christian Race") contributes significantly to several key themes within [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians "1 Corinthians - Unity, Purity, and Order in the Church") and Paul's broader theology. It underscores the theme of **Spiritual Discipline and Effort**, emphasizing that the Christian life is not a passive journey but requires active, intentional, and disciplined engagement, mirroring the athlete's rigorous training ([1 Corinthians 9:25](/1_corinthians/9-25 "1 Corinthians 9:25 - Discipline for an Imperishable Crown")). It highlights the **Singular Focus on the Goal**, urging believers to pursue the "prize" with unwavering determination, avoiding distractions and spiritual complacency, much like Paul's own focused pursuit of the gospel ([1 Corinthians 9:23](/1_corinthians/9-23 "1 Corinthians 9:23 - Paul's Purpose in Ministry")). Crucially, it introduces the theme of the **Imperishable Prize**, contrasting the fleeting glory of the Isthmian Games' wreaths with the eternal, incorruptible reward awaiting faithful believers ([1 Corinthians 9:25](/1_corinthians/9-25 "1 Corinthians 9:25 - Discipline for an Imperishable Crown")). This elevates the significance of the spiritual race far beyond any earthly competition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **run (Greek, _tréchō'_):** This verb signifies "to run or walk hastily," often implying a sense of urgency and vigorous effort. In the context of a race, it denotes the full exertion of an athlete. Paul uses this word to convey that the Christian life is not a leisurely stroll but a demanding, purposeful endeavor requiring sustained energy and commitment, much like a competitive runner giving their all.
* **prize (Greek, _brabeîon'_):** Derived from a word meaning "an umpire," this term refers specifically to the award given to the victor in public games. It is the tangible recognition of success, the object for which the athlete strives. Here, it represents the ultimate, eternal reward for faithful perseverance in the Christian life, contrasting sharply with the perishable crowns of earthly contests.
* **obtain (Greek, _katalambánō'_):** This word means "to take eagerly," "to seize," "to grasp fully," or "to apprehend." It implies not just reaching the finish line, but actively securing and possessing the reward. Paul's use of this verb emphasizes that the goal is not mere participation or passive hope, but a determined and successful capture of the promised prize, underscoring the necessity of intentional effort to truly secure the eternal reward.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?"**: Paul begins with a rhetorical question, assuming the Corinthians' familiarity with the Isthmian Games. He states the obvious reality of an athletic contest: many participate, but only one achieves the ultimate victory and receives the coveted prize. This sets up the analogy, highlighting the competitive and exclusive nature of winning in the earthly realm.
* **"So run, that ye may obtain."**: This is Paul's direct and forceful exhortation. Building on the established reality of the race, he commands believers to apply the same level of intensity, discipline, and singular focus to their spiritual lives. The imperative "run" (τρέχετε - _trechete_) is a present active imperative, urging continuous, active striving. The purpose clause "that ye may obtain" (ἵνα καταλάβητε - _hina katalabēte_) clearly articulates the desired outcome: not just to participate, but to successfully seize the eternal prize. This transforms the earthly athletic pursuit into a powerful spiritual mandate for purposeful living.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in [1 Corinthians 9:24](/1_corinthians/9-24 "1 Corinthians 9:24 - The Christian Race"). The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the Christian life is vividly portrayed as an athletic **race**. This metaphor allows Paul to convey complex spiritual truths through a familiar, concrete image, emphasizing concepts like discipline, effort, perseverance, and a clear objective. The phrase "Know ye not..." introduces a **Rhetorical Question**, designed not to elicit information but to engage the audience and affirm their shared understanding of the Isthmian Games, thereby strengthening the impact of the subsequent exhortation. Finally, the concluding command, "So run, that ye may obtain," serves as a powerful **Exhortation** or imperative, directly challenging the believers to apply the principles of athletic training and competitive spirit to their spiritual walk, urging them towards intentional and successful pursuit of their eternal reward.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 9:24 profoundly underscores the New Testament emphasis on perseverance, discipline, and the eschatological hope that motivates the Christian life. It teaches that while salvation is a gift of grace, the Christian walk is an active, demanding journey requiring intentional effort and self-control, echoing the call to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" ([Philippians 2:12](/philippians/2-12 "Philippians 2:12 - Working Out Salvation")). The "prize" is not a reward for earning salvation, but the full realization of glorification and eternal life with Christ, a crown of righteousness given to those who faithfully endure. This verse aligns with the broader biblical narrative of life as a pilgrimage or journey, where the destination and the reward are paramount, urging believers to live with an eternal perspective that shapes their daily choices and commitments.

* [Philippians 3:14](/philippians/3-14 "Philippians 3:14 - Pressing Toward the Goal")
* [Hebrews 12:1-2](/hebrews/12-1-2 "Hebrews 12:1-2 - Running the Race with Endurance")
* [2 Timothy 4:7-8](/2_timothy/4-7-8 "2 Timothy 4:7-8 - Paul's Finished Race and the Crown of Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 9:24 serves as a timeless and urgent call to intentionality and discipline in the Christian life. It compels us to move beyond passive participation to active, purposeful engagement with our faith. Just as an athlete trains relentlessly, denying themselves momentary pleasures for a future prize, believers are called to cultivate spiritual habits—prayer, Bible study, fellowship, service, and self-control—that strengthen them for the spiritual race. This verse challenges us to honestly assess our focus: Are we running to merely finish, or are we running to obtain the prize? It reminds us that distractions, complacency, and worldly pursuits can hinder our progress, urging us to fix our eyes on the imperishable reward that awaits us in Christ. The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint, demanding endurance through trials, temptations, and the daily grind, always keeping the ultimate, eternal goal in sight.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "training" or spiritual disciplines am I actively engaging in to "run" my Christian race more effectively?**
* **Am I running with a clear, singular focus on the "prize," or are there distractions or worldly pursuits hindering my progress?**
* **How does the imperishable nature of the spiritual prize motivate me differently than the temporary rewards of this world?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to exercise greater self-control and discipline to better "obtain" the spiritual reward?**

### FAQ
**Does Paul's analogy imply that only a select few Christians will "win" or be saved?**

Answer: No, Paul's analogy in [1 Corinthians 9:24](/1_corinthians/9-24 "1 Corinthians 9:24 - The Christian Race") does not suggest that only one Christian will be saved or receive a prize in heaven. The "one" who receives the prize in an earthly race highlights the singular focus and intense effort required to win. In the spiritual race, the "prize" is available to all who run faithfully and persevere. The point is not that only one person is saved, but that every believer must run with the same intensity and purpose as if they were the only one competing for the prize. The "prize" for believers is the full realization of their salvation, the "crown of righteousness" ([2 Timothy 4:8](/2_timothy/4-8 "2 Timothy 4:8 - The Crown of Righteousness")), and eternal life with Christ, which is offered to all who endure to the end ([Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Enduring to the End")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 9:24 exhorts believers to run with discipline and purpose, its ultimate fulfillment and motivation are found in Christ. The "prize" we seek is not earned merit, but the glorious inheritance and full communion with God made possible by Christ's finished work on the cross. He is the ultimate example of one who "ran the race" perfectly, enduring the cross "for the joy that was set before him" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")). Our ability to "obtain" the prize is rooted in His victory, not our own strength. The discipline Paul speaks of is a response to the grace we have received, a sanctification process empowered by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to live in a manner worthy of the calling we have in Christ Jesus ([Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1 - Live a Life Worthy of the Calling")). Ultimately, the "prize" is Christ Himself—knowing Him, being found in Him, and sharing in His resurrection power ([Philippians 3:8-11](/philippians/3-8-11 "Philippians 3:8-11 - The Supremacy of Knowing Christ")), culminating in eternal life and glorification with Him.

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

Philippians 3:14

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1

¶ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:

2 Timothy 4:8

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.

Revelation 3:11

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Philippians 2:16

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

1 Corinthians 9:26

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