1 Corinthians 9:15

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

οὐδενὶ

G3762

none

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἐχρησάμην

G5530

have used

to furnish what is needed; (give an oracle, "graze" (touch slightly), light upon, etc.), i.e., (by implication) to employ or (by extension) to act tow

τούτων

G5130

of these things

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

οὐκ

G3756

neither

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔγραψα

G1125

have I written

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

ταῦτα

G5023

these things

#10

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#11

οὕτως

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

#12

γένηται

G1096

done

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

#13

ἐν

G1722

unto

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#14

ἐμοί·

G1698

to me

#15

καλὸν

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

#16

γάρ

G1063

for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

#17

μοι

G3427

for me

to me

#18

μᾶλλον

G3123

it were better

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

#19

ἀποθανεῖν

G599

to die

to die off (literally or figuratively)

#20

ἤ

G2228

than

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

#21

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

καύχημά

G2745

glorying

a boast (properly, the object; by implication, the act) in a good or a bad sense

#23

μου

G3450

of me

#24

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#25

τις

G5100

any man

some or any person or object

#26

κενώσῃ

G2758

should make

to make empty, i.e., (figuratively) to abase, neutralize, falsify

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Corinthians. The concept of glory reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to pastoral letter addressing practical Christian living issues, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes glory in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Corinthians chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding glory in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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