1 Corinthians 9:25
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγωνιζόμενος
that striveth for the mastery
G75
ἀγωνιζόμενος
that striveth for the mastery
Strong's:
G75
Word #:
4 of 16
to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or genitive case (to endeavor to accomplish something)
ἐγκρατεύεται
is temperate
G1467
ἐγκρατεύεται
is temperate
Strong's:
G1467
Word #:
6 of 16
to exercise self-restraint (in diet and chastity)
ἐκεῖνοι
they
G1565
ἐκεῖνοι
they
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
7 of 16
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
στέφανον
crown
G4735
στέφανον
crown
Strong's:
G4735
Word #:
12 of 16
a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fille
Cross References
Revelation 2:10Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.2 Timothy 2:5And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.1 Timothy 6:12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.Revelation 3:11Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.James 1:12Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.2 Peter 1:6And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;1 Peter 5:4And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.1 Peter 1:4To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,Galatians 5:23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Historical Context
Ancient athletes trained for ten months under strict supervision before competing. Diets excluded wine, rich foods, and delicacies. Sexual activity was forbidden. Violations meant disqualification. The victor's crown (Greek stephanos, στέφανος) was woven from pine or celery—fragile, temporary, yet prized above wealth. Paul contrasts this perishable wreath with the believer's eternal inheritance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does athletic self-discipline illustrate the necessity of Christian sanctification?
- What "corruptible" pursuits tempt you to neglect the "incorruptible" crown?
- How does the contrast between temporary and eternal rewards motivate holy living?
Analysis & Commentary
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. The Greek agōnizomai (ἀγωνίζομαι, "strive, compete") gives us "agonize"—intense exertion. Athletes practice enkrateuomai (ἐγκρατεύομαι, "self-control, temperance"), abstaining from pleasures and luxuries to maximize performance. Ancient training regimens involved strict diets, sexual abstinence, and rigorous exercise. Paul applies this to Christian living: spiritual victory requires disciplined self-denial.
Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. The Greek phthartos (φθαρτός, "corruptible, perishable") versus aphthartos (ἄφθαρτος, "incorruptible, imperishable") draws a stark contrast. The Isthmian victor's wreath withered within days; the believer's crown is eternal (2 Tim 4:8; Jas 1:12; 1 Pet 5:4; Rev 2:10). If athletes endure hardship for fading glory, how much more should Christians discipline themselves for eternal reward? Paul argues from lesser to greater: earthly athletes train harder than many Christians pursue holiness.