1 Corinthians 9:27

Authorized King James Version

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But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Original Language Analysis

ἀλλ' But G235
ἀλλ' But
Strong's: G235
Word #: 1 of 13
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὑπωπιάζω I keep under G5299
ὑπωπιάζω I keep under
Strong's: G5299
Word #: 2 of 13
to hit under the eye (buffet or disable an antagonist as a pugilist), i.e., (figuratively) to tease or annoy (into compliance), subdue (one's passions
μου my G3450
μου my
Strong's: G3450
Word #: 3 of 13
of me
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῶμα body G4983
σῶμα body
Strong's: G4983
Word #: 5 of 13
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 6 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δουλαγωγῶ bring it into subjection G1396
δουλαγωγῶ bring it into subjection
Strong's: G1396
Word #: 7 of 13
to be a slave-driver, i.e., to enslave (figuratively, subdue)
μήπως, lest G3381
μήπως, lest
Strong's: G3381
Word #: 8 of 13
lest somehow
ἄλλοις to others G243
ἄλλοις to others
Strong's: G243
Word #: 9 of 13
"else," i.e., different (in many applications)
κηρύξας when I have preached G2784
κηρύξας when I have preached
Strong's: G2784
Word #: 10 of 13
to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)
αὐτὸς I myself G846
αὐτὸς I myself
Strong's: G846
Word #: 11 of 13
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀδόκιμος a castaway G96
ἀδόκιμος a castaway
Strong's: G96
Word #: 12 of 13
unapproved, i.e., rejected; by implication, worthless (literally or morally)
γένωμαι should be G1096
γένωμαι should be
Strong's: G1096
Word #: 13 of 13
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

Analysis & Commentary

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: Paul concludes with stark honesty. The Greek hypopiazō (ὑποπιάζω, "strike under the eye, bruise, discipline severely") is the boxer's term for delivering punishing blows. Paul "blackens the eye" of his flesh—subduing bodily desires through rigorous self-discipline. Doulagōgeō (δουλαγωγέω, "enslave, bring into bondage") means to enslave his body, making it a servant rather than master.

Lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. The Greek adokimos (ἀδόκιμος, "unapproved, disqualified, rejected") refers to an athlete disqualified for violating training rules or a metal failing assay. Paul fears not losing salvation but forfeiting reward, being set aside from ministry, or failing to finish the race (2 Tim 4:7). This is not works-righteousness but sober recognition that hypocrisy disqualifies witness. If Paul preaches self-denial but lives self-indulgence, his ministry is invalidated. He must practice what he preaches.

Historical Context

Athletes who violated training regulations were disqualified—beaten publicly and barred from competing. The disgrace was profound. Paul uses this imagery to express his urgent concern: having called others to disciplined Christian living, he must not disqualify himself through moral failure or undisciplined living. Ancient umpires (brabeus) strictly enforced rules; violators were rejected as adokimos.

Questions for Reflection