1 Corinthians 9:16
For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
Original Language Analysis
ἐὰν
though
G1437
ἐὰν
though
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 18
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
εὐαγγελίζωμαι,
I preach
G2097
εὐαγγελίζωμαι,
I preach
Strong's:
G2097
Word #:
3 of 18
to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel
καύχημα·
to glory of
G2745
καύχημα·
to glory of
Strong's:
G2745
Word #:
7 of 18
a boast (properly, the object; by implication, the act) in a good or a bad sense
ἀνάγκη
necessity
G318
ἀνάγκη
necessity
Strong's:
G318
Word #:
8 of 18
constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐὰν
though
G1437
ἐὰν
though
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
16 of 18
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
Cross References
Romans 1:14I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.Colossians 4:17And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.Jeremiah 20:9Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.Acts 4:20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.Luke 9:62And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.Acts 9:6And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.Amos 3:8The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?Acts 9:15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:Romans 15:17I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.Isaiah 6:5Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
Historical Context
Ancient prophets understood divine compulsion. Jeremiah could not keep silent despite persecution (Jer 20:9). Amos insisted, "The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?" (Amos 3:8). Paul stands in this prophetic tradition—gripped by God, commissioned by Christ, unable to remain silent. This separates true apostles from mercenaries: apostles must preach; hirelings preach for profit.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between preaching as compulsion (v. 16) and preaching freely without charge (v. 18)?
- How does Paul's sense of divine "necessity" protect him from pride and ensure faithfulness?
- What does it mean to be under "woe" if we fail to fulfill our calling (cf. Ezek 33:1-9)?
Analysis & Commentary
For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; Paul explains why he cannot boast in preaching itself—he is under divine compulsion. The Greek anankē (ἀνάγκη, "necessity, compulsion") denotes inescapable obligation. Paul's Damascus Road encounter (Acts 9) imposed a commission he cannot refuse. Preaching is not optional or voluntary; it is obedience to divine appointment.
Yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! The word "woe" (Greek ouai, οὐαί) expresses divine judgment, not mere regret. Paul echoes the prophets (Jer 20:9; Amos 3:8) who felt compelled to speak God's word despite opposition. Paul cannot claim credit for preaching—it is duty, not voluntary service. Therefore, his "boast" (v. 15) lies not in preaching but in how he preaches: freely, without charge, renouncing rights to remove barriers. This is voluntary sacrifice beyond the call of duty.