1 Corinthians 9:24
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
Original Language Analysis
οἴδατε
Know ye
G1492
οἴδατε
Know ye
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
2 of 19
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σταδίῳ
a race
G4712
σταδίῳ
a race
Strong's:
G4712
Word #:
6 of 19
a stade or certain measure of distance; by implication, a stadium or race-course
τρέχετε
run
G5143
τρέχετε
run
Strong's:
G5143
Word #:
7 of 19
which uses ????? <pronunciation strongs="drem'-o"/> (the base of g1408) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figurativ
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
τρέχετε
run
G5143
τρέχετε
run
Strong's:
G5143
Word #:
10 of 19
which uses ????? <pronunciation strongs="drem'-o"/> (the base of g1408) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figurativ
λαμβάνει
receiveth
G2983
λαμβάνει
receiveth
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
13 of 19
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βραβεῖον
the prize
G1017
βραβεῖον
the prize
Strong's:
G1017
Word #:
15 of 19
an award (of arbitration), i.e., (specially) a prize in the public games
τρέχετε
run
G5143
τρέχετε
run
Strong's:
G5143
Word #:
17 of 19
which uses ????? <pronunciation strongs="drem'-o"/> (the base of g1408) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figurativ
Cross References
Philippians 3:14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.Hebrews 12:1Wherefore 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,Revelation 3:11Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.Philippians 2:16Holding 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 9:26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:Galatians 5:7Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?Jeremiah 12:5If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?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.Galatians 2:2And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.Ecclesiastes 9:11I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
Historical Context
The Isthmian Games, held in honor of Poseidon near Corinth, were second only to the Olympics in prestige. Events included footraces, wrestling, boxing, and chariot racing. Winners received a pine wreath (later a celery crown). Corinthians were intimately familiar with athletic training, discipline, and competition—making Paul's metaphor immediately powerful. The city's identity was shaped by these games, held every two years.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul use athletic competition to illustrate Christian faithfulness without teaching works-salvation?
- What does it mean to "run" the Christian life with purpose and discipline?
- How does the Isthmian Games context make this metaphor especially vivid for Corinthian readers?
Analysis & Commentary
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Paul shifts to athletic metaphors drawn from the Isthmian Games held near Corinth every two years. Greek stadion (στάδιον, "race, running track") was a footrace of about 200 yards. All runners compete, but only one wins the victor's crown. Paul is not teaching salvation by works or competition among believers—he is emphasizing earnestness, focus, and self-discipline.
So run, that ye may obtain. The imperative "run" (Greek trechō, τρέχω) calls for purposeful effort. The Christian life is not passive but active, not aimless wandering but directed pursuit. Paul urges the Corinthians to run with the same intensity as athletes striving for a crown. The goal is not defeating other believers but obtaining the prize—faithfulness rewarded, not salvation earned. Paul uses athletic imagery to illustrate disciplined Christian living, not to introduce works-righteousness.