• 1 Corinthians 9:24
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 24 Οὐκ Not οἴδατε have YOU known ὅτι that οἱ the (ones) ἐν in σταδίῳ stadium τρέχοντες running πάντες all μὲν indeed τρέχουσιν, they are running, εἷς one δὲ but λαμβάνει is receiving τὸ the βραβεῖον; prize? οὕτως Thus τρέχετε be YOU running ἵνα in order that καταλάβητε. YOU might receive down.

  • 1 Corinthians Study Notes—Chapter 9
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 9:24

      the runners in a race: Athletic competitions were an integral part of Greek culture, so Paul made good use of these events as illustrations. (1Co 9:24-27; Php 3:14; 2Ti 2:5; 4:7, 8; Heb 12:1, 2) The Corinthian Christians were acquainted with the athletic contests at the Isthmian Games held near Corinth. These games were held every two years. Paul would have been in Corinth during the games of 51 C.E. They were second in importance only to the Olympic Games held at Olympia in Greece. The runners at such Greek games ran races of varying lengths. By using runners and boxers in his illustrations, Paul taught the value of self-control, efficiency, and endurance.​—1Co 9:26.

      a race: The word “race” renders the Greek term staʹdi·on, or stadium. That Greek term may refer to the structure used for footraces and other events, to a distance, or to the footraces themselves. In this context, Paul is referring to a footrace. The length of a Greek staʹdi·on varied from place to place. In Corinth, it was about 165 m (540 ft). The approximate length of the Roman stadium was 185 m, or 606.95 ft.​—See App. B14.

      only one receives the prize: In ancient Greek athletic contests, the winner received as prize a wreath, usually made of leaves. The crown was a mark of great honor and was apparently displayed in the stadium so that the contestants could see the prize. Paul urged anointed Christians to strive for something far better than a perishable wreath​—the incorruptible crown of immortal life. To win, a Christian must keep his eyes fixed on the prize.​—1Co 9:25; 15:53; 1Pe 1:3, 4; 5:4.