KJV: 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.
YLT: and every one who is striving, is in all things temperate; these, indeed, then, that a corruptible crown they may receive, but we an incorruptible;
Darby: But every one that contends for a prize is temperate in all things: they then indeed that they may receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.
ASV: And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
| πᾶς | Everyone |
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Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Singular Root: πᾶς Sense: individually. |
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| δὲ | now |
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Parse: Conjunction Root: δέ Sense: but, moreover, and, etc. |
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| ὁ | - |
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Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc. |
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| ἀγωνιζόμενος | striving |
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Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Nominative Masculine Singular Root: ἀγωνίζομαι Sense: to enter a contest: contend in the gymnastic games. |
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| πάντα | in all things |
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Parse: Adjective, Accusative Neuter Plural Root: πᾶς Sense: individually. |
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| ἐγκρατεύεται | controls himself |
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Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular Root: ἐγκρατεύομαι Sense: to be self-controlled, continent. |
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| μὲν | indeed |
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Parse: Conjunction Root: μέν Sense: truly, certainly, surely, indeed. |
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| ἵνα | that |
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Parse: Conjunction Root: ἵνα Sense: that, in order that, so that. |
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| φθαρτὸν | a perishable |
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Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Singular Root: φθαρτός Sense: corruptible, perishing. |
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| στέφανον | crown |
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Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular Root: στέφανοσ2 Sense: a crown. |
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| λάβωσιν | they might receive |
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Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Active, 3rd Person Plural Root: λαμβάνω Sense: to take. |
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| δὲ | however |
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Parse: Conjunction Root: δέ Sense: but, moreover, and, etc. |
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| ἄφθαρτον | an imperishable |
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Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Singular Root: ἄφθαρτος Sense: uncorrupted, not liable to corruption or decay, imperishable. |
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Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 9:25
Common verb for contest in the athletic games (αγων agōn), sometimes with the cognate accusative, αγωνα αγωνιζομαι agōna agōnizomai as in 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7. Probably Paul often saw these athletic games. [source]
Rare verb, once in Aristotle and in a late Christian inscription, and 1 Corinthians 7:9 and here, from εγκρατης egkratēs common adjective for one who controls himself. The athlete then and now has to control himself (direct middle) in all things (accusative of general reference). This is stated by Paul as an athletic axiom. Training for ten months was required under the direction of trained judges. Abstinence from wine was required and a rigid diet and regimen of habits.A corruptible crown (πταρτον στεπανον phtharton stephanon). Στεπανος Stephanos (crown) is from στεπω stephō to put around the head, like the Latin corona, wreath or garland, badge of victory in the games. In the Isthmian games it was of pine leaves, earlier of parsley, in the Olympian games of the wild olive. “Yet these were the most coveted honours in the whole Greek world” (Findlay). For the crown of thorns on Christ‘s head see note on Matthew 27:29; Mark 15:17; John 19:2; and John 19:5. Διαδημα Diadēma (diadem) was for kings (Revelation 12:3). Favourite metaphor in the N.T., the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8), the crown of life (James 1:12), the crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4), the crown of rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:9), description of the Philippians (Philemon 4:1). Note contrast between πταρτον phtharton (verbal adjective from πτειρω phtheirō to corrupt) like the garland of pine leaves, wild olive, or laurel, and απταρτον aphtharton (same form with α a privative) like the crown of victory offered the Christian, the amaranthine (unfading rose) crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4). [source]
Στεπανος Stephanos (crown) is from στεπω stephō to put around the head, like the Latin corona, wreath or garland, badge of victory in the games. In the Isthmian games it was of pine leaves, earlier of parsley, in the Olympian games of the wild olive. “Yet these were the most coveted honours in the whole Greek world” (Findlay). For the crown of thorns on Christ‘s head see note on Matthew 27:29; Mark 15:17; John 19:2; and John 19:5. Διαδημα Diadēma (diadem) was for kings (Revelation 12:3). Favourite metaphor in the N.T., the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8), the crown of life (James 1:12), the crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4), the crown of rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:9), description of the Philippians (Philemon 4:1). Note contrast between πταρτον phtharton (verbal adjective from πτειρω phtheirō to corrupt) like the garland of pine leaves, wild olive, or laurel, and απταρτον aphtharton (same form with α a privative) like the crown of victory offered the Christian, the amaranthine (unfading rose) crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4). [source]
Better, Rev., striveth in the games, thus preserving the metaphor. The word was the regular term for contending in the arena or on the stage. [source]
Only here and 1 Corinthians 7:9. The candidate for the races was required to be ten months in training, and to practice in the gymnasium immediately before the games, under the direction of judges who had themselves been instructed for ten months in the details of the games. The training was largely dietary. Epictetus says: “Thou must be orderly, living on spare food; abstain from confections; make a point of exercising at the appointed time, in heat and in cold; nor drink cold water nor wine at hazard.” Horace says: “The youth who would win in the race hath borne and done much; he hath sweat and been cold; he hath abstained from love and wine” (“Ars Poetica,” 412). Tertullian, commending the example of the athletes to persecuted Christians, says: “Coguntur, cruciantur, fatigantur.” “They are constrained, harassed, wearied” (“Ad Martyres,” 3). Compare 2 Timothy 2:5. [source]
Chaplet of pine-leaves. See on Revelation 4:4. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Corinthians 9:25
Christ claims to be king to Pilate, but of a peculiar kingdom. For “world” For the word see John 18:3 where it means the temple police or guards (literally, under-rowers). In the lxx always (Prov 14:35; Isaiah 32:5; Dan 3:46) officers of a king as here. Christ then had only a small band of despised followers who could not fight against Caesar. Was he alluding also to legions of angels on his side? (Matthew 26:56). Would fight Imperfect middle of αγωνιζομαι agōnizomai common verb (only here in John, but see 1 Corinthians 9:25) from αγων agōn (contest) with αν an a conclusion of the second-class condition (assumed as untrue). Christians should never forget the profound truth stated here by Jesus. That I should not be delivered Negative final clause with ινα μη hina mē and first aorist passive subjunctive of παραδιδωμι paradidōmi (see John 18:28, John 18:36). Jesus expects Pilate to surrender to the Jews. But now In contrast to the condition already stated as in John 8:40; John 9:41; John 15:22, John 15:24. [source]
Rev., have not continence. Only here, and 1 Corinthians 9:25, of athletes abstaining from sensual indulgences when preparing for the games. [source]
Or, better, in a race-course. From ἵστημι toplace or establish. Hence a stated distance; a standard of length. In all other New-Testament passages it is used of a measure of length, and is rendered furlong, representing 606.75 English feet. From the fact that the race-courses were usually of exactly this length, the word was applied to the race-course itself. The position chosen for the stadium was usually on the side of a hill, which would furnish a natural slope for seats; a corresponding elevation on the opposite side, being formed by a mound of earth, and the seats being supported upon arches. The stadium was oblong in shape, and semicircular at one end; though, after the Roman conquest of Greece, both ends were often made semicircular. A straight wall shut in the area at one end, and here were the entrances and the starting-place for the runners. At the other end was the goal, which, like the starting-point, was marked by a square pillar. Half-way between these was a third pillar. On the first pillar was inscribed excel; on the second, hasten; on the third, turn, since the racers turned round the column to go back to the starting-point. The isthmus of Corinth was the scene of the Isthmian games, one of the four great national festivals of the Greeks. The celebration was a season of great rejoicing and feasting. The contests included horse, foot, and chariot-racing; wrestling, boxing, musical and poetical trials, and later, fights of animals. The victor's prize was a garland of pine leaves, and his victory was generally celebrated in triumphal odes called epinikia of which specimens remain among the poems of Pindar. At the period of Paul's epistles the games were still celebrated, and the apostle himself may very probably have been present. At the same time, he would have been familiar with similar scenes in Tarsus, in all the great cities of Asia Minor, especially Ephesus, and even in Jerusalem. Metaphors and allusions founded upon such spectacles abound in Paul's writings. Racers, 1 Corinthians 9:24; boxers, 1 Corinthians 9:26, 1 Corinthians 9:27; gladiators fighting with beasts, 1 Corinthians 15:32; the judge awarding the prize, 2 Timothy 4:8; the goal and the prize, 1 Corinthians 9:24; Philemon 3:14; the chaplet, 1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 2:5; 2 Timothy 4:8, the training for the contest, 1 Timothy 4:7, 1 Timothy 4:8; the rules governing it, 2 Timothy 2:5; the chariot-race, Philemon 3:14. These images never occur in the gospels. See on of life, Revelation 2:10. [source]
Only here by Paul. He alone uses ἐγκρατεύεσθαι tohave continency, 1 Corinthians 7:9; 1 Corinthians 9:25. See on is temperate, 1 Corinthians 9:25. The word means self-control, holding in hand the passions and desires. So Xen. Mem. i. 2,1, of Socrates, who was ἐγκρατεστατος mosttemperate as to sexual pleasures and pleasures of the appetite. [source]
From ἀγών originally an assembly, a place of assembly, especially for viewing the games. Hence the contest itself, the word being united with different adjectives indicating the character of the contest, as ἱππικός ofhorses; γυμνικός gymnastic μουσικός ofmusic; χάλκεος , where the prize is a brazen shield, etc. Generally, any struggle or trial. Hence the verb means to enter a contest, to contend, to struggle. The metaphor is a favorite one with Paul, and, with the exception of three instances (Luke 13:24; John 18:36; Hebrews 12:1), the words ἀγών contestand ἀγωνίζομαι tocontend are found only in his writings. See 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7; 1 Corinthians 9:25(note); 1 Thessalonians 2:2. [source]
According to Paul's habit, a thanksgiving follows the salutation, commonly with the verb ἐυχαριστεῖν as here; but in 2nd Corinthians and Ephesians, εὐλογητὸς ὁ θεός blessedbe God. The thanksgiving is omitted only in Galatians. The verb εὐχαριστεῖν occurs only in later Greek, and there but rarely. In lxx only in Apocr. See Judith 8:25; 2 Maccabees 1:11; 10:7; 3 Maccabees 7:16. In the N.T. Epistles, PoOriginally to do a good turn; hence, to return a favor. The meaning to give thanks is late. The kindred noun εὐχαριστία givingof thanks, is found often in Paul. As a designation of the Lord's Supper (Eucharist ) it is not found in the N.T. Perhaps the earliest instance of its use in that sense is in Ignatius. See Philad. iv.; Smyrn. iv., viii.; Eph. viii., Comp. Just. Mart. Apol. i., 64,65. In we give thanks, it is not easy to decide whether Paul uses we as plural, or in the sense of I. Romans 3:9seems to be a clear case of the latter usage. In 1 Thessalonians 3:1, 1 Thessalonians 3:2, ηὐδοκήσαμεν wethought it good, and ἐπέμψαμεν wesent, can, apparently, refer only to Paul; and similarly, in 1 Thessalonians 3:6, πρὸς ἡμᾶς untous, can hardly include Silvanus who came with Timothy (comp. 1 Thessalonians 3:5). But it is significant that, in the Epistles which are written in Paul's name alone (Romans, Galatians, Ephesians), only I is used, unless we except Galatians 1:8, which is doubtful. Paul and Timothy appear jointly as correspondents in Philippians, but the first person predominates throughout the letter. The same is true of 1st Corinthians, where Paul and Sosthenes are associated in the address, but the singular pronoun is used almost throughout. (See 1 Corinthians 4:10-13; 1 Corinthians 9:4, 1 Corinthians 9:5, 1 Corinthians 9:25, 1 Corinthians 9:26). In Colossians Paul and Timothy appear in the address. The plural prevails to Colossians 1:23, and alternates with the singular throughout the remainder. The alternations in 2nd Corinthians are very bewildering. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- On the whole, I think that occasional instances of the epistolary plural must be granted. It is not, however, Paul's habitual usage. We is often employed as in ordinary correspondence or argument, where the writer or speaker associates himself with his readers or hearers. Abundant illustrations of this may be seen in Romans href="/desk/?q=ro+1:9&sr=1">Romans 1:9; Ephesians 1:16; Philemon 1:4. Always in connection with prayer. In the sense of remember it appears in lxx, Job 14:13. In Psalm 111:4, to make a memorial. See further, on without ceasing, 1 Thessalonians 1:3. [source]
Cognate accusative with present middle imperative of αγωνιζω agōnizō Pauline word (1 Corinthians 9:25; Colossians 1:29). [source]
For a good fight rend. the good fight. For the phrase, see on 1 Timothy 6:12. Comp. Philemon 1:27, Philemon 1:30; 1 Corinthians 9:25; Colossians 2:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:2; Ephesians 6:11ff. [source]
The verb only here and Hebrews 2:7, Hebrews 2:9. For στέφανος crownsee on Revelation 2:9; see on Revelation 4:4; see on 1 Peter 5:4. Paul has στέφανον λαβεῖν , 1 Corinthians 9:25. [source]
N.T.oolxx. Paul uses ἀγωνίζεσθαι (see 1 Corinthians 9:25), which appears also in 1 Timothy 4:10; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7. For masteries is superfluous. Rev. contend in the games; but the meaning of the verb is not limited to that. It may mean to contend in battle; and the preceding reference to the soldier would seem to suggest that meaning here. The allusion to crowning is not decisive in favor of the Rev. rendering. Among the Romans crowns were the highest distinction for service in war. The corona triumphalis of laurel was presented to a triumphant general; and the corona obsidionalis was awarded to a general by the army which he had saved from a siege or from a shameful capitulation. It was woven of grass which grew on the spot, and was also called corona graminea. The corona myrtea or ovatio, the crown of bay, was worn by the general who celebrated the lesser triumph or ovatio. The golden corona muralis, with embattled ornaments, was given for the storming of a wall; and the corona castrensis or vallaris, also of gold, and ornamented in imitation of palisades, was awarded to the soldier who first climbed the rampart of the enemy's camp. [source]
Perfect middle indicative of αγωνιζομαι agōnizomai a favourite figure with Paul (1 Corinthians 9:25; Colossians 1:29), with the cognate accusative αγωνα agōna (Philemon 1:27, Philemon 1:30, etc.). The “fight” is the athletic contest of his struggle for Christ. [source]
N.T.oOriginally, having power over; possessed of; hence, controlling, keeping in hand. Ἑγκράτεια temperance Acts 24:25; Galatians 5:23; 2 Peter 1:6. Εγκρατεύεσθαι tocontain one's self, 1 Corinthians 7:9; 1 Corinthians 9:25. [source]
The same phrase occurs in Revelation 2:10. It is the genitive of apposition, life itself being the crown as in 1 Peter 5:4. This crown is “an honourable ornament” (Ropes), with possibly no reference to the victor‘s crown (garland of leaves) as with Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 4:8, nor to the linen fillet Στεπανος Stephanos has a variety of uses. Cf. the thorn chaplet on Jesus (Matthew 27:29).The Lord. Not in the oldest Greek MSS., but clearly implied as the subject of επηγγειλατο epēggeilato (he promised, first aorist middle indicative). [source]
Real temptation here. See James 1:2 for “trials.”When he hath been approved (δοκιμος γενομενος dokimos genomenos). “Having become approved,” with direct reference to το δοκιμιον to dokimion in James 1:3. See also Romans 5:4 for δοκιμη dokimē (approval after test as of gold or silver). This beatitude (μακαριος makarios) is for the one who has come out unscathed. See 1 Timothy 6:9.The crown of life The same phrase occurs in Revelation 2:10. It is the genitive of apposition, life itself being the crown as in 1 Peter 5:4. This crown is “an honourable ornament” (Ropes), with possibly no reference to the victor‘s crown (garland of leaves) as with Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 4:8, nor to the linen fillet Στεπανος Stephanos has a variety of uses. Cf. the thorn chaplet on Jesus (Matthew 27:29).The Lord. Not in the oldest Greek MSS., but clearly implied as the subject of επηγγειλατο epēggeilato (he promised, first aorist middle indicative). [source]
Instrumental case neuter plural of the late verbal adjective from πτειρω phtheirō to destroy or to corrupt, and so perishable, in N.T. here, 1 Peter 1:23; 1 Corinthians 9:25; 1 Corinthians 15:53.; Romans 1:23. Αργυριωι η χρυσιωι Arguriōi ē chrusiōi (silver or gold) are in explanatory apposition with πταρτοις phthartois and so in the same case. Slaves were set free by silver and gold. [source]
First aorist passive indicative of λυτροω lutroō old verb from λυτρον lutron (ransom for life as of a slave, Matthew 20:28), to set free by payment of ransom, abundant examples in the papyri, in N.T. only here, Luke 24:21; Titus 2:14. The ransom is the blood of Christ. Peter here amplifies the language in Isaiah 52:3.Not with corruptible things (ου πταρτοις ou phthartois). Instrumental case neuter plural of the late verbal adjective from πτειρω phtheirō to destroy or to corrupt, and so perishable, in N.T. here, 1 Peter 1:23; 1 Corinthians 9:25; 1 Corinthians 15:53.; Romans 1:23. Αργυριωι η χρυσιωι Arguriōi ē chrusiōi (silver or gold) are in explanatory apposition with πταρτοις phthartois and so in the same case. Slaves were set free by silver and gold.From your vain manner of life “Out of” This adjective, though predicate in position, is really attributive in idea, like χειροποιητου cheiropoiētou in Ephesians 2:11 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 777), like the French idiom. This double compound verbal adjective (πατερ παρα διδωμι paterparadidōmi), though here alone in N.T., occurs in Diodorus, Dion. Halic, and in several inscriptions (Moulton and Milligan‘s Vocabulary; Deissmann, Bible Studies, pp. 266f.). The Jews made a wrong use of tradition (Matthew 15:2.), but the reference here seems mainly to Gentiles (1 Peter 2:12). [source]
Future of τον αμαραντινον της δοχης στεπανον komizō (1 Peter 1:9, which see).The crown of glory that fadeth not away (στεπανος ton amarantinon tēs doxēs stephanon). For “crown” (αμαραντος stephanos) see James 1:12; 1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 3:10; Revelation 4:4. In the Gospels it is used only of the crown of thorns, but Jesus is crowned with glory and honor (Hebrews 2:9). In all these passages it is the crown of victory as it is here. See 1 Peter 1:4 for Αμαραντινος amarantos unfading. αμαραντ Amarantinos is made from that word as the name of a flower amaranth (so called because it never withers and revives if moistened with water and so used as a symbol of immortality), “composed of amaranth” or “amarantine,” “the amarantine (unfading) crown of glory.” [source]
Self-control; holding the passions and desires in hand. See 1 Corinthians 9:25. [source]
See this very image in James 1:12, a familiar metaphor in the games at Smyrna and elsewhere in which the prize was a garland. See also Revelation 3:11. The crown consists in life (Revelation 2:7). See Paul‘s use of στεπανος stephanos in 1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 4:8. [source]
Without τινας tinas (some) before εχ υμων ex humōn a common idiom as in Revelation 3:9; Revelation 11:19; Luke 11:49.That ye may be tried (ινα πειραστητε hina peirasthēte). Purpose clause with ινα hina and the first aorist passive subjunctive of πειραζω peirazō John himself is in exile. Peter and John had often been in prison together. James the brother of John, Paul, and Peter had all suffered martyrdom. In Revelation 3:10 a general persecution is outlined by πειρασμος peirasmos shall have (εχετε hexete). Future active, but some MSS. read εχητε echēte (present active subjunctive with hina, “that ye may have”).Tribulation ten days “Tribulation of ten days” (or “within ten days”). It is unwise to seek a literal meaning for ten days. Even ten days of suffering might seem an eternity while they lasted.Be thou faithful (γινου πιστος ginou pistos). “Keep on becoming faithful” (present middle imperative of γινομαι ginomai), “keep on proving faithful unto death” (Hebrews 12:4) as the martyrs have done (Jesus most of all).The crown of life See this very image in James 1:12, a familiar metaphor in the games at Smyrna and elsewhere in which the prize was a garland. See also Revelation 3:11. The crown consists in life (Revelation 2:7). See Paul‘s use of στεπανος stephanos in 1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 4:8. [source]
“Tribulation of ten days” (or “within ten days”). It is unwise to seek a literal meaning for ten days. Even ten days of suffering might seem an eternity while they lasted.Be thou faithful (γινου πιστος ginou pistos). “Keep on becoming faithful” (present middle imperative of γινομαι ginomai), “keep on proving faithful unto death” (Hebrews 12:4) as the martyrs have done (Jesus most of all).The crown of life See this very image in James 1:12, a familiar metaphor in the games at Smyrna and elsewhere in which the prize was a garland. See also Revelation 3:11. The crown consists in life (Revelation 2:7). See Paul‘s use of στεπανος stephanos in 1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 4:8. [source]