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Selected Verse: 1 Corinthians 9:24 - Strong Concordance

Verse	Translation	Text
1Co 9:24	Strong Concordance	Know ye [1492] not [3756] that [3754] they which run [5143] in [1722] a race [4712] run [5143] all [3956] [3303], but [1161] one [1520] receiveth [2983] the prize [1017]? So [3779] run [5143], that [2443] ye may obtain [2638].
	King James	Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse

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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
Know ye not--The Isthmian games, in which the foot race was a leading one, were of course well known, and a subject of patriotic pride to the Corinthians, who lived in the immediate neighborhood. These periodical games were to the Greeks rather a passion than a mere amusement: hence their suitableness as an image of Christian earnestness. in a race--Greek, "in a race course." all . . . one--Although we knew that one alone could be saved, still it Would be well worth our while to run [BENGEL]. Even in the Christian race not "all" who enter on the race win (Co1 10:1-5). So run, that ye may obtain--said parenthetically. These are the words in which the instructors of the young in the exercise schools (gymnasia) and the spectators on the race course exhorted their pupils to stimulate them to put forth all exertions. The gymnasium was a prominent feature in every Greek city. Every candidate had to take an oath that he had been ten months in training, and that he would violate none of the regulations (Ti2 2:5; compare Ti1 4:7-8). He lived on a strict self-denying diet, refraining from wine and pleasant foods, and enduring cold and heat and most laborious discipline. The "prize" awarded by the judge or umpire was a chaplet of green leaves; at the Isthmus, those of the indigenous pine, for which parsley leaves were temporarily substituted (Co1 9:25). The Greek for "obtain" is fully obtain. It is in vain to begin, unless we persevere to the end (Mat 10:22; Mat 24:13; Rev 2:10). The "so" expresses, Run with such perseverance in the heavenly course, as "all" the runners exhibit in the earthly "race" just spoken of: to the end that ye may attain the prize.

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]

Know ye not--The Isthmian games, in which the foot race was a leading one, were of course well known, and a subject of patriotic pride to the Corinthians, who lived in the immediate neighborhood. These periodical games were to the Greeks rather a passion than a mere amusement: hence their suitableness as an image of Christian earnestness.

in a race--Greek, "in a race course."

all . . . one--Although we knew that one alone could be saved, still it Would be well worth our while to run [BENGEL]. Even in the Christian race not "all" who enter on the race win (Co1 10:1-5).

So run, that ye may obtain--said parenthetically. These are the words in which the instructors of the young in the exercise schools (gymnasia) and the spectators on the race course exhorted their pupils to stimulate them to put forth all exertions. The gymnasium was a prominent feature in every Greek city. Every candidate had to take an oath that he had been ten months in training, and that he would violate none of the regulations (Ti2 2:5; compare Ti1 4:7-8). He lived on a strict self-denying diet, refraining from wine and pleasant foods, and enduring cold and heat and most laborious discipline. The "prize" awarded by the judge or umpire was a chaplet of green leaves; at the Isthmus, those of the indigenous pine, for which parsley leaves were temporarily substituted (Co1 9:25). The Greek for "obtain" is fully obtain. It is in vain to begin, unless we persevere to the end (Mat 10:22; Mat 24:13; Rev 2:10). The "so" expresses, Run with such perseverance in the heavenly course, as "all" the runners exhibit in the earthly "race" just spoken of: to the end that ye may attain the prize.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
Know ye not ... - In the remainder of this chapter, Paul illustrates the general sentiment on which he had been dwelling - the duty of practicing self-denial for the salvation of others - by a reference to the well known games which were celebrated near Corinth. Throughout the chapter, his object had been to show that in declining to receive a support for preaching, he had done it, not because he was conscious that he had no claim to it, but because by doing it he could better advance the salvation of people, the furtherance of the gospel, and in his special case Co1 9:16-17 could obtain better evidence, and furnish to others better evidence that he was actuated by a sincere desire to honor God in the gospel. He had denied himself. He had voluntarily submitted to great privations. He had had a great object in view in doing it. And he now says, that in the well known athletic games at Corinth, the same thing was done by the "racers" Co1 9:24, and by "wrestlers, or boxers"; Co1 9:25. If they had done it, for objects so comparatively unimportant as the attainment of an "earthly" garland, assuredly it was proper for him to do it to obtain a crown which should never fade away. This is one of the most beautiful, appropriate, vigorous, and bold illustrations that can anywhere be found; and is a striking instance of the force with which the most vigorous and self-denying efforts of Christians can be vindicated, and can be urgeD by a reference to the conduct of people in the affairs of this life. By the phrase "know ye not," Paul intimates that those games to which he alludes were well known to them, and that they must be famillar with their design, and with the manner in which they were conducted. The games to which the apostle alludes were celebrated with extraordinary pomp and splendor, every fourth year, on the isthmus which joined the Peloponnesus to the main land, and on a part of which the city of Corinth stood. There were in Greece four species of games, the Pythian, or Delphic; the Isthmian, or Corinthian; the Nemean, and the Olympic. On these occasions persons were assembled from all parts of Greece, and the time during which they continued was devoted to extraordinary festivity and amusement. The Isthmian or Corinthian games were celebrated in the narrow part of the Isthmus of Corinth, to the north of the city, and were doubtless the games to which the apostle more particularly alluded, though the games in each of the places were substantially of the same nature, and the same illustration would in the main apply to all. The Nemean game were celebrated at "Nemaea," a town of Argolis, and were instituted by the Argives in honor of Archemorus, who died by the bite of a serpent, but were renewed by Hercules, They consisted of horse races and foot races, of boxing, leaping, running, etc. The conqueror was at first rewarded with a crown of olive, afterward of green parsley. They were celebrated every third, or, according to others, every fifth year. The "Pythian" games were celebrated every four years at Delphi, in Phocis, at the foot of Mount Parnassus, where was the seat of the celebrated Delphic oracle. These games were of the same character substantially as those celebrated in other places, and attracted persons not only from other parts of Greece, but from distant countries; see Travels of Anacharsis, vol. ii, pp. 375-418. The "Olympic" games were celebrated in Olympia, a town of Elis, on the southern bank of the Alphias river, on the western part of the Peloponnesus. They were on many accounts the most celebrated of any games in Greece. They were said to have been instituted by Hercules, who planted a grove called "Altis," which he dedicated to Jupiter. They were attended not only from all parts of Greece, but, from the most distant countries. These were celebrated every fourth year; and hence, in Grecian chronology, a period of four years was called an Olympiad; see Anacharsis, vol. iii, p. 434ff. It thus happened that in one or more of these places there were games celebrated every year, to which no small part of the inhabitants of Greece were attracted. Though the apostle probably had particular reference to the "Isthmian" games celebrated in the vicinity of Corinth, yet his illustration is applicable to them all; for in all the exercises were nearly the same. They consisted chiefly in leaping, running, throwing the discus or quoit, boxing, wrestling, and were expressed in the following line: Ἀλυά, ποδωκείην, δίσκον, ἀκοντα, τάλην Alua, podōkeiēn, diskon, akonta, talēn , "Leaping, running, throwing the quoit, darting, wrestling." Connected with these were also, sometimes, other exercises, as races of chariots, horses, etc. The apostle refers to but two of these exercises in his illustration. They which run - This was one of the principal exercises at the games. Fleetness or swiftness was regarded as an extraordinary virtue; and great pains were taken in order to excel in this. Indeed they regarded it so highly that those who prepared themselves for it thought it worth while to use means to burn their spleen, because it was believed to be a hinderance to them, and to retard them in the race. Rob. Cal. Homer tells us that swiftness was one of the most excellent endowments with which a man can be blessed. "No greater honor e'er has been attain'd, Than what strong hands or nimble feet have gain'd." "One reason" why this was deemed so valuable an attainment among the Greeks, was, that it suited people eminently for war as it was then conducted. It enabled them to make a sudden and unexpected onset, or a rapid retreat. Hence, the character which Homer constantly gives of Achilles is that he was swift of foot. And thus David, in his poetical lamentations over Saul and Jonathan, takes special notice of this qualification of theirs, as preparing them for war. "They were swifter than eagles, Stronger than lions." Sa2 1:23. For these races they prepared themselves by a long course of previous discipline and exercise; and nothing was left undone that might contribute to secure the victory. In a race - (ἐν σταδίῳ en stadiō). In the "stadium." The "stadium," or running ground, or place in which the boxers contended, and where races were run. At Olympia the stadium was a causeway 604 feet in length, and of proportionable width. Herod. lib. 2. c. 149. It was surrounded by a terrace, and by the seats of the judges of the games. At one end was fixed the boundary or goal to which they ran. Run all - All run who have entered the lists. Usually there were many racers who contended for the prize. But one receiveth the prize - The victor, and he alone. The prize which was conferred was a wreath of olive at the Olympic games; a wreath of apple at Delphi; of pine at the Isthmian; and of parsley at the Nemean games - Addison. Whatever the prize was, it was conferred on the successful champion on the last day of the games, and with great solemnity, pomp, congratulation, and rejoicing, "Everyone thronged to see and congratulate them; their relations, friends, and countrymen, shedding tears of tenderness and joy, lifted them on their shoulders to show them to the crowd, and held them up to the applauses of the whole assembly, who strewed handfuls of flowers over them." Anachar. iii, 448. Nay, at their return home, they rode in a triumphal chariot; the walls of the city were broken down to give them entrance; and in many cities a subsistence was given them out of the public treasury, and they were exempted from taxes. Cicero says that a victory at the Olympic games was not much less honorable than a triumph at Rome: see Anachar. iii, 469, and Rob. Cal. art. "Race." When Paul says that the one receives the prize, he does not mean to say that there will be the same small proportion among those who shall enter into heaven, and among Christians. But his idea is, that as they make an effort to obtain the prize, so should we; as many who strive for it then lose it, it is possible that we may; and that therefore we should strive for the crown, and make an effort for it, as if but one out of many could obtain it. This, he says, was the course which he pursued; and it shows, in a most striking manner, the fact that an effort may be made, and should be made to enter into heaven. So run, that ye may obtain - So run in the Christian race, that you may obtain the prize of glory, the crown incorruptible. So live; so deny yourselves; so make constant exertion, that you may not fail of that prize, the crown of glory, which awaits the righteous in heaven; compare Heb 12:1. Christians may do this when: (1) They give themselves wholly to God, and make this the grand business of life; (2) "When they lay aside every weight" Heb 12:1; and renounce all sin and all improper attachments; (3) When they do not allow themselves to be "diverted" from the object, but keep the goal constantly in view; (4) When they do not flag, or grow weary in their course; (5) When they deny themselves; and, (6) When they keep their eye fully fixed on Christ Heb 12:2 as their example and their strength, and on heaven as the end of their race, and on the crown of glory as their reward.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]

Know ye not ... - In the remainder of this chapter, Paul illustrates the general sentiment on which he had been dwelling - the duty of practicing self-denial for the salvation of others - by a reference to the well known games which were celebrated near Corinth. Throughout the chapter, his object had been to show that in declining to receive a support for preaching, he had done it, not because he was conscious that he had no claim to it, but because by doing it he could better advance the salvation of people, the furtherance of the gospel, and in his special case Co1 9:16-17 could obtain better evidence, and furnish to others better evidence that he was actuated by a sincere desire to honor God in the gospel. He had denied himself. He had voluntarily submitted to great privations. He had had a great object in view in doing it. And he now says, that in the well known athletic games at Corinth, the same thing was done by the "racers" Co1 9:24, and by "wrestlers, or boxers"; Co1 9:25.

If they had done it, for objects so comparatively unimportant as the attainment of an "earthly" garland, assuredly it was proper for him to do it to obtain a crown which should never fade away. This is one of the most beautiful, appropriate, vigorous, and bold illustrations that can anywhere be found; and is a striking instance of the force with which the most vigorous and self-denying efforts of Christians can be vindicated, and can be urgeD by a reference to the conduct of people in the affairs of this life. By the phrase "know ye not," Paul intimates that those games to which he alludes were well known to them, and that they must be famillar with their design, and with the manner in which they were conducted. The games to which the apostle alludes were celebrated with extraordinary pomp and splendor, every fourth year, on the isthmus which joined the Peloponnesus to the main land, and on a part of which the city of Corinth stood.

There were in Greece four species of games, the Pythian, or Delphic; the Isthmian, or Corinthian; the Nemean, and the Olympic. On these occasions persons were assembled from all parts of Greece, and the time during which they continued was devoted to extraordinary festivity and amusement. The Isthmian or Corinthian games were celebrated in the narrow part of the Isthmus of Corinth, to the north of the city, and were doubtless the games to which the apostle more particularly alluded, though the games in each of the places were substantially of the same nature, and the same illustration would in the main apply to all. The Nemean game were celebrated at "Nemaea," a town of Argolis, and were instituted by the Argives in honor of Archemorus, who died by the bite of a serpent, but were renewed by Hercules, They consisted of horse races and foot races, of boxing, leaping, running, etc. The conqueror was at first rewarded with a crown of olive, afterward of green parsley.

They were celebrated every third, or, according to others, every fifth year. The "Pythian" games were celebrated every four years at Delphi, in Phocis, at the foot of Mount Parnassus, where was the seat of the celebrated Delphic oracle. These games were of the same character substantially as those celebrated in other places, and attracted persons not only from other parts of Greece, but from distant countries; see Travels of Anacharsis, vol. ii, pp. 375-418. The "Olympic" games were celebrated in Olympia, a town of Elis, on the southern bank of the Alphias river, on the western part of the Peloponnesus. They were on many accounts the most celebrated of any games in Greece. They were said to have been instituted by Hercules, who planted a grove called "Altis," which he dedicated to Jupiter. They were attended not only from all parts of Greece, but, from the most distant countries. These were celebrated every fourth year; and hence, in Grecian chronology, a period of four years was called an Olympiad; see Anacharsis, vol. iii, p. 434ff. It thus happened that in one or more of these places there were games celebrated every year, to which no small part of the inhabitants of Greece were attracted. Though the apostle probably had particular reference to the "Isthmian" games celebrated in the vicinity of Corinth, yet his illustration is applicable to them all; for in all the exercises were nearly the same. They consisted chiefly in leaping, running, throwing the discus or quoit, boxing, wrestling, and were expressed in the following line:

Ἀλυά, ποδωκείην, δίσκον, ἀκοντα, τάλην Alua, podōkeiēn, diskon, akonta, talēn

, "Leaping, running, throwing the quoit, darting, wrestling." Connected with these were also, sometimes, other exercises, as races of chariots, horses, etc. The apostle refers to but two of these exercises in his illustration.

They which run - This was one of the principal exercises at the games. Fleetness or swiftness was regarded as an extraordinary virtue; and great pains were taken in order to excel in this. Indeed they regarded it so highly that those who prepared themselves for it thought it worth while to use means to burn their spleen, because it was believed to be a hinderance to them, and to retard them in the race. Rob. Cal. Homer tells us that swiftness was one of the most excellent endowments with which a man can be blessed.

"No greater honor e'er has been attain'd,

Than what strong hands or nimble feet have gain'd."

"One reason" why this was deemed so valuable an attainment among the Greeks, was, that it suited people eminently for war as it was then conducted. It enabled them to make a sudden and unexpected onset, or a rapid retreat. Hence, the character which Homer constantly gives of Achilles is that he was swift of foot. And thus David, in his poetical lamentations over Saul and Jonathan, takes special notice of this qualification of theirs, as preparing them for war.

"They were swifter than eagles,

Stronger than lions." Sa2 1:23.

For these races they prepared themselves by a long course of previous discipline and exercise; and nothing was left undone that might contribute to secure the victory.

In a race - (ἐν σταδίῳ en stadiō). In the "stadium." The "stadium," or running ground, or place in which the boxers contended, and where races were run. At Olympia the stadium was a causeway 604 feet in length, and of proportionable width. Herod. lib. 2. c. 149. It was surrounded by a terrace, and by the seats of the judges of the games. At one end was fixed the boundary or goal to which they ran.

Run all - All run who have entered the lists. Usually there were many racers who contended for the prize.

But one receiveth the prize - The victor, and he alone. The prize which was conferred was a wreath of olive at the Olympic games; a wreath of apple at Delphi; of pine at the Isthmian; and of parsley at the Nemean games - Addison. Whatever the prize was, it was conferred on the successful champion on the last day of the games, and with great solemnity, pomp, congratulation, and rejoicing, "Everyone thronged to see and congratulate them; their relations, friends, and countrymen, shedding tears of tenderness and joy, lifted them on their shoulders to show them to the crowd, and held them up to the applauses of the whole assembly, who strewed handfuls of flowers over them." Anachar. iii, 448. Nay, at their return home, they rode in a triumphal chariot; the walls of the city were broken down to give them entrance; and in many cities a subsistence was given them out of the public treasury, and they were exempted from taxes. Cicero says that a victory at the Olympic games was not much less honorable than a triumph at Rome: see Anachar. iii, 469, and Rob. Cal. art. "Race." When Paul says that the one receives the prize, he does not mean to say that there will be the same small proportion among those who shall enter into heaven, and among Christians. But his idea is, that as they make an effort to obtain the prize, so should we; as many who strive for it then lose it, it is possible that we may; and that therefore we should strive for the crown, and make an effort for it, as if but one out of many could obtain it. This, he says, was the course which he pursued; and it shows, in a most striking manner, the fact that an effort may be made, and should be made to enter into heaven.

So run, that ye may obtain - So run in the Christian race, that you may obtain the prize of glory, the crown incorruptible. So live; so deny yourselves; so make constant exertion, that you may not fail of that prize, the crown of glory, which awaits the righteous in heaven; compare Heb 12:1. Christians may do this when:

(1) They give themselves wholly to God, and make this the grand business of life;

(2) "When they lay aside every weight" Heb 12:1; and renounce all sin and all improper attachments;

(3) When they do not allow themselves to be "diverted" from the object, but keep the goal constantly in view;

(4) When they do not flag, or grow weary in their course;

(5) When they deny themselves; and,

(6) When they keep their eye fully fixed on Christ Heb 12:2 as their example and their strength, and on heaven as the end of their race, and on the crown of glory as their reward.

The Scofield Bible Commentary, by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, [1917]
race Race-course.

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]
In a race (ἐν σταδίῳ) Or, better, in a race-course. From ἵστημι to place 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, Co1 9:24; boxers, Co1 9:26, Co1 9:27; gladiators fighting with beasts, Co1 15:32; the judge awarding the prize, Ti2 4:8; the goal and the prize, Co1 9:24; Phi 3:14; the chaplet, Co1 9:25; Ti2 2:5; Ti2 4:8, the training for the contest, Ti1 4:7, Ti1 4:8; the rules governing it, Ti2 2:5; the chariot-race, Phi 3:14. These images never occur in the gospels. See on of life, Rev 2:10. Prize (βραβεῖον) Only here and Phi 3:14. The kindred verb βραβεύω to be umpire, occurs once, Col 3:15. See note. Obtain (καταλάβητε) Lit., lay hold of. Rev., attain. See on comprehended, Joh 1:5; see on come upon you, Joh 12:35; and see on perceived, Act 4:13. Compare Phi 3:12.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
Know ye not that - In those famous games which are kept at the isthmus, near your city. They who run in the foot race all run, though but one receiveth the prize - How much greater encouragement have you to run; since ye may all receive the prize of your high calling!

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
They which run in a race run all - It is sufficiently evident that the apostle alludes to the athletic exercises in the games which were celebrated every fifth year on the isthmus, or narrow neck of land, which joins the Peloponnesus, or Morea, to the main land; and were thence termed the Isthmian games. The exercises were running, wrestling, boxing, throwing the discus or quoit, etc.; to the three first of these the apostle especially alludes. But one receiveth the prize? - The apostle places the Christian race in contrast to the Isthmian games; in them, only one received the prize, though all ran; in this, if all run, all will receive the prize; therefore he says, So run that ye may obtain. Be as much in earnest to get to heaven as others are to gain their prize; and, although only one of them can win, all of you may obtain.

Top

¹⁰ Fear [5399] none [3367] of those things which [3739] thou shalt [3195] suffer [3958]: behold [2400], the devil [1228] shall [3195] cast [906] some of [1537] you [5216] into [1519] prison [5438], that [2443] ye may be tried [3985]; and [2532] ye shall have [2192] tribulation [2347] ten [1176] days [2250]: be thou [1096] faithful [4103] unto [891] death [2288], and [2532] I will give [1325] thee [4671] a crown [4735] of life [2222].

¹³ But [1161] he that shall endure [5278] unto [1519] the end [5056], the same [3778] shall be saved [4982].

²² And [2532] ye shall [2071] be hated [3404] of [5259] all [3956] men for [1223] my [3450] name's sake [3686]: but [1161] he that [3778] endureth [5278] to [1519] the end [5056] shall be saved [4982].

²⁵ And [1161] every man [3956] that striveth for the mastery [75] is temperate [1467] in all things [3956]. [3303] Now [3767] they [1565] do it to [2443] obtain [2983] a corruptible [5349] crown [4735]; but [1161] we [2249] an incorruptible [862].

⁷ But [1161] refuse [3868] profane [952] and [2532] old wives [1126]' fables [3454], and [1161] exercise [1128] thyself [4572] rather unto [4314] godliness [2150].
⁸ For [1063] bodily [4984] exercise [1129] profiteth [2076] little [4314] [3641]: but [1161] godliness [2150] is [2076] profitable unto [4314] all things [3956], having [2192] promise [1860] of the life [2222] that now is [3568], and [2532] of that which is to come [3195].

⁵ And [1161] if [1437] a man [5100] also [2532] strive [118] for masteries, yet is he [4737] not [3756] crowned [4737], except [3362] he strive [118] lawfully [3545].

¹ Moreover [1161], brethren [80], I would [2309] not [3756] that ye [5209] should be ignorant [50], how that [3754] all [3956] our [2257] fathers [3962] were [2258] under [5259] the cloud [3507], and [2532] all [3956] passed [1330] through [1223] the sea [2281];
² And [2532] were [907] all [3956] baptized [907] unto [1519] Moses [3475] in [1722] the cloud [3507] and [2532] in [1722] the sea [2281];
³ And [2532] did [5315] all [3956] eat [5315] the same [846] spiritual [4152] meat [1033];
⁴ And [2532] did [4095] all [3956] drink [4095] the same [846] spiritual [4152] drink [4188]: for [1063] they drank [4095] of [1537] that spiritual [4152] Rock [4073] that followed them [190]: and [1161] that Rock [4073] was [2258] Christ [5547].
⁵ But [235] with [1722] many [4119] of them [846] God [2316] was [2106] not [3756] well pleased [2106]: for [1063] they were overthrown [2693] in [1722] the wilderness [2048].

² Looking [872] unto [1519] Jesus [2424] the author [747] and [2532] finisher [5051] of our faith [4102]; who [3739] for [473] the joy [5479] that was set before [4295] him [846] endured [5278] the cross [4716], despising [2706] the shame [152], and [5037] is set down [2523] at [1722] the right hand [1188] of the throne [2362] of God [2316].

¹ Wherefore [5105] seeing we also [2532] are [2192] compassed about [4029] [2254] with so great [5118] a cloud [3509] of witnesses [3144], let [659] us [2249] lay aside [659] every [3956] weight [3591], and [2532] the sin [266] which doth so easily beset [2139] us, and let us run [5143] with [1223] patience [5281] the race [73] that is set before [4295] us [2254],

²³ Saul [07586] and Jonathan [03083] were lovely [0157] and pleasant [05273] in their lives [02416], and in their death [04194] they were not divided [06504]: they were swifter [07043] than eagles [05404], they were stronger [01396] than lions [0738].

²⁴ Know ye [1492] not [3756] that [3754] they which run [5143] in [1722] a race [4712] run [5143] all [3956] [3303], but [1161] one [1520] receiveth [2983] the prize [1017]? So [3779] run [5143], that [2443] ye may obtain [2638].

¹⁶ For [1063] though [1437] I preach the gospel [2097], I [3427] have [2076] nothing [3756] to glory of [2745]: for [1063] necessity [318] is laid upon [1945] me [3427]; yea [1161], woe [3759] is [2076] unto me [3427], if [3362] I preach [2097] not [3362] the gospel [2097] !
¹⁷ For [1063] if [1487] I do [4238] this thing [5124] willingly [1635], I have [2192] a reward [3408]: but [1161] if [1487] against my will [210], a dispensation [3622] of the gospel is committed unto me [4100].

¹² Not [3756] as though [3754] I had already [2235] attained [2983], either [2228] were already [2235] perfect [5048]: but [1161] I follow after [1377], if [1499] that I may apprehend [2638] that for [1909] which [3739] also [2532] I am apprehended [2638] of [5259] Christ [5547] Jesus [2424].

¹³ Now [1161] when they saw [2334] the boldness [3954] of Peter [4074] and [2532] John [2491], and [2532] perceived [2638] that [3754] they were [1526] unlearned [62] and [2532] ignorant [2399] men [444], they marvelled [2296]; and [5037] they took knowledge [1921] of them [846], that [3754] they had been [2258] with [4862] Jesus [2424].

³⁵ Then [3767] Jesus [2424] said [2036] unto them [846], Yet [2089] a little [3398] while [5550] is [2076] the light [5457] with [3326] you [5216]. Walk [4043] while [2193] ye have [2192] the light [5457], lest [3363] darkness [4653] come upon [2638] you [5209]: for [2532] he that walketh [4043] in [1722] darkness [4653] knoweth [1492] not [3756] whither [4226] he goeth [5217].

⁵ And [2532] the light [5457] shineth [5316] in [1722] darkness [4653]; and [2532] the darkness [4653] comprehended [2638] it [846] not [3756].

¹⁵ And [2532] let [1018] the peace [1515] of God [2316] rule [1018] in [1722] your [5216] hearts [2588], to [1519] the which [3739] also [2532] ye are called [2564] in [1722] one [1520] body [4983]; and [2532] be ye [1096] thankful [2170].

¹⁴ I press [1377] toward [2596] the mark [4649] for [1909] the prize [1017] of the high [507] calling [2821] of God [2316] in [1722] Christ [5547] Jesus [2424].

⁵ And [1161] if [1437] a man [5100] also [2532] strive [118] for masteries, yet is he [4737] not [3756] crowned [4737], except [3362] he strive [118] lawfully [3545].

⁸ For [1063] bodily [4984] exercise [1129] profiteth [2076] little [4314] [3641]: but [1161] godliness [2150] is [2076] profitable unto [4314] all things [3956], having [2192] promise [1860] of the life [2222] that now is [3568], and [2532] of that which is to come [3195].

⁷ But [1161] refuse [3868] profane [952] and [2532] old wives [1126]' fables [3454], and [1161] exercise [1128] thyself [4572] rather unto [4314] godliness [2150].

⁸ Henceforth [3063] there is laid up [606] for me [3427] a crown [4735] of righteousness [1343], which [3739] the Lord [2962], the righteous [1342] judge [2923], shall give [591] me [3427] at [1722] that [1565] day [2250]: and [1161] not [3756] to me [1698] only [3440], but [235] unto all them [3956] also [2532] that love [25] his [846] appearing [2015].

⁵ And [1161] if [1437] a man [5100] also [2532] strive [118] for masteries, yet is he [4737] not [3756] crowned [4737], except [3362] he strive [118] lawfully [3545].

¹⁴ I press [1377] toward [2596] the mark [4649] for [1909] the prize [1017] of the high [507] calling [2821] of God [2316] in [1722] Christ [5547] Jesus [2424].

³² If [1487] after the manner [2596] of men [444] I have fought with beasts [2341] at [1722] Ephesus [2181], what [5101] advantageth it [3786] me [3427], if [1487] the dead [3498] rise [1453] not [3756]? let us eat [5315] and [2532] drink [4095]; for [1063] to morrow [839] we die [599].

²⁷ But [235] I keep under [5299] my [3450] body [4983], and [2532] bring it into subjection [1396]: lest that by any means [3381] [4458], when I have preached [2784] to others [243], I myself [846] should be [1096] a castaway [96].

²⁶ I [1473] therefore [5106] so [3779] run [5143], not [3756] as [5613] uncertainly [84]; so [3779] fight I [4438], not [3756] as [5613] one that beateth [1194] the air [109]: