But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.

1 CORINTHIANS 9:15KJV
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1 Corinthians 9:15 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 9:15 mean?

1 Corinthians 9:15 shows Paul saying he has not made use of any of the rights or privileges he just described, and he is not writing to claim them now. Paul insists he would rather die than let anyone take away his reason for boasting about serving freely.

Paul is speaking to the Christians in Corinth, explaining his approach to ministry. Earlier in the chapter, he discussed his right to receive material support as an apostle, but here he makes it clear he has chosen not to use that right. Paul wants the Corinthians to understand that his motivation is not personal gain, but rather the freedom to serve without obligation.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 9:15

  • "χρησάμενος" (chrēsamenos, "used"): This word means to make use of or take advantage of something. Paul emphasizes he has not taken advantage of his rights, highlighting his voluntary restraint.
  • "καύχημά" (kauchēma, "glorying" or "boasting"): This word refers to a source of pride or something to boast about. Paul’s “boasting” is not arrogance, but his satisfaction in preaching the gospel without charge.
  • "κενώσει" (kenōsē, "make void"): This word means to empty out or make worthless. Paul is saying he would rather die than have his reason for pride—serving freely—rendered meaningless.

Why 1 Corinthians 9:15 matters

  • This verse clears up the misunderstanding that Paul was seeking material support or personal benefit from the Corinthians; he is explicit that he is not.
  • Paul’s strong language about preferring death to losing his “boasting” shows how deeply he values serving the gospel freely, which sets an example of self-sacrifice.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing Paul’s consistent theme: Christian freedom is best used to serve others, not oneself.

Where else these words appear

“make” Greek G2758 · used in 5 verses

  • Romans 4:14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:
  • 1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:3 Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:

“used” Greek G5530 · used in 11 verses

  • Acts 27:3 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:

“glorying” Greek G2745 · used in 11 verses

  • Romans 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:14 As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
  • Galatians 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

“things” Greek G5130 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • Luke 24:14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
  • Acts 25:20 And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.