For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

1 CORINTHIANS 9:17KJV
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1 Corinthians 9:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 9:17 mean?

1 Corinthians 9:17 means that if Paul preaches the gospel willingly, he will receive a reward, but even if he does it unwillingly, he still has a responsibility to carry out the work God has given him. Paul is explaining that his duty to share the gospel is not based on his personal feelings but on a commission entrusted to him.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining his role as an apostle and why he preaches the gospel. He wants the Corinthians to understand that his work is not just a personal choice or for personal gain, but a responsibility given to him by God. This verse shows that Paul sees himself as a steward or manager of the gospel message, accountable to God whether he feels like it or not.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 9:17

  • "Willingly" (ἑκὼν, hekōn): This word is often understood as acting out of one's own free will or desire. Paul is saying that if he preaches by his own choice, there is a special reward for him.
  • "Dispensation" (οἰκονομία, oikonomia): This Greek word means stewardship, management, or responsibility. Paul uses it to describe his role as someone entrusted with the care and distribution of the gospel, much like a manager in charge of a household.
  • "Reward" (μισθός, misthos): This word refers to wages or payment. Paul is highlighting that there is a reward for willing service, but his main focus is on his obligation, not on what he might receive.

Why 1 Corinthians 9:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul’s motivation for preaching is not personal benefit but obedience to a calling from God, which helps explain his attitude toward support and reward in ministry.
  • It shows that being entrusted with the gospel is a serious responsibility, not just a voluntary act, which adds weight to Paul’s message and his authority as an apostle.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage where Paul discusses his rights as an apostle and why he sometimes chooses not to use them, emphasizing service and stewardship over personal gain.

Where else these words appear

“willingly” Greek G1635 · used in 2 verses

  • Romans 8:20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

“dispensation” Greek G3622 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 16:2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.
  • Luke 16:4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.
  • Ephesians 3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

“reward” Greek G3408 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
  • Mark 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

“do” Greek G4238 · used in 36 verses

  • Luke 3:13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
  • Acts 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
  • Romans 2:3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?