Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

1 CORINTHIANS 9:24KJV
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1 Corinthians 9:24 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 9:24 mean?

1 Corinthians 9:24 uses the image of a race to urge readers to put real effort into their spiritual lives, just as runners compete seriously to win a prize. Paul is saying that, like athletes, believers should give their best so they can "obtain" what God promises.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, a city known for its athletic games. He draws on the familiar scene of runners in a stadium, where everyone runs but only one gets the prize. Paul’s point is not about competition with others, but about wholehearted commitment—he wants his readers to pursue their faith with the same focus and determination as an athlete aiming for victory.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 9:24

  • ἀγῶνι (agōni, "race"): This word refers to a contest or competition, not just casual running. It brings to mind the seriousness and discipline of ancient athletic games, which the Corinthians would have known well.
  • καταλάβητε (katalabēte, "obtain"): This verb means to take hold of or grasp. Paul is urging readers not just to participate, but to strive to actually reach and seize the goal, highlighting active effort rather than passive involvement.
  • βραβεῖον (brabeion, "prize"): This word refers to the reward given to the winner of a contest. It emphasizes that there is something truly valuable at stake, making the effort worthwhile.

Why 1 Corinthians 9:24 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that faith is passive or effortless; Paul stresses that real commitment and discipline are needed.
  • The athletic metaphor connects with the wider passage, where Paul describes his own self-discipline and purpose, showing that spiritual growth requires intentional action.
  • It helps readers see that the Christian life is not about beating others, but about giving their best in pursuit of what God offers.

Where else these words appear

“prize” Greek G1017 · used in 2 verses

  • Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

“race” Greek G4712 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 24:13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
  • John 6:19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
  • Revelation 14:20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.

“obtain” Greek G2638 · used in 14 verses

  • Mark 9:18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
  • John 12:35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
  • Romans 9:30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.

“run” Greek G5143 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 27:48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
  • Luke 24:12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.
  • Galatians 2:2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.