Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel. New Living Translation What then is my pay? It is the opportunity to preach the Good News without charging anyone. That’s why I never demand my rights when I preach the Good News. English Standard Version What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. Berean Standard Bible What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it. Berean Literal Bible What then is my reward? That preaching the gospel, I should lay down the gospel free of charge, so as not to use up my authority in the gospel. King James Bible 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. New King James Version What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel. New American Standard Bible What, then, is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. NASB 1995 What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. NASB 1977 What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. Legacy Standard Bible What then is my reward? That, when I proclaim the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my authority in the gospel. Amplified Bible What then is my reward? [Just this:] that, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge [to everyone], so as not to take advantage of my rights [as a preacher and apostle] in [preaching] the gospel. Berean Annotated Bible What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel (good news) I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it. Christian Standard Bible What then is my reward? To preach the gospel and offer it free of charge and not make full use of my rights in the gospel. Holman Christian Standard Bible What then is my reward? To preach the gospel and offer it free of charge and not make full use of my authority in the gospel. American Standard Version What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel without charge, so as not to use to the full my right in the gospel. Contemporary English Version What pay am I given? It is the chance to preach the good news free of charge and not to use the privileges that are mine because I am a preacher. English Revised Version What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel without charge, so as not to use to the full my right in the gospel. GOD'S WORD® Translation So what is my reward? It is to spread the Good News free of charge. In that way I won't use the rights that belong to those who spread the Good News. Good News Translation What pay do I get, then? It is the privilege of preaching the Good News without charging for it, without claiming my rights in my work for the gospel. International Standard Version What, then, is my reward? It is to be able to preach the gospel free of charge, and so I never resort to demanding my rights when I'm preaching the gospel. NET Bible What then is my reward? That when I preach the gospel I may offer the gospel free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights in the gospel. New Heart English Bible What then is my reward? That, when I proclaim the Good News, I may present the Good News without charge, so as not to abuse my authority in the Good News. Webster's Bible Translation What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my power in the gospel. Weymouth New Testament What are my wages then? The very fact that the Good News which I preach will cost my hearers nothing, so that I cannot be charged with abuse of my privileges as a Christian preacher. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhat then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer the gospel of Christ free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it. World English Bible What then is my reward? That when I preach the Good News, I may present the Good News of Christ without charge, so as not to abuse my authority in the Good News. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWhat, then, is my reward? That proclaiming good news, without charge I will make the good news of the Christ, not to abuse my authority in the good news; Berean Literal Bible What then is my reward? That preaching the gospel, I should lay down the gospel free of charge, so as not to use up my authority in the gospel. Young's Literal Translation What, then, is my reward? -- that proclaiming good news, without charge I shall make the good news of the Christ, not to abuse my authority in the good news; Smith's Literal Translation What reward therefore is to me? That announcing good news, I shall make the good news of Christ not expensive, not to make use of my power in the good news. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWhat is my reward then? That preaching the gospel, I may deliver the gospel without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. Catholic Public Domain Version And what, then, would be my reward? So, when preaching the Gospel, I should give the Gospel without taking, so that I may not misuse my authority in the Gospel. New American Bible What then is my recompense? That, when I preach, I offer the gospel free of charge so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. New Revised Standard Version What then is my reward? Just this: that in my proclamation I may make the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my rights in the gospel. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhat then is my wage? This is it. When I preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, I do it without thought of recompense, and I have not abused the power given to me in the gospel. Aramaic Bible in Plain English What therefore is my reward? When I evangelize, I may make The Gospel of The Messiah without expense and I do not use the authority that he gives to me in The Gospel. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentWhat, then, is my reward? That, while I preach, I may make the gospel of Christ to be without charge, in order that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel. Godbey New Testament Then what is my reward? that preaching the gospel, I may render the gospel free from charge, in order that I may not use my right in the gospel. Haweis New Testament What then is my reward? That when I preach the gospel, I may put the gospel of Christ to no expence, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. Mace New Testament whence then is my reward? why, from my preaching the gospel of Christ gratis, without making use of the privilege which the gospel gives me. Weymouth New Testament What are my wages then? The very fact that the Good News which I preach will cost my hearers nothing, so that I cannot be charged with abuse of my privileges as a Christian preacher. Worrell New Testament What, then, is my reward? That, when proclaiming the Gospel, I may make the Gospel without charge, to the end that I may not fully use my right in the Gospel. Worsley New Testament What is my reward then but this? that when I preach I may make the gospel of Christ not expensive, that so I may not abuse my power in the gospel. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Rights of an Apostle…17If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility. 18What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it. 19Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.… Cross References What then is my reward? 1 Corinthians 3:8 He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. Colossians 3:24 because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Matthew 5:12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you. That in preaching the gospel 1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. Romans 1:15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome. Acts 20:24 But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. I may offer it free of charge, 2 Corinthians 11:7 Was it a sin for me to humble myself in order to exalt you, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. Isaiah 55:1 “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! and so not use up my rights in preaching it. 1 Thessalonians 2:6 Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it. 1 Thessalonians 2:9 Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 2 Thessalonians 3:8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. 2 Corinthians 11:7 Was it a sin for me to humble myself in order to exalt you, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? 2 Thessalonians 3:8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. Acts 20:33-35 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. / You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. / In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Treasury of Scripture What is my reward then? Truly that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. when. 1 Corinthians 9:6,7 Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? … 1 Corinthians 10:33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. 2 Corinthians 4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. that I. 1 Corinthians 7:31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. 1 Corinthians 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. Romans 14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. Jump to Previous Abuse Announcing Authority Charge Charged Christ Christian Cost Fact Free Full Glad Good Gospel Hearers Making News Offer Others Payment Power Preach Preacher Preaching Present Privileges Proclaiming Reward Right Rights Tidings Use Verily WagesJump to Next Abuse Announcing Authority Charge Charged Christ Christian Cost Fact Free Full Glad Good Gospel Hearers Making News Offer Others Payment Power Preach Preacher Preaching Present Privileges Proclaiming Reward Right Rights Tidings Use Verily Wages1 Corinthians 9 1. He shows his liberty;7. and that the minister ought to receive a living by the Gospel; 15. yet that himself has of his own accord abstained, 18. to be neither chargeable unto them, 22. nor offensive unto any, in matters indifferent. 24. Our life is like unto a race. What then is my reward? Paul is addressing the Corinthians, explaining his motivation for preaching the gospel. In the context of 1 Corinthians 9, Paul discusses his rights as an apostle, including the right to receive material support. However, he chooses to forgo these rights for the sake of the gospel. This rhetorical question emphasizes his commitment to a higher reward, which is spiritual rather than material. It reflects the biblical principle found in Matthew 6:19-21, where Jesus teaches about storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge and so not use up my rights in preaching it Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 1 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth. He is discussing his rights as an apostle and his choice to forego those rights for the sake of the Gospel. 2. Corinth A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality. The church in Corinth faced many challenges, including divisions and moral issues, which Paul addresses in his letters. 3. The Gospel The good news of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, which Paul is committed to preaching without charge to avoid hindering its spread. Teaching Points Sacrificial ServicePaul exemplifies sacrificial service by choosing to preach the Gospel without financial compensation. This challenges us to consider how we can serve others selflessly in our own lives. Prioritizing the Gospel The spread of the Gospel should take precedence over personal rights and privileges. We are encouraged to evaluate what we might need to set aside to ensure the Gospel is unhindered. Integrity in Ministry Paul’s approach underscores the importance of integrity and transparency in ministry. We should strive to maintain a clear conscience and avoid any actions that could be perceived as self-serving. Dependence on God By foregoing his rights, Paul demonstrates a deep trust in God’s provision. This invites us to rely on God rather than on human means for our needs. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 9:18?2. How does 1 Corinthians 9:18 encourage us to share the gospel freely? 3. What does "offer it free of charge" teach about selflessness in ministry? 4. How can we avoid "abusing my rights" in our Christian service today? 5. Connect 1 Corinthians 9:18 with Jesus' teachings on serving others. 6. How can we apply Paul's example of humility in our daily evangelism? 7. What does 1 Corinthians 9:18 reveal about Paul's approach to preaching the gospel without charge? 8. How does 1 Corinthians 9:18 challenge modern views on financial compensation for ministry work? 9. In what ways does 1 Corinthians 9:18 emphasize the importance of selflessness in Christian service? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 9? 11. What is Christian tentmaking? 12. Why did the apostle Paul work as a tentmaker? 13. In 1 Corinthians 9:4-14, Paul argues for financial support for apostles; how does that align with Jesus's command in Matthew 10:8-10 to preach without seeking material gain? 14. In 1 Corinthians 9:19, Paul insists he has made himself a slave to everyone; how does this reconcile with the New Testament theme of freedom in Christ? What Does 1 Corinthians 9:18 Mean What then is my reward?Paul lifts the reader’s eyes to what ultimately motivates him. While the Lord has promised heavenly treasures for faithful service (Matthew 6:19-20; 2 Timothy 4:8), Paul’s “reward” here is also experienced now: • seeing lives transformed by the gospel he preaches (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20). • pleasing Christ, who “will render to each one according to his works” (Romans 2:6). • enjoying the privilege of serving without entanglements (1 Corinthians 3:8). This question highlights that Paul’s ministry goals are centered on Christ and others, not on personal gain. That in preaching the gospel Paul’s reward is tied directly to proclaiming “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). His life echoes the Great Commission (Mark 16:15) and the pastoral exhortation to “preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). By linking reward to gospel proclamation, he underlines that the highest privilege of any believer is communicating Christ’s finished work. I may offer it free of charge Although Scripture affirms that “the worker is worthy of his wages” (Luke 10:7; Galatians 6:6), Paul often set aside that right. • In Corinth he supported himself as a tent-maker (Acts 18:3). • He reminded the church, “Did I sin ... because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?” (2 Corinthians 11:7). • At Thessalonica he “worked night and day” so as not to burden them (1 Thessalonians 2:9). Offering the message freely protected it from accusations of profiteering and showcased God’s grace—salvation comes without cost to the hearer because Christ has paid in full. and so not use up my rights in preaching it Earlier in this chapter Paul argued that apostles have the right to material support (1 Corinthians 9:4-14). Yet he willingly relinquished that entitlement so nothing would hinder the gospel (2 Corinthians 6:3). Laying down legitimate rights: • models Christ, who “emptied Himself” for our sake (Philippians 2:5-7). • guards younger believers from stumbling over money issues (Romans 14:13). • keeps ministry motives transparent, silencing critics who might claim he preached for personal advantage (Acts 20:33-35). Paul proves that Christian liberty is best expressed in loving restraint, not self-assertion. summary Paul’s “reward” is the joy of preaching Christ unhindered. By forgoing financial rights, he demonstrates that the gospel is a free gift and removes any obstacle to its reception. His example invites believers to value eternal impact above earthly privileges and to serve others with the same self-giving spirit that marks the Savior. (18) What is my reward then?--It seems better to omit the note of interrogation, and read the whole verse thus:--What reward then is to be mine, so that (i.e., which induces me) in preaching the gospel I make the gospel without charge (to my hearers), so that I use not my power in the gospel? The "power" being the right to support maintained in 1Corinthians 9:6; 1Corinthians 9:12.Verse 18. - What is my reward then? The answer is that it was not such "wages" as would ordinarily be considered such, but it was the happiness of preaching the gospel without cost to any. I abuse not; rather, I use not to the full, as in 1 Corinthians 7:31. It may be said that this was a ground of boasting, not a reward. It was, however, a point to which St. Paul attached the highest importance (1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Corinthians 11:7-12; Acts 20:33, 34), and he might therefore speak of it, though almost with a touch of half unconscious irony, as his "fee." There is no need to adopt the construction suggested by Meyer: "What is my reward? [none] that I may preach gratuitously;" or that of Afford, who finds the reward in the next verse.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Whatτίς (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. then οὖν (oun) Conjunction Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. my μού (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. reward? μισθός (misthos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3408: (a) pay, wages, salary, (b) reward, recompense, punishment. Apparently a primary word; pay for service, good or bad. That ἵνα (hina) Conjunction Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. in preaching the gospel εὐαγγελιζόμενος (euangelizomenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2097: From eu and aggelos; to announce good news especially the gospel. I may offer θήσω (thēsō) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 5087: To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place. [it] εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 2098: From the same as euaggelizo; a good message, i.e. The gospel. free of charge, ἀδάπανον (adapanon) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 77: Without expense, for which nothing has to be paid. Costless, i.e. Gratuitous. and so εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. not μὴ (mē) Adverb Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. use up καταχρήσασθαι (katachrēsasthai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle Strong's 2710: To use to the full, use up. From kata and chraomai; to overuse, i.e. Misuse. my μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. rights ἐξουσίᾳ (exousia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 1849: From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [preaching] τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Neuter Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. [it]. εὐαγγελίῳ (euangeliō) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular Strong's 2098: From the same as euaggelizo; a good message, i.e. The gospel. Links 1 Corinthians 9:18 NIV1 Corinthians 9:18 NLT 1 Corinthians 9:18 ESV 1 Corinthians 9:18 NASB 1 Corinthians 9:18 KJV 1 Corinthians 9:18 BibleApps.com 1 Corinthians 9:18 Biblia Paralela 1 Corinthians 9:18 Chinese Bible 1 Corinthians 9:18 French Bible 1 Corinthians 9:18 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 9:18 What then is my reward? That when (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) |
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