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Read the Bible
Myles Coverdale Bible
1 Corinthians 9:24
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You know that in a roping, all the ropers rope, but only one team gets the buckle. Rope to win!
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.
Do you not see that in a running competition all take part, but only one gets the reward? So let your minds be fixed on the reward.
Know ye not that they who run in [the] race-course run all, but one receives the prize? Thus run in order that ye may obtain.
Don't you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize.
Don't you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win.
Know ye not, that they who run in the race, all run, but one receiveth the prize? so run that ye may obtain.
Do you not know that in the foot-race the runners all run, but that only one gets the prize? You must run like him, in order to win with certainty.
Know yee not that they which runne in a race, runne all, but one receiueth the price? So runne, that yee may obtaine.
Do you not know that those running in a stadium indeed all run, but one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain.
You know, that in a race, tho' all run, but one receives the prize: so run, that you may obtain.
You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run [their very best to win], but only one receives the prize? Run [your race] in such a way that you may seize the prize and make it yours!
Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
Perceave ye not how that they which runne in a course runne all yet but one receaveth the rewarde. So runne that ye maye obtayne.
Don't you know that those running in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Even so run; that you may attain.
Know ye not, that they who run in a race, all run, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
have ye not known that those running in a race -- all indeed run, but one doth receive the prize? so run ye, that ye may obtain;
You know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. So run to win!
Do you not know that all the runners in a stadium compete, but only one receives the prize? So run to win.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize.
You know that many runners enter a race, and only one of them wins the prize. So run to win!
Don't you know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one wins the prize? So then, run to win!
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
Knowe ye not, that they which runne in a race, runne all, yet one receiueth the price? so runne that ye may obtaine.
Do you not know that the runners in a race, all run, but only one is victorious? So you must run, that you may obtain victory.
Don't you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win.
You know that in a race all the runners run but only one wins the prize, don't you? You must run in such a way that you may be victorious.Galatians 2:2; 5:7; Philippians 2:16; 3:14; 2 Timothy 4:7; Hebrews 12:1;">[xr]
Know you not, that they who run in the course, run all, but one taketh to him the victory ? So run, that you may take hold.
Know ye not that they who run in the stadium, run all of them; yet it is one who gaineth the victory. Run ye, so as to attain.
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!
You know that only one person gets a crown for being in a race even if many people run. You must run so you will win the crown.
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run, that ye may attain.
Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it.
Know ye not that, they who, in a racecourse, run, all, indeed, run, - but, one, receiveth the prize? So, be running, that ye may lay hold.
Know you not that they that run in the race, all run indeed, but one receiveth the prize. So run that you may obtain.
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
Do you not know that those who run in the stadium all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.
Perceaue ye not [howe] that they which run in a race, run all, but one receaueth the rewarde? So run that ye may obtayne.
You know that in a race all the runners run, but only one runner gets the prize. So run like that. Run to win!
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.
Surely you know that many runners take part in a race, but only one of them wins the prize. Run, then, in such a way as to win the prize.
Witen ye not, that thei that rennen in a furlong, alle rennen, but oon takith the prijs? So renne ye, that ye catche.
Contextual Overview
Bible Verse Review
from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge
they: Hosea 12:10
run in: Psalms 19:5, Ecclesiastes 9:11, Jeremiah 12:5
so run: 1 Corinthians 9:26, Galatians 2:2, Galatians 5:7, Philippians 2:16, Philippians 3:14, 2 Timothy 4:7, 2 Timothy 4:8, Hebrews 12:1, James 1:12, Revelation 3:11
Reciprocal: Psalms 119:32 - run Ecclesiastes 9:10 - thy hand Luke 13:24 - Strive John 5:7 - before John 6:27 - the meat John 20:4 - outrun Acts 20:24 - I might Romans 6:3 - Know 1 Corinthians 3:16 - Know 1 Corinthians 6:9 - Know 2 Corinthians 13:5 - Know Philippians 2:12 - work Philippians 3:13 - and reaching 2 Timothy 2:5 - strive Hebrews 12:15 - Looking
Gill's Notes on the Bible
Know ye not that they which run in a race,.... The allusion in this and the following verses is to the Grecian games, which consisted, among other things, of running of races, and of wrestling, combating, and fighting; and which are in this and the context particularly mentioned: and the apostle the rather makes use of these terms, and refers to these things, because they were well known to the Corinthians, and refers to them as well known; for the Isthmian games were performed in their neighbourhood, and doubtless had been seen by many of them, for the Corinthians were presidents of them. The race, or stadium in which they ran, was the space or interval between the place they set out from, and that which they ran unto, and consisted of 125 paces, or 625 feet; it was the space of a furlong, and about the eighth part of a mile: in this they
run all; as many as would, that came around from all parts, striving who should be foremost and get the crown;
but one receives the prize; which was held by the president of the game, or judge of the race, and received by the winner, who was judged to be so by him; and was no other in the Isthmian games, which are most likely to be referred to here, than a crown made of pine tree branches, or leaves, and sometimes of dried parsley s:
so run that ye may obtain. The apostle accommodates or applies the above account to the Christian's course of life, and exhorts to run in it in like manner as racers do in a race. The "stadium", or "race" plot in the which the believer runs, is this world, or this present life; he is only a runner now and here, for no sooner is the time of his departure come, but his course or race is finished; and, as his forerunner Christ, sits down in full rest from all his labours as at a table, with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and on a throne with Christ: the course he runs includes the exercise of every grace, particularly faith, which is expressed not only by going to Christ, walking in him, but by fleeing and running to him; and the discharge of every duty, signified by a running in the way of God's commandments; and, in a word, the whole of a Christian profession, and the holding of it fast, and holding on in it unto the end. The act of "running" is a motion forward, a following on to know the Lord, a going from strength to strength, from one degree of grace to another, a pressing forward toward the mark for the prize; and requires spiritual strength from Christ, and a daily renewal of it; is to be performed with readiness, swiftness, and cheerfulness, in opposition to a slowness of heart to believe, and a slothfulness and sluggishness in the business and service of Christ. The manner of running, "so", that is, as the Grecians ran in their races; they ran "all", so should all believers run, ministers and churches, churches and the several members thereof, old and young professors; so the church determines for herself, her members, and the daughters of Jerusalem, "we will run after thee", Song of Solomon 1:4 and they have this encouragement which the others had not, for only one received the prize with the Grecians, but here all, that run well, obtain: again, they ran and strove to be foremost, who should get to the goal first and receive the prize, so should believers be emulous to outdo each other, to go before one another, in faith and holiness; striving in the strength of Christ, who should do most service for him, and bring most glory to him: moreover, as they ran in the way that was marked out for them, not turning to the right hand or the left, so should believers run in the way of salvation, which is Christ; in the way of holiness, faith, and truth; and in the path of duty and ordinances, which are all clearly pointed out unto them: once more, as they while running kept their eye upon the mark, so should believers, while running the race set before them, be continually looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of faith: to say no more, as they kept running till they came to the end of their race, so should the saints; there is no time for stopping or looking back; remember Lot's wife. The end of running is to obtain the prize, the incorruptible crown of eternal life; not that this is to be procured in a way of merit by running; for the best services of the saints have no merit in them, they are previously due to God, nor can they be profitable to him; and besides, are done by the assistance of his own grace and strength; nor is there any proportion between the best works of men, and this crown of glory, life, and righteousness; yea, salvation, or eternal life, is expressly denied to be of him that willeth, or of him that runneth, and is always represented as this crown is, to be a free gift: the meaning of the expression is, that believers are to run on in their Christian race, that they may, and when they are come to the end of it they shall, as he that came foremost in the race did, stretch forth their hand, lay hold on, and receive the crown which the righteous Judge will give them; and is the true import of the word made use of here, and the sense the same with 1 Timothy 6:12. "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life", and denotes that the persevering saint shall enjoy the crown.
s Schmid. Prolegam. in Isthm. Pindar, p. 5, 6. & Not. in Olymp. p. 312. Paschalius de Coronis, l. 6. c. 27. p. 441.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
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 1 Corinthians 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” 1 Corinthians 9:24, and by “wrestlers, or boxers”; 1 Corinthians 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.” 2 Samuel 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 Hebrews 12:1. Christians may do this when:
- They give themselves wholly to God, and make this the grand business of life;
- “When they lay aside every weight” Hebrews 12:1; and renounce all sin and all improper attachments;
- When they do not allow themselves to be “diverted” from the object, but keep the goal constantly in view;
- When they do not flag, or grow weary in their course;
- When they deny themselves; and,
- When they keep their eye fully fixed on Christ Hebrews 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.
Clarke's Notes on the Bible
Verse 24. 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, c. 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.
