1 Corinthians 9:16
Parallel Verses
New International Version
For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!


English Standard Version
For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!


New American Standard Bible
For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.


King James Bible
For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!


Holman Christian Standard Bible
For if I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because an obligation is placed on me. And woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!


International Standard Version
For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast about, for this obligation has been entrusted to me. How terrible it would be for me if I didn't preach the gospel!


American Standard Version
For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of; for necessity is laid upon me; for woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel.


Douay-Rheims Bible
For if I preach the gospel, it is no glory to me, for a necessity lieth upon me: for woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel.


Darby Bible Translation
For if I announce the glad tidings, I have nothing to boast of; for a necessity is laid upon me; for it is woe to me if I should not announce the glad tidings.


Young's Literal Translation
for if I may proclaim good news, it is no glorying for me, for necessity is laid upon me, and woe is to me if I may not proclaim good news;


Cross References
1 Samuel 12:23
Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:


Acts 4:20
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.


Acts 9:15
But the Lord said to him, Go your way: for he is a chosen vessel to me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:


Romans 1:14
I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.


1 Corinthians 4:15
For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have you not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.


1 Corinthians 9:12
If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.


1 Corinthians 9:14
Even so has the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.


2 Corinthians 2:12
Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me of the Lord,


Jump to Previous
Alas Announce Boast Boasting Cause Compelled Compulsion Curse Fail Forced Gives Glad Glory Glorying Good Gospel Ground Imposed Laid Necessity News Preach Preacher Preaching Pride Proclaim Tidings Wo Woe
Jump to Next
Alas Announce Boast Boasting Cause Compelled Compulsion Curse Fail Forced Gives Glad Glory Glorying Good Gospel Ground Imposed Laid Necessity News Preach Preacher Preaching Pride Proclaim Tidings Wo Woe
Commentaries
9:15-23 It is the glory of a minister to deny himself, that he may serve Christ and save souls. But when a minister gives up his right for the sake of the gospel, he does more than his charge and office demands. By preaching the gospel, freely, the apostle showed that he acted from principles of zeal and love, and thus enjoyed much comfort and hope in his soul. And though he looked on the ceremonial law as a yoke taken off by Christ, yet he submitted to it, that he might work upon the Jews, do away their prejudices, prevail with them to hear the gospel, and win them over to Christ. Though he would transgress no laws of Christ, to please any man, yet he would accommodate himself to all men, where he might do it lawfully, to gain some. Doing good was the study and business of his life; and, that he might reach this end, he did not stand on privileges. We must carefully watch against extremes, and against relying on any thing but trust in Christ alone. We must not allow errors or faults, so as to hurt others, or disgrace the gospel.

16. though I preach … I have nothing to glory of—that is, If I preach the Gospel, and do so not gratuitously, I have no matter for "glorying." For the "necessity" that is laid on me to preach (compare Jer 20:9, and the case of Jonah) does away with ground for "glorying." The sole ground for the latter that I have, is my preaching without charge (1Co 9:18): since there is no necessity laid on me as to the latter, it is my voluntary act for the Gospel's sake.
1 Corinthians 9:15
Top of Page
Top of Page




Bible Apps.com