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1 Corinthians 9:16

Witness and missionServing others

14 In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

15 But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that something be done for me. Indeed, I would rather die than let anyone nullify my boast.

Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

17 If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility.

18 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.

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Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
KJV
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!
WEB
For if I preach the Good News, I have nothing to boast about, for necessity is laid on me; but woe is to me if I don’t preach the Good News.
ASV
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.
DARBY
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.
BLB
For if I preach the gospel, there is no boasting to me, for necessity is laid upon me. But woe be to me if I should not preach the gospel!
ÅB
For om jeg forkynner evangeliet, er det ikke noe å rose meg av; det er en nødvendighet som påligger meg; for ve meg om jeg ikke forkynner evangeliet!
OTB
For om jeg forkynner evangeliet, har jeg intet å rose meg av, for jeg er tvunget til det; ja, ve meg om jeg ikke forkynner evangeliet!
B1930
For om jeg forkynner evangeliet, er det ikke noget å rose mig av; det er en nødvendighet som påligger mig; for ve mig om jeg ikke forkynner evangeliet!

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Romans 1:14

    I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.

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  • Jeremiah 20:9

    If I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,” His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail.

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  • Colossians 4:17

    Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”

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  • Luke 9:62

    Then Jesus declared, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

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  • Acts 4:20

    For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

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  • Acts 26:16–20

    ‘But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen from Me and what I will show you.

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  • Amos 3:8

    The lion has roared— who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken— who will not prophesy?

    Read in context

  • Acts 9:15

    “Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.

    Read in context