1 Corinthians 9:18
16 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!
17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
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.
19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- 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.
- KJV
- 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.
- WEB
- 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.
- ASV
- 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.
- DARBY
- What is the reward then that I have? That in announcing the glad tidings I make the glad tidings costless [to others], so as not to have made use, as belonging to me, of my right in [announcing] the glad tidings.
- BLB
- 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.
- ÅB
- Hva er da min lønn? At jeg, når jeg forkynner evangeliet, gjør det for intet, så jeg ikke gjør bruk av min rett i evangeliet.
- OTB
- Hva er da min lønn? At når jeg forkynner evangeliet, kan jeg tilby det uten kostnad, for ikke å gjøre full bruk av min rett i evangeliet.
- B1930
- Hvad er da min lønn? At jeg, når jeg forkynner evangeliet, gjør det for intet, så jeg ikke gjør bruk av min rett i evangeliet.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
2 Corinthians 11:7–9
Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
Read in context2 Thessalonians 3:8–9
Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
Read in context1 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.
Read in context1 Corinthians 8:9
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
Read in context1 Thessalonians 2:6
Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
Read in context2 Corinthians 12:13–18
For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.
Read in context1 Corinthians 7:31
And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
Read in context1 Corinthians 9:6–7
Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?
Read in context