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Bible >1 Corinthians >Chapter 9 > Verse 16

◄ 1 Corinthians 9:16►

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!

New Living Translation
Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!

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!

Berean Standard Bible
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!

Berean Literal Bible
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.

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!

New King James Version
For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!

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

NASB 1995
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.

NASB 1977
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.

Legacy Standard Bible
For if I proclaim the gospel, I have nothing to boast, for I am under compulsion. For woe is me if I do not proclaim the gospel.

Amplified Bible
For if I [merely] preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast about, for I am compelled [that is, absolutely obligated to do it]. Woe to me if I do not preach the good news [of salvation]!

Christian Standard Bible
For if I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am compelled to preach —and woe to me if I do not preach 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!

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.

Contemporary English Version
I don't have any reason to brag about preaching the good news. Preaching is something God told me to do, and if I don't do it, I am doomed.

English Revised 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If I spread the Good News, I have nothing to brag about because I have an obligation to do this. How horrible it will be for me if I don't spread the Good News!

Good News Translation
I have no right to boast just because I preach the gospel. After all, I am under orders to do so. And how terrible it would be for me if I did 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!

NET Bible
For if I preach the gospel, I have no reason for boasting, because I am compelled to do this. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

New Heart English Bible
For if I proclaim the Good News, I have nothing to boast about; for necessity is laid on me; but woe is to me, if I do not proclaim the Good News.

Webster's Bible Translation
For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of: for necessity is laid upon me; and woe is to me, if I preach not the gospel!

Weymouth New Testament
If I go on preaching the Good News, that is nothing for me to boast of; for the necessity is imposed upon me; and alas for me, if I fail to preach it!

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
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!

World English Bible
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.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
for if I may proclaim good news, it is no glorying for me, for necessity is laid on me, and woe is to me if I may not proclaim good news;

Berean Literal Bible
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.

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;

Smith's Literal Translation
For if I announce the good news, there is no boasting to me: for necessity is laid upon me; and woe is to me, if I announce not the good news!

Catholic Translations

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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For if I preach the Gospel, it is not glory for me. For an obligation has been laid upon me. And woe to me, if I do not preach the Gospel.

New American Bible
If I preach the gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it!

New Revised Standard Version
If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel!

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for I am under obligation; yea, woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel!

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For also, I have no pride as I preach The Good News, for necessity is laid upon me, but woe to me, unless I shall preach The Good News!

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
For though I preach the gospel, I have no cause for boasting; for a necessity is laid upon me; yes, alas for me, if I preach not the gospel.

Godbey New Testament
For if I preach the gospel, there is no boasting to me; for necessity is laid upon me; for woe is unto me, if I may not preach the gospel.

Haweis New Testament
For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me, yea verily woe is to me if I preach not the gospel.

Mace New Testament
for in barely preaching the gospel, I have nothing to glory in: because I am under an obligation to do it; yea, wo is unto me if I preach not the gospel.

Weymouth New Testament
If I go on preaching the Good News, that is nothing for me to boast of; for the necessity is imposed upon me; and alas for me, if I fail to preach it!

Worrell New Testament
For, if I proclaim the Gospel, it is not to me a matter of boasting; for necessity is laid upon me; for woe is to me, if I proclaim not the Gospel.

Worsley New Testament
For if I preach the gospel,yet I have noground for boasting; because I am under necessityto do it: and wo is me if I do not preach the Gospel.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Rights of an Apostle
…15But 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.16Yet 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!17If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

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.

Acts 4:20
For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

Romans 1:14-16
I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. / That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome. / I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.

Galatians 1:15-16
But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased / to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not rush to consult with flesh and blood,

Acts 9:15-16
“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. / I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.”

2 Corinthians 5:14
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died.

Acts 18:5
And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself fully to the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.

Ezekiel 3:17-19
“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me. / If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to warn him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, and I will hold you responsible for his blood. / But if you warn a wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness and his wicked way, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved yourself.

Amos 3:8
The lion has roared—who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken—who will not prophesy?

Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

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. / I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them / to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’ ...

Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And I said: “Here am I. Send me!”

Romans 10:14-15
How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? / And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.

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.

Treasury of Scripture

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid on me; yes, woe is to me, if I preach not the gospel!

I have.

Romans 4:2
For if Abraham were justified by works, he hathwhereof to glory; but not before God.

Romans 15:17
I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.

for.

Jeremiah 1:17
Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.

Jeremiah 20:7,9
O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me…

Amos 3:8
The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?

woe.

Isaiah 6:5
Then said I, Woeis me! for I am undone; because Iam a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

Luke 9:62
And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Colossians 4:17
And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

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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

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1 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.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

Yet when I preach the gospel,
Paul emphasizes his role as a preacher of the gospel, which is the good news of Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. This aligns with the Great Commission inMatthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands His disciples to spread His teachings to all nations. Paul's missionary journeys, as recorded in Acts, demonstrate his commitment to this task, traveling extensively across the Roman Empire to establish churches and spread the message of salvation.

I have no reason to boast,
Paul acknowledges that preaching the gospel is not a matter of personal pride or achievement. InEphesians 2:8-9, Paul writes that salvation is a gift from God, not a result of works, so no one can boast. This humility reflects the understanding that any success in ministry is due to God's power and grace, not human effort. Paul's life, marked by suffering and persecution for the sake of the gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23-28), further underscores his reliance on God's strength rather than his own abilities.

because I am obligated to preach.
Paul's sense of obligation stems from his dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19), where he was called by Christ to be an apostle to the Gentiles. This divine calling compels him to preach, as seen inRomans 1:14-15, where he expresses his eagerness to share the gospel with both Greeks and non-Greeks. The concept of obligation also ties into the Old Testament prophets, who were often reluctant yet compelled to deliver God's message, such as Jeremiah, who felt a burning fire in his heart to speak God's word (Jeremiah 20:9).

Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
Paul expresses the seriousness of his calling with a prophetic tone, reminiscent of the Old Testament prophets who pronounced woes as warnings of judgment. This phrase indicates the deep conviction and responsibility Paul feels, akin to the prophet Jonah, who faced dire consequences for initially refusing God's command to preach to Nineveh (Jonah 1:1-17). Paul's statement reflects the urgency and necessity of his mission, as he understands the eternal implications of the gospel message for both himself and those who hear it.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Paul the Apostle
The author of 1 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth. He is a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and epistles.

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 for the salvation of mankind. Paul emphasizes the importance of preaching this message.

4.Preaching
The act of proclaiming the gospel. For Paul, preaching is not optional but a divine mandate.

5.Compulsion
Paul speaks of being compelled to preach, indicating a divine calling and urgency in his mission.

Teaching Points

Divine Calling
Paul’s sense of compulsion to preach highlights the importance of recognizing and responding to God’s calling in our lives.

Humility in Service
Despite his significant role, Paul does not boast about preaching, reminding us to serve with humility and not seek personal glory.

Urgency of the Gospel
The phrase "Woe to me if I do not preach" underscores the urgency and necessity of sharing the gospel with others.

Accountability to God
Paul’s statement reflects a deep sense of accountability to God, encouraging us to live with a similar awareness of our responsibilities.

Joy in Obedience
While Paul feels compelled, there is also joy in fulfilling God’s will, teaching us that obedience can bring fulfillment.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 9:16?

2.How does 1 Corinthians 9:16 emphasize the necessity of preaching the gospel?

3.What does "woe to me" reveal about Paul's commitment to evangelism?

4.How can we apply Paul's urgency in sharing the gospel today?

5.What other scriptures highlight the importance of preaching the gospel?

6.How can we overcome obstacles to fulfill our gospel-sharing responsibilities?

7.What does 1 Corinthians 9:16 reveal about the necessity of preaching the gospel?

8.How does 1 Corinthians 9:16 challenge personal motivations for sharing the gospel?

9.Why does Paul feel compelled to preach according to 1 Corinthians 9:16?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 9?

11.Who was Billy Graham?

12.How can we effectively preach the gospel today?

13.Who was Adrian Rogers and what was his impact?

14.What responsibilities come with greater gifts or privileges?

What Does 1 Corinthians 9:16 Mean

Yet when I preach the gospel

Paul speaks as a man whose life is inseparably tied to proclaiming Christ.

• “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel” (1 Corinthians 1:17); the task is central, not optional.

• Christ told him, “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name” (Acts 9:15).

• The same expectation rests on all believers: “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2).

• Witness is ongoing; it flows from the Great Commission itself (Matthew 28:19-20).

I have no reason to boast

Gospel service leaves no room for self-glory.

• “May I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14).

• Salvation is “the gift of God … so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

• True approval is not self-commendation but the Lord’s commendation (2 Corinthians 10:17-18).

• By pointing all praise to Christ, the messenger keeps the message pure.

because I am obligated to preach

Paul views his calling as a sacred stewardship.

• “Men ought to regard us as … stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).

• Jesus said, “I have appeared to you … to appoint you as a servant and as a witness” (Acts 26:16).

• Every believer is likewise a steward: “Use whatever gift he has received to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10).

• Obligation doesn’t dampen joy; it supplies purpose, like a courier bound to deliver life-saving news.

Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

Silence carries grave consequences.

• Jeremiah felt a fire in his bones when he tried to stay silent (Jeremiah 20:9).

• God warned Ezekiel that withholding a warning makes the watchman accountable for blood (Ezekiel 3:17-18).

• Paul echoes that burden: “I am obligated … that is why I am so eager to preach” (Romans 1:14-15).

• “Woe” signals divine displeasure; Paul fears grieving the Lord far more than losing human approval.

summary

1 Corinthians 9:16 reveals a life anchored in Christ’s commission. Preaching is continuous, grace-fueled, and utterly devoid of self-congratulation. It is a stewardship that demands faithfulness, and neglect invites God’s woe. Paul’s words urge every believer to treat the gospel as a non-negotiable calling, joyfully and humbly proclaiming the salvation that comes through Jesus Christ alone.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(16)For though I preach the gospel, I have nothingto glory of.--Better,For though I preach the gospel, I have no ground of boasting. St. Paul proceeds now to show how his maintenance by the Church would deprive him of his right to boast or glory in his work. The mere preaching of the gospel supplies no ground of boasting; it is a necessity; God's woe would await him in the judgment-if he did not so. A man can have no ground of boasting in doing that which hemust do.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 16. -

1 have nothing to glory of. He is desirous to remove all appearance of haughtiness from his tone. There was, he says, no merit involved in his preaching the gospel. He did so from the sense of overwhelming moral compulsion, and he would have been miserable if he had tried to resist it.Necessity is laid upon me. "We cannot but speak" (Acts 4:20).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

Yet
γὰρ(gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

when
Ἐὰν(Ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437:If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

I preach the gospel,
εὐαγγελίζωμαι(euangelizōmai)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2097:From eu and aggelos; to announce good news especially the gospel.

I
μοι(moi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

have
ἔστιν(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.

no reason
οὐκ(ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

to boast,
καύχημα(kauchēma)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2745:A boasting; a ground of boasting (glorying, exultation). From kauchaomai; a boast in a good or a bad sense.

because
γάρ(gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

I
μοι(moi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

am obligated [to preach].
ἀνάγκη(anankē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 318:From ana and the base of agkale; constraint; by implication, distress.

Woe
οὐαὶ(ouai)
Interjection
Strong's 3759:Woe!, alas!, uttered in grief or denunciation. A primary exclamation of grief; 'woe'.

to me
μοί(moi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

if
ἐὰν(ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437:If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

I do not preach the gospel!
εὐαγγελίσωμαι(euangelisōmai)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2097:From eu and aggelos; to announce good news especially the gospel.

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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 9:16 For if I preach the Good News (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)