📖WEB · 1 Corinthians 9:18

What does 1 Corinthians 9:18 mean?

"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."

— 1 Corinthians 9:18 (World English Bible)

Surrounding context

15

But I have used none of these things, and I don’t write these things that it may be done so in my case; for I would rather die, than that anyone should make my boasting void.

16

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.

17

For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward. But if not of my own will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me.

18

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.

19

For though I was free from all, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more.

20

To the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain those who are under the law;

21

to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law.

A full explanation for this verse is coming soon. In the meantime, you can ask our AI about 1 Corinthians 9:18 directly — it will give you a detailed answer grounded in the actual text.

Compare translations

Go deeper with ScriptureCompanion AI

Ask questions about any verse, follow reading plans, write personal prayers, and track your daily habit — all grounded in verified scripture text.