King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 9:15 Mean?

1 Corinthians 9:15 in the King James Version says “But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it wer...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die , than that any man should make my glorying void.”

1 Corinthians 9:15 · KJV

Context

13

Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? live: or, feed

14

Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

15

But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die , than that any man should make my glorying void.

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.

Read 1 Corinthians 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But I have used none of these things: After fourteen verses asserting his rights, Paul shockingly renounces them all. The Greek kechrēmai (κέχρημαι, perfect tense, "I have used") emphasizes sustained refusal—Paul has not taken support in the past and will not in the future. Neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: This entire argument is not a veiled request for money; Paul is establishing principles for others while personally declining them.

For it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. The Greek kauchēma (καύχημα, "boast, glorying") refers to Paul's unique missionary strategy: preaching without charge (v. 18). Paul would rather die than lose this distinctive ministry approach. Why? Because financial independence removes accusations of greed, demonstrates sacrificial love, and mirrors Christ's self-emptying (Phil 2:5-8). Paul's "boast" is not pride but strategic wisdom—he glories in making the gospel free, a living illustration of grace.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In a culture where philosophers charged fees and sophists demanded payment, Paul's free preaching was revolutionary. It disarmed critics, demonstrated genuine love, and made the gospel accessible to the poor. Paul supported himself through tent-making (Acts 18:3; 20:33-35), modeling the very sacrifice he preached. His "glorying" was his unique calling—a life of voluntary poverty for gospel advance.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul assert his rights (v. 4-14) only to dramatically refuse them (v. 15)?
  2. What is the relationship between Paul's "glorying" in free preaching and boasting in the cross (Gal 6:14)?
  3. How does Paul's willingness to die rather than compromise his ministry model Christlike devotion?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ἐγὼ1 of 26

“I”

G1473

i, me

δὲ2 of 26

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

οὐδενὶ3 of 26

“none”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἐχρησάμην4 of 26

“have used”

G5530

to furnish what is needed; (give an oracle, "graze" (touch slightly), light upon, etc.), i.e., (by implication) to employ or (by extension) to act tow

τούτων5 of 26

“of these things”

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

οὐκ6 of 26

“neither”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔγραψα7 of 26

“have I written”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

δὲ8 of 26

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ταῦτα9 of 26

“these things”

G5023

these things

ἵνα10 of 26

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

οὕτως11 of 26

“so”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

γένηται12 of 26

“done”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐν13 of 26

“unto”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἐμοί·14 of 26

“me”

G1698

to me

καλὸν15 of 26
G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

γάρ16 of 26

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

μοι17 of 26

“for me”

G3427

to me

μᾶλλον18 of 26

“it were better”

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

ἀποθανεῖν19 of 26

“to die”

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

ἤ20 of 26

“than”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τὸ21 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καύχημά22 of 26

“glorying”

G2745

a boast (properly, the object; by implication, the act) in a good or a bad sense

μου23 of 26

“my”

G3450

of me

ἵνα24 of 26

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

τις25 of 26

“any man”

G5100

some or any person or object

κενώσῃ26 of 26

“should make”

G2758

to make empty, i.e., (figuratively) to abase, neutralize, falsify

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 9:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 9:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 2:92 Thessalonians 3:81 Corinthians 9:12Acts 20:34Acts 20:242 Corinthians 11:9-12

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Corinthians 9 with CommentaryAll 1 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 1 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes