King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 9:18 Mean?

1 Corinthians 9:18 in the King James Version says “What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I ab...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

1 Corinthians 9:18 · KJV

Context

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.

18

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;

Read 1 Corinthians 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
What is my reward then? If preaching under compulsion yields no reward (v. 16-17), how can Paul have a misthos (μισθός, "wage, reward")? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, Paul's reward is the joy of offering the gospel adapanos (ἀδάπανος, "without expense, free of charge"). He glories in removing financial barriers, making salvation accessible to the poorest slave or beggar.

That I abuse not my power in the gospel. The Greek katachraomai (καταχράομαι, "use to the full, exploit") can mean either "make full use of" or "abuse." Paul chooses not to exhaust his apostolic rights, preserving them unused like a benefactor who gives without taking. This free offering mirrors God's grace—the gospel is a gift, not a commodity. By refusing payment, Paul embodies the message: salvation is free, grace is unearned, and God's love cannot be purchased. His lifestyle preaches before he opens his mouth.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient religions often involved transaction: sacrifices purchased divine favor, mystery initiations required fees, and philosophers charged for wisdom. Against this backdrop, Paul's free gospel was revolutionary. It declared that God's favor cannot be bought, that grace is gift, not transaction. This embodied the gospel's essence and disarmed critics who accused Christians of greed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does preaching "without charge" make Paul's reward greater than accepting payment?
  2. In what ways does free gospel preaching mirror the nature of grace itself?
  3. How can ministers today balance accepting legitimate support (v. 14) with Paul's concern to avoid hindering the gospel (v. 12)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
τίς1 of 24

“What”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

οὖν2 of 24

“then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

μοί3 of 24

“my”

G3427

to me

ἐστιν4 of 24

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὁ5 of 24
G3588

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

μισθός6 of 24

“reward”

G3408

pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad

ἵνα7 of 24

“Verily that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

εὐαγγελιζόμενος8 of 24

“when I preach the gospel”

G2097

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel

ἀδάπανον9 of 24

“without charge”

G77

and g1160; costless, i.e., gratuitous

θήσω10 of 24

“I may make”

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

τὸ11 of 24
G3588

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

εὐαγγελίῳ12 of 24

“the gospel”

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

τοῦ13 of 24
G3588

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

Χριστοῦ,14 of 24

“of Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

εἰς15 of 24

“that”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ16 of 24
G3588

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

μὴ17 of 24

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

καταχρήσασθαι18 of 24

“I abuse”

G2710

to overuse, i.e., misuse

τῇ19 of 24
G3588

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

ἐξουσίᾳ20 of 24

“power”

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

μου21 of 24

“my”

G3450

of me

ἐν22 of 24

“in”

G1722

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

τῷ23 of 24
G3588

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

εὐαγγελίῳ24 of 24

“the gospel”

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

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 9:18 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 9:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 11:7-92 Thessalonians 3:8-91 Corinthians 8:91 Thessalonians 2:62 Corinthians 12:13-181 Corinthians 10:33

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