King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 9:27 Mean?

1 Corinthians 9:27 in the King James Version says “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means , when I have preached to others, I mysel...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means , when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

1 Corinthians 9:27 · KJV

Context

25

And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

26

I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

27

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means , when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: Paul concludes with stark honesty. The Greek hypopiazō (ὑποπιάζω, "strike under the eye, bruise, discipline severely") is the boxer's term for delivering punishing blows. Paul "blackens the eye" of his flesh—subduing bodily desires through rigorous self-discipline. Doulagōgeō (δουλαγωγέω, "enslave, bring into bondage") means to enslave his body, making it a servant rather than master.

Lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. The Greek adokimos (ἀδόκιμος, "unapproved, disqualified, rejected") refers to an athlete disqualified for violating training rules or a metal failing assay. Paul fears not losing salvation but forfeiting reward, being set aside from ministry, or failing to finish the race (2 Tim 4:7). This is not works-righteousness but sober recognition that hypocrisy disqualifies witness. If Paul preaches self-denial but lives self-indulgence, his ministry is invalidated. He must practice what he preaches.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Athletes who violated training regulations were disqualified—beaten publicly and barred from competing. The disgrace was profound. Paul uses this imagery to express his urgent concern: having called others to disciplined Christian living, he must not disqualify himself through moral failure or undisciplined living. Ancient umpires (brabeus) strictly enforced rules; violators were rejected as adokimos.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's severe self-discipline challenge contemporary comfort-driven Christianity?
  2. What does it mean to "keep under" the body without falling into ascetic legalism or body-hating dualism?
  3. How does the fear of being "disqualified" motivate perseverance without undermining assurance of salvation (Rom 8:38-39)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ἀλλ'1 of 13

“But”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ὑπωπιάζω2 of 13

“I keep under”

G5299

to hit under the eye (buffet or disable an antagonist as a pugilist), i.e., (figuratively) to tease or annoy (into compliance), subdue (one's passions

μου3 of 13

“my”

G3450

of me

τὸ4 of 13
G3588

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

σῶμα5 of 13

“body”

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

καὶ6 of 13

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δουλαγωγῶ7 of 13

“bring it into subjection”

G1396

to be a slave-driver, i.e., to enslave (figuratively, subdue)

μήπως,8 of 13

“lest”

G3381

lest somehow

ἄλλοις9 of 13

“to others”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

κηρύξας10 of 13

“when I have preached”

G2784

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

αὐτὸς11 of 13

“I myself”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀδόκιμος12 of 13

“a castaway”

G96

unapproved, i.e., rejected; by implication, worthless (literally or morally)

γένωμαι13 of 13

“should be”

G1096

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

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 9:27 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 9:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 8:131 Corinthians 9:25Colossians 3:52 Corinthians 13:5-61 Peter 2:111 Corinthians 6:12-13

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