Bible verse
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!
1 Corinthians 9:16 · BSB
The verses around it, from 1 Corinthians 9.
12 If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.
13 Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings?
14 In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.
15 But 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.
16 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!
17 If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility.
18 What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it.
19 Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), to win those under the law.
KJV
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!
ASV
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.
ERV
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.
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Scripture quotations are from the Berean Standard Bible, which is free of copyright restrictions for use on websites. Read the full Bible on Great Faith.