Bible verse

1 Corinthians 9:17

If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility.

1 Corinthians 9:17 · BSB

1 Corinthians 9:17 in context

The verses around it, from 1 Corinthians 9.

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.

21 To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law.

Read all of 1 Corinthians 9

1 Corinthians 9:17 in other translations

KJV

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.

ASV

For if I do this of mine own will, I have a reward: but if not of mine own will, I have a stewardship intrusted to me.

ERV

For if I do this of mine own will, I have a reward: but if not of mine own will, I have a stewardship intrusted to me.

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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.