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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - 1 Corinthians 9:26 - 9:26
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Uncertainly (ἀδήλως)
Only here in the New Testament. The kindred adjective ἄδηλος not manifest, occurs Luk 11:44 (see note) and 1Co 14:8. Compare also ἀδηλότης uncertainty, 1Ti 6:17. He runs with a clear perception of his object, and of the true manner and result of his striving.
Fight I (πυκτεύω)
Only here in the New Testament. Distinctively of fighting with the fists, and evidently in allusion to the boxing-match. Rev., in margin, box. Etymologically akin to πυγμή the fist; see on oft, Mar 7:3.
Beateth the air
A boxer might be said to beat the air when practicing without an adversary. This was called σκιαμαχία shadow-fighting. Or he might purposely strike into the air in order to spare his adversary; or the adversary might evade his blow, and thus cause him to spend his strength on the air. The two latter may well be combined in Paul's metaphor. He strikes straight and does not spare. Compare Virgil, in the description of a boxing-match:
“Entellus, rising to the work, his right hand now doth show
Upreared, but he, the nimble one, foresaw the falling blow
Above him, and his body swift writhed skew-wise from the fall.
Entellus spends his stroke on air.”
“Aeneid,” v., 443. Morris' Translation.