Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - 1 Corinthians 9:26 - 9:26
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
So (houtōs). Both with trechō (run) and pukteuō (fight).
As not uncertainly (hōs ouk adēlōs). Instead of exhorting them further Paul describes his own conduct as a runner in the race. He explains houtōs. Adēlōs old adverb, only here in N.T. His objective is clear, with Christ as the goal (Phi 3:14). He kept his eye on Christ as Christ watched him.
Fight (pukteuō). Paul changes the metaphor from the runner to the boxer. Old verb (only here in N.T.) from puktēs (pugilist) and that from pugmē (fist). See note on Mar 7:3).
As not beating the air (hōs ouk aera derōn). A boxer did this when practising without an adversary (cf. doing “the daily dozen”) and this was called “shadow-fighting” (skiamachia). He smote something more solid than air. Probably ou negatives aera, though it still occurs with the participle as a strong and positive negative.