Lexical Summary brabeion: Prize, reward Original Word: βραβεῖον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance prize. From brabeus (an umpire of uncertain derivation); an award (of arbitration), i.e. (specially) a prize in the public games -- prize. HELPS Word-studies 1017 brabeíon(from 1018 /brabeúō, "act as an umpire") – properly, the prize awarded to a victor, i.e. the reward (recognition) that follows triumph. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom brabeus (an umpire) Definition a prize NASB Translation prize (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1017: βραβεῖονβραβεῖον, βραβειου, τό (βραβεύς the arbiter and director of a contest, who awards the prize; called also βραβευτής, Latindsesignator), the award to the victor in the games, a prize, (in ecclesiastical Latinbrabeum,brabium) (Vulg.brarvium): 1 Corinthians 9:24; metaphorically, of the heavenly reward for Christian character, Philippians 3:14. (Oppian, cyn. 4, 197; Locophron, 1154; ὑπομονῆς βραβεῖον Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 5, 5 [ET] (where see Lightfoot, Gebh. and Harn.); ἀφθαρσίας, Martyr. Polycarp, 17 [ET].) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Imagery in Scripture The term translated “prize” evokes the victor’s award presented at the conclusion of an athletic contest. It signifies the climactic reward for perseverance and disciplined effort, serving as a tangible symbol of triumph recognized by the judge and celebrated by the assembled spectators. In Paul’s writings the image is lifted from the transient arena and invested with eternal weight, directing attention from a perishable garland to the imperishable reward granted by God. Occurrences in the New Testament 1 Corinthians 9:24 presents the “prize” in the context of the Isthmian Games familiar to the Corinthians: “Run in such a way as to take the prize”. Paul contrasts half-hearted participation with the single-minded pursuit exhibited by competitors whose eyes are fixed on one objective. Philippians 3:14 intensifies the metaphor: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”. Here the award is explicitly tied to God’s summons, framing the believer’s entire earthly pilgrimage as an upward race toward consummate fellowship with Christ. Historical and Cultural Background Corinth hosted the Isthmian Games every two years; Philippi lay on the Via Egnatia, a thoroughfare traversed by athletes and spectators traveling to Olympian, Pythian, and Nemean competitions. Contestants underwent rigorous months-long training, swore oaths of integrity, and competed under the scrutiny of judges who bestowed wreaths, public acclaim, and lifelong privileges. Paul, a Roman citizen and seasoned traveler, harnesses this vivid tableau to communicate the disciplines of the Christian life—self-control, focus, and endurance—translating civic pride into spiritual aspiration. Theological Themes and Doctrinal Implications 1. Eschatological Reward: The “prize” points to the believer’s future assessment at the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is not a matter of merit for salvation but recognition of faithful service rendered in grace. Pastoral and Practical Application • Spiritual Discipline: Regular prayer, Scripture intake, sacrificial service, and moral integrity correspond to an athlete’s training regimen. Related Biblical Passages • 1 Corinthians 9:25 – the “imperishable crown.” These complementary images broaden the portrait of eternal reward without eclipsing the singular focus embodied in the “prize.” Conclusion The “prize” encapsulates the believer’s forward-looking hope: a definitive, gracious acknowledgment by God of a life run in the strength He supplies. Far from encouraging legalism, the concept galvanizes gratitude-driven diligence. Paul’s athletic metaphor thus summons every follower of Christ to disciplined perseverance, confident that the Judge who calls to the starting line will also welcome the faithful at the finish. Forms and Transliterations βραβειον βραβείον βραβεῖον brabeion brabeîonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 9:24 N-ANSGRK: λαμβάνει τὸ βραβεῖον οὕτως τρέχετε NAS: receives the prize? Run KJV: one receiveth the prize? So run, INT: receives the prize Thus run Philippians 3:14 N-ANS |
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