The first part of this verse echoes verse 24a, but the second part turns aside from the main thought. Athlete translates a Greek word that is more general than “runner” in verse 24 and prepares the way for an illustration about boxing in verse 26b.

Exercises self-control is the same verb used in 7.9 concerning self-control in sexual matters, but in this verse there is no special reference to sexual self-discipline. A phrase such as “disciplines himself very carefully” will be a good translation here.

The word translated wreath can also mean “crown.” Good News Bible brings this meaning out by adding the verb “crowned” where the Greek only has “will receive.” This word has been added because wreaths in many English speaking countries are associated more with funerals than with running competitions. In other parts of the modern world they are placed around the neck, rather than on the head as in Greek custom. The context makes it clear that the text is referring to the prize that a successful athlete receives, not the crown of some ruler.

In Paul’s time, winners of the Isthmian games, held near Corinth, were given a wreath of pine. But in earlier times more perishable materials had been used, and this is the point of Paul’s illustration.

The phrase but we an imperishable will be too abrupt in many languages. Possible translations are “but we do our work to win an imperishable wreath” or “but we run our race to receive a prize that will never fade.”

Quoted with permission from Ellingworth, Paul and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, 2nd edition. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1985/1994. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .