Ἐγὼ δὲ οὐδενὶ ἐχρησάμην τούτων. Οὐκ ἔγραψα δὲ ταῦτα ἵνα οὕτω γένηται ἐν ἐμοί· καλὸν γάρ μοι μᾶλλον ἀποθανεῖν ἤ τὸ καύχημά μου ἵνα τις κενώσῃ. (1 Corinthians 9:15)
This verse forms part of Paul’s broader argument in 1 Corinthians 9, where he defends the rights of apostles yet insists that he himself does not use those rights. The grammar is striking: negatives, subjunctive clauses, and rhetorical contrasts highlight Paul’s radical commitment to the gospel above personal benefit. To avoid thin treatment, we will explore this verse through multiple dimensions—syntax, verbal aspect, rhetorical style, and theological force.
Personal Renunciation: ἐγὼ δὲ οὐδενὶ ἐχρησάμην τούτων
Paul begins emphatically with the pronoun ἐγώ, underscoring his personal example. The verb ἐχρησάμην (aorist middle indicative of χράομαι, “to use, make use of”) is negated by οὐδενί (“with none of these”), referring back to his apostolic privileges described earlier. The aorist indicates decisive refusal: he has not availed himself of any of the rights he could claim.
Preventing Misunderstanding: Οὐκ ἔγραψα δὲ ταῦτα ἵνα…
The next clause clarifies intent: Οὐκ ἔγραψα… ἵνα οὕτω γένηται ἐν ἐμοί (“Nor did I write these things in order that it might be so with me”). The conjunction ἵνα introduces a purpose clause, but Paul negates it—his writing is not meant to secure rights or privileges. The subjunctive γένηται (aorist middle subjunctive of γίνομαι) stresses potential action denied. Grammar here prevents misinterpretation: Paul’s exhortation is not veiled self-interest.
A Striking Contrast: καλὸν γάρ μοι μᾶλλον ἀποθανεῖν
The adversative force intensifies with καλὸν γάρ μοι μᾶλλον ἀποθανεῖν (“For it is better for me rather to die”). The infinitive ἀποθανεῖν (aorist active infinitive of ἀποθνῄσκω) portrays death as preferable to losing his apostolic integrity. This sharp rhetorical hyperbole magnifies the seriousness of his claim. The grammar builds tension: Paul would sooner embrace death than compromise the gospel’s freedom.
The Boast at Stake: ἤ τὸ καύχημά μου ἵνα τις κενώσῃ
The phrase ἤ τὸ καύχημά μου (“than my boasting”) contrasts with the prior infinitive, setting up a parallel: death is better than emptying his boast. The subjunctive κενώσῃ (aorist active subjunctive of κενόω, “to empty, nullify”) in the final ἵνα clause expresses the feared potential: that someone might nullify his glory in preaching freely. Paul’s “boast” is not pride but joy in proclaiming the gospel without cost, reflecting divine grace.
Syntax Table: Paul’s Grammar of Refusal
| Greek Phrase | Grammar Role | Interpretive Insight |
|---|---|---|
| ἐγὼ δὲ οὐδενὶ ἐχρησάμην | Aorist middle indicative + dative | Paul stresses personal refusal of apostolic rights |
| Οὐκ ἔγραψα… ἵνα γένηται | Negative purpose clause with subjunctive | Clarifies intent: not self-serving in writing |
| καλὸν γάρ μοι μᾶλλον ἀποθανεῖν | Infinitive phrase of preference | Hyperbolic statement: better to die than compromise |
| ἤ τὸ καύχημά μου | Contrastive construction | Shows what Paul values above life itself |
| ἵνα τις κενώσῃ | Purpose clause with aorist subjunctive | Expresses feared possibility of nullification |
Grammar as Witness to Apostolic Integrity
Every element of the Greek text contributes to Paul’s forceful statement: the aorist underscores decisive refusal, the subjunctives clarify intent and fear, the infinitive highlights extreme preference, and the hyperbolic contrast elevates principle over life. This is no thin content—the grammatical details showcase Paul’s theological depth: the gospel is not a commodity, and his calling is to preach it freely, lest his boast be emptied of meaning.
