βραβεῖον (brabeion)
brabeion
prize
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun brabeion refers to the prize awarded to a victor in athletic contests. Derived from the word for an umpire or judge, it denotes the tangible reward given by the official who oversees the competition. In the New Testament, this term appears only twice, both within Paul’s letters, where he draws on the familiar imagery of Greek games.
Paul uses brabeion metaphorically to describe the Christian’s ultimate goal. In 1 Corinthians 9:24, he urges believers to run in such a way as to receive it, emphasizing that while athletes seek a perishable crown, Christians pursue something eternal. He repeats this concept in Philippians 3:14, describing his pursuit of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. The term highlights the focused effort and discipline required to attain this heavenly reward.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word brabeion brings to mind the finish line of an ancient Greek stadium. Athletes trained hard, pushing their bodies to the limit, all for a wreath that would soon wither and fade. Paul uses this familiar scene to remind us that our spiritual life requires similar focus. We are not wandering aimlessly; we are running toward a specific goal.
Unlike the perishable crowns of old, the prize God offers is eternal. It is the reward of the upward call in Christ Jesus. This image encourages us to keep our eyes fixed on what truly lasts. When distractions pull us away or fatigue sets in, remembering this prize helps us stay steady and faithful in our daily walk.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- prize?1×
- prize1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βραβεῖον;1×
- βραβεῖον1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 9:24
Don’t you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, so that you may win.
Paul uses the race metaphor to urge believers to run with intentional focus so they might secure the eternal reward rather than just participating.
-
Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Paul describes his personal pursuit of this prize as pressing toward the goal of God's high calling in Christ Jesus, highlighting active effort.