What is the imperishable crown in 1 Corinthians 9:25?

In 1 Corinthians 9:25, the apostle Paul writes, “Everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown” (NKJV). Here, Paul compares rigorous athletic training with the self-control required for Christian living. Athletes train to receive a “perishable crown,” but Christians train to receive an “imperishable crown”—one that endures forever.

The “crowns” that ancient athletes competed for were indeed perishable. They were, in fact, nothing more than a wreath of plants. Various games awarded garlands of pine, olive, parsley, or laurel (bay). Their nature was to fade quickly. Alexander MacLaren notes the irony of such prizes: “One of the most famous of the Greek athletic festivals was held close by Corinth. Its prize was a pine-wreath from the neighbouring sacred grove. The painful abstinence and training of ten months, and the fierce struggle of ten minutes, had for their result a twist of green leaves, that withered in a week, and a little fading fame that was worth scarcely more, and lasted scarcely longer. The struggle and the discipline were noble; the end was contemptible” (Expositions Of Holy Scripture, 1900).

In contrast to the quickly fading honors conferred by the world, believers receive an eternal and imperishable crown for faithful service to God. Christians will receive crowns that will never wither or decay. James 1:2 says, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (ESV). An “imperishable crown” and the “crown of life” are rewards for steadfastness.

In their pursuit of an imperishable crown, believers must be self-disciplined. Athletes remove all distractions before participating in a competition to focus on winning. Likewise, Christians must “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1–2, ESV).

An imperishable crown is incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading. It matches our inheritance: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3–4, ESV). Because God safeguards our imperishable crowns, we should not worry about losing them. He will preserve them from destruction and decay. Jesus told us, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19–20, ESV). Imperishable crowns are part of the treasures in heaven we should be seeking.

The promise of an imperishable crown should motivate us to strive for holiness in this life. Athletic training has some benefits, but “godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8, ESV). It is our duty to actively pursue Christlikeness. We must have the mind, heart, and spirit of Christ. Paul says, “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had” (Philippians 2:5, NLT). Jesus had a selfless attitude, serving God and others, and He received everlasting honors (Philippians 2:9). And we will, too, if we model our lives after Him.

An imperishable crown is the reward for those who overcome the world by faith in the Lord Jesus (1 John 5:5). We must run the Christian race with patient endurance and keep our eyes on Jesus. We are not alone. God will ensure we cross the finish line to receive the imperishable crowns He prepared for us.