Understanding βραβεῖον (brabeion) Strong’s G1017: The Victor’s Prize that Illuminates Our Heavenly Calling

Pronunciation Guide: brab-i’-on (rhymes with “grab-be-on”)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1017: The βραβεῖον (brabeion) refers to the prize awarded to victors in ancient Greek athletic competitions, particularly the crown or wreath presented to winners. In biblical usage, it represents the ultimate reward given by God to faithful believers who have completed their spiritual race with perseverance. This term vividly illustrates the goal-oriented nature of the believer’s journey and emphasizes both the struggle required and the glorious reward awaiting those who remain faithful.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter)
• Root: Derived from βραβεύς (brabeus), meaning “judge” or “umpire” who awards prizes at games
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in teaching and exhortational passages of the New Testament
• Frequency: Rare, appearing only twice in the New Testament

βραβεῖον Morphology:

• βραβεῖον (nominative singular) – the prize
• βραβείου (genitive singular) – of the prize
• βραβείῳ (dative singular) – to/for the prize
• βραβεῖον (accusative singular) – the prize

Origin & History

The term βραβεῖον has deep roots in ancient Greek athletic culture, where it designated the prize awarded to victors in the public games, particularly the Isthmian and Olympic competitions. The βραβεύς (brabeus) was the judge or umpire who determined the winner and awarded the prize, which typically consisted of a wreath made from olive branches, laurel, pine, or celery, depending on the specific competition. While seemingly modest by modern standards, these awards represented the highest honor in Greek society and brought lasting fame to the recipient.

In Hellenistic literature, authors like Plutarch and Philo expanded the metaphorical use of βραβεῖον beyond literal athletic contests to represent rewards for virtue and achievement in various domains of life. The Septuagint does not contain this term, highlighting its distinctly Greek cultural origin. When early Christian writers like Paul adopted this imagery, they transformed it into a powerful metaphor for the spiritual journey, elevating the athletic prize from a temporary wreath to an eternal reward from God Himself.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The concrete prize or award given to victors in ancient Greek athletic competitions
• The metaphorical reward for excellence or achievement in any disciplined pursuit
• The eschatological reward given by God to faithful believers
• The goal toward which believers direct their spiritual efforts

βραβεῖον Translation Options:

• Prize – Emphasizes the concrete nature of the reward as something tangible and desirable
• Victor’s crown – Highlights the connection to athletic competitions and the honor bestowed
• Award – Focuses on the recognition of achievement and merit
• Heavenly reward – Captures the theological dimension as something bestowed by God
• Goal – Emphasizes the directional aspect as something to be pursued with determination

Biblical Usage

The term βραβεῖον appears only twice in the New Testament, but in both instances, it carries profound theological significance. In 1 Corinthians 9:24, Paul employs athletic imagery to urge believers to run the race of faith with discipline and purpose: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize [βραβεῖον]? So run that you may obtain it.” Here, the apostle uses the familiar cultural context of athletic competitions to illustrate the focused determination required in the spiritual life.

In Philippians 3:14, Paul personalizes this imagery, declaring, “I press on toward the goal for the prize [βραβεῖον] of the upward call of God in Messiah Jesus.” This passage reveals the prize not merely as a future reward but as a motivating goal that shapes present actions and priorities. The βραβεῖον becomes the embodiment of the believer’s hope, representing both the culmination of faithful service and the fulfillment of God’s calling. Though rare in occurrence, these references establish a powerful metaphorical framework for understanding the Christian life as a purposeful race toward a divinely appointed goal.

• “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize [βραβεῖον]? Run in such a way that you may win.” 1 Corinthians 9:24
• “I press on toward the goal for the prize [βραβεῖον] of the upward call of God in Messiah Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

Cultural Insights

The athletic competitions of ancient Greece formed a central pillar of Hellenistic culture, with the Olympic, Isthmian, Pythian, and Nemean games drawing participants and spectators from across the Mediterranean world. Competitors would undergo rigorous training for months or years, adhering to strict dietary regulations and exercise regimens under the supervision of professional trainers. On the day of competition, participants would be examined by judges to ensure eligibility before entering the stadium to compete before thousands of spectators.

The award ceremony itself was a moment of supreme honor, as the βραβεύς (judge) would place the wreath upon the victor’s head amidst public acclamation. While the physical prize—typically a wreath made from olive branches, pine, laurel, or wild celery—was perishable and held little material value, the honor it represented was immeasurable. Victors would return to their home cities as celebrated heroes, often receiving additional privileges such as tax exemptions, free meals for life, and sometimes even having statues erected in their honor. Paul’s audience in Corinth would have been particularly familiar with these customs, as the city hosted the prestigious Isthmian Games every two years, second in importance only to the Olympic Games. By invoking this powerful cultural imagery, Paul tapped into a universally understood concept that transcended ethnic boundaries, making it an ideal vehicle for communicating spiritual truths to a mixed audience of Jewish and Gentile believers.

Theological Significance

The use of βραβεῖον in New Testament theology brilliantly transforms a familiar cultural concept into a profound spiritual metaphor that illuminates multiple dimensions of salvation and discipleship. Unlike the Greco-Roman games where “only one receives the prize,” the race of faith offers the possibility of victory to all who run according to God’s standards. This democratic expansion of the winner’s circle reflects the abundant grace of יהוה (Yahweh), who desires that none should perish but that all should reach repentance and receive the crown of life.

The βραβεῖον metaphor also establishes an important theological tension between present effort and future reward, between human responsibility and divine grace. While salvation is unquestionably a gift received by faith rather than a prize earned through merit, the New Testament consistently portrays the Christian life as requiring disciplined effort, focused attention, and persevering faithfulness. The prize imagery reminds believers that while their ultimate standing before God is secured by the Messiah’s finished work, their experiential enjoyment of that salvation involves active participation in God’s sanctifying purposes. This balances the theological poles of divine sovereignty and human responsibility, preventing both passivity (“God will do it all”) and self-reliance (“I must earn God’s favor”). Instead, believers are called to “work out their salvation with fear and trembling,” even as they recognize that “it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13).

Personal Application

The concept of βραβεῖον challenges us to evaluate the direction and purpose of our spiritual journey. Just as ancient athletes organized their entire lives around the pursuit of victory, so we are called to order our priorities, decisions, and habits around the pursuit of God’s calling. This means regularly asking: “Is this activity, relationship, or commitment moving me toward or away from God’s prize?” The prize metaphor invites us to cultivate holy ambition—not for worldly status or recognition, but for hearing our Master say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

This imagery also offers encouragement during seasons of spiritual difficulty or apparent setback. Just as athletic training involves strategic resistance and planned recovery, so our spiritual development often includes challenging seasons designed to build endurance, strength, and character. When we understand that the path to the βραβεῖον passes through difficulty, we can embrace trials not as punishment or divine abandonment but as necessary preparation for receiving the prize that awaits. As you face your current challenges, remember that they are not random obstacles but divinely appointed training opportunities that prepare you to receive the full measure of what God has prepared for those who love Him.

Related Words

• στέφανος (stephanos, stef’-an-os) – the victor’s wreath or crown; while βραβεῖον emphasizes the prize itself, στέφανος focuses on the symbol of victory and honor bestowed upon the winner. See G4735
• ἆθλον (athlon, ath’-lon) – a contest or struggle; this term emphasizes the competition itself rather than the reward, highlighting the effort and conflict involved in athletic contests. Though not appearing in the New Testament, it forms the root of our English word “athlete.” [Not in NT]
• ἀγών (agōn, ag-one’) – a gathering for games, a contest, or a struggle; this word encompasses both the competition and the internal struggle of the competitor, providing a fuller picture of the athletic metaphor. See G73
• νικάω (nikaō, nik-ah’-o) – to conquer or prevail; this verb emphasizes the act of achieving victory, which is the prerequisite for receiving the βραβεῖον. See G3528
• βραβεύω (brabeuō, brab-yoo’-o) – to act as judge or umpire; the verb form related to βραβεῖον, emphasizing the authoritative bestowal of the prize by a qualified judge. See G1018

Did you Know?

• The πεντάθλιον (pentathlon) of ancient Greek athletics included five events: running, jumping, wrestling, discus throwing, and javelin throwing. To receive the βραβεῖον, an athlete had to demonstrate excellence across multiple disciplines, much as believers are called to develop various spiritual virtues rather than excelling in just one area of obedience.
• In the ancient Olympic Games, victors not only received the immediate βραβεῖον of an olive wreath but were often granted lifetime privileges in their home cities, including front-row seats at future games, exemption from taxes, and free meals. This helps us understand why Paul and his readers would have viewed the βραβεῖον as something worth organizing one’s entire life around.
• Modern Olympic medals were inspired by the ancient concept of the βραβεῖον, but with significant differences. While today’s athletes receive gold, silver, and bronze medals based on their relative ranking, ancient Greek games typically recognized only first place—there were no second or third-place awards. This winner-take-all approach adds weight to Paul’s exhortation to “run in such a way that you may win,” as ancient athletes understood there was no prize for merely participating or coming close.

Remember This

The βραβεῖον beckons us forward, transforming our spiritual journey from aimless wandering into purposeful pursuit—reminding us that in the race of faith, the finish line is not merely the end of the journey but the beginning of our eternal reward.