Adikimos Definition:
- not standing the test, not approved
- properly used of metals and coins
- that which does not prove itself such as it ought
- unfit for, unproved, spurious, reprobate
https://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/adokimos.html
You are correct that in the context of 1 Corinthians 9:27, it does not mean lose salvation. *The NIV says
..disqualified for the prize and not disqualified for salvation. This is what happens when people give words a "broad brushed definition" in every instance. I see this happen a lot with the word "justified." (Romans 5:1; James 2:24) A "broad brushed definition" of the word "justified" results in the false doctrine of "saved by works" in James 2:24.
In context, Paul asks the question. What is the
prize before Paul? Is it that
reward of which he spoke in verse 1 Corinthians 9:18, his glorying of preaching a free gospel? There are those who take Paul to be referring to the possibility of his rejection in his personal salvation at the end of the race. The problem that I see with that interpretation is there is a difference between a
prize and a
gift. A prize is something that you work for and earn where a gift is something that you freely accept without merit.
Prize (brabeion) - the
prize awarded to a victor, the
reward (recognition) that follows triumph. Yet salvation is a free gift that we freely accept. (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8). 1 Corinthians 3:14-15 mentions - If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a
reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, (of reward)
though he himself will be saved.
Kenneth Wuest paraphrases the last half of
1Co 9:27 as "I myself should be disqualified [from further Christian service]."
Henry Morris writes that "The Greek for "castaway" (adokimos) means literally "disapproved," but it does not suggest being discarded altogether. Paul had just written about losing all rewards but still being saved (
1Corinthians 3:15), and he realized that this could become possible even for him. (
Defender's Study Bible Online Notes)
W A Criswell observes that "Paul's assurance of salvation (cf.
2Ti 1:12) and his confidence in the security of the believer (cf.
Ro 8:30,
31) go hand-in-hand with self-discipline and watchfulness (
1Co 10:12). There is no hint of any possible loss of salvation in the text. Paul disciplines himself rigorously so that he will not become "disqualified." This final word is adokimos (Gk.), suggesting the idea of "disapproved." Paul does not fear loss of salvation, but rather loss of his work and influence as a minister of Christ. (
Criswell, W A. Believer's Study Bible: New King James Version. 1991. Thomas Nelson)
Everett Harrison writes that "The emphasis in the NT falls rather on self-discipline as the key to dedicated usefulness in the kingdom of God (
1Co 9:24-27) (Colossians: Christ All Sufficient. Everyman's Bible Commentary).
Scofield writes that in using adokimos "The apostle is writing of service, not of salvation. He is not expressing fear that he may fail of salvation but of his crown.
Paul does not seem to indicate any insecurity about his position - "Now there is in store for me the
crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will
award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:8).
In 1 Corinthians 9:24, Paul mentions - Do you not know that those who run in a race
all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. That doesn't sound like the free gift of eternal life. That sounds like an Olympic race where
all run, but only one receives the gold medal. Would this mean that everyone else is disqualified from the race? Silver medal, bronze medal, no medal but finished the race, all disqualified from the race? Of course not!