The Greek noun brabeion (βραβεῖον) refers to the prize, award, or trophy given to the winner of an athletic contest. In the Greek games, the victor received a wreath or other prize at the bēma (judgment seat) from the brabeus (umpire/judge). The word appears twice in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 9:24; Philippians 3:14), both times in Paul's athletic metaphors for the Christian life.
Paul uses brabeion to describe the ultimate goal of the Christian life: "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14). Unlike Olympic prizes which perish, the believer's prize is eternal — conformity to Christ, resurrection life, and the fullness of God's presence. In 1 Corinthians 9:24, Paul notes that in a race only one receives the prize, but exhorts Christians to "run in such a way as to get the prize" — meaning with full commitment and discipline. The Christian's prize is not earned by merit but received by grace through faithful endurance.