This noun denotes the prize awarded to victors in athletic competitions, particularly in the Greek games. The word originally referred to the baton or wand given as a prize, then extended to any victor's reward. Paul twice uses this athletic imagery to describe the Christian life's goal. He speaks of running in such a way as to 'obtain the prize' (1 Cor 9:24), and later of 'pressing toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus' (Phil 3:14). The image evokes the intense training, singular focus, and competitive determination of ancient athletes, applied to spiritual pursuit.