1 Corinthians 9 10

1 Corinthians 9:10 kjv

Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

1 Corinthians 9:10 nkjv

Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope.

1 Corinthians 9:10 niv

Surely he says this for us, doesn't he? Yes, this was written for us, because whoever plows and threshes should be able to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest.

1 Corinthians 9:10 esv

Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop.

1 Corinthians 9:10 nlt

Wasn't he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest.

1 Corinthians 9 verses

1 Corinthians 9 10 meaning

First Corinthians 9:10 underscores that the Old Testament command not to muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain (Deut 25:4) is primarily intended for human beings, specifically for those engaged in spiritual labor. It establishes the principle that those who dedicate themselves to the work of the gospel, akin to a plowman or a thresher, should do so with a confident expectation (hope) of receiving sustenance and sharing in the material fruits of their efforts. This verse justifies the right of Christian ministers to be supported by those they serve, linking diligence in ministry with the just expectation of provision.

1 Corinthians 9 10 Context

First Corinthians 9 addresses Paul's defense of his apostleship and his right to receive financial support from the churches he served, even though he frequently waived this right. Verses 1-3 assert his apostleship. Verses 4-8 outline the standard rights of an apostle (e.g., to eat and drink, to marry, to receive support) by using common human examples like soldiers, farmers, and shepherds. Verse 9 then brings in a key Old Testament example from Deut 25:4, which forbade muzzling an ox during threshing, thereby ensuring the working animal could partake of the produce.

Verse 10 serves as a crucial interpretative bridge. Paul uses this divine law concerning oxen to establish a far greater truth: if God cares about an ox's provision, how much more does He care about His human servants, especially those engaged in vital spiritual work? He emphasizes that this law "altogether for our sake" signifies that the underlying principle applies directly to the human workers of the gospel in Corinth and beyond, validating their right to expect material sustenance from their labor in the hope of sharing in the spiritual harvest.

1 Corinthians 9 10 Word analysis

• For (γὰρ - gar): An explanatory conjunction, introducing the reason or elaboration for the preceding statement in verse 9. It links the interpretation of the Old Testament law to the current context.
• he says it (λέγει - legei): Implying God as the ultimate speaker or author of the Scripture (Deut 25:4). It emphasizes divine authority and intention behind the law.
• altogether (πάντως - pantōs): This adverb means "certainly," "by all means," or "entirely." It powerfully asserts that the command's primary and full intent is not for the animal, but for believers, specifically ministers of the Gospel.
• for our sake (δι' ἡμᾶς - di hēmas): "Through us" or "for our benefit/on our account." This highlights the direct application of the law's principle to humans, particularly to those who labor spiritually.
• For (γὰρ - gar): Again, an explanatory conjunction, further elaborating on how the previous statement is true—by providing the specific examples of the plowman and thresher.
• the plower (ἀροτριῶν - arotrion): Present participle, "he who plows." Metaphor for a worker in ministry who prepares the ground, teaches, or evangelizes, laying foundations. It signifies arduous and foundational effort.
• ought to plow (ὀφείλει ἀροτριᾷν - opheilei arotrimai): Expresses moral obligation or proper conduct. It's not just that they can plow in hope, but that they should—it's part of the just order.
• in hope (ἐλπίδι - elpidi): Denotes confident expectation or assurance. This hope is not mere wishful thinking but a firm conviction rooted in God's faithfulness and justice, that their labor will be fruitful and provide sustenance.
• and the thresher (ὁ ἀλοῶν - ho aloōn): Present participle, "he who threshes." Metaphor for a worker who brings in the harvest, nurtures converts, or applies God's word, doing intense, crucial work at the point of fruit collection.
• to thresh (ἀλοᾷν - aloan): To separate the grain from the chaff, a labor-intensive but rewarding final stage of the harvest.
• in hope (ἐλπίδι - elpidi): Repetition of the crucial motivational aspect for hard work—the expectation of just reward.
• of sharing in the crop (τοῦ μετέχειν - tou metexein): Literally "of partaking," or "to share in." Refers to partaking in the material sustenance derived from the agricultural (spiritual) labor. It is the deserved recompense.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "For he says it altogether for our sake": This phrase directly establishes God's underlying purpose in the Mosaic Law. It's not merely an ancient agricultural regulation but a principle with direct relevance to gospel workers, indicating divine intentionality for their provision.
• "For the plower ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope": These parallel clauses use agricultural metaphors to illustrate various facets of spiritual labor. "Plowing" represents foundational, preparatory work (like evangelism or teaching basic truths), while "threshing" represents bringing the work to fruition or continuing in ministry, dealing with the direct produce. The crucial common element "in hope" means their diligence is fueled by the righteous expectation of recompense and benefit, both spiritual and material.
• "of sharing in the crop": This concluding phrase clarifies the nature of the hope—it is a hope of partaking in the fruit or proceeds of their labor, confirming the right to material sustenance for those engaged in spiritual work.

1 Corinthians 9 10 Bonus section

The argument employed by Paul in this verse is an a fortiori argument (from the lesser to the greater). If God, in His meticulous care, provides for an animal engaged in labor, how much more would He intend for human beings, especially those dedicating their lives to His most vital spiritual work, to receive sustenance? This highlights the immense value God places on human labor for His kingdom. The concept of "hope" here is crucial; it is not simply passive waiting, but an active, faith-filled expectation that underpins diligent effort, knowing that such effort is aligned with divine justice and will not go unrewarded in its various forms. This principle not only empowers gospel workers to commit fully without fear of destitution but also establishes a clear responsibility for the wider Christian community to be conduits of God's provision.

1 Corinthians 9 10 Commentary

First Corinthians 9:10 articulates a foundational principle for the material support of those who minister the gospel. Paul brilliantly transitions from a seemingly mundane Old Testament law about an ox to a profound theological truth about divine intention for human workers. The repetition of "for" frames an argumentative chain: the Law isn't only for oxen, it's entirely for us, meaning that the general principle of a worker having a just expectation of reward is universally applicable, especially to spiritual labor. The images of "plowing" and "threshing" comprehensively represent the arduous, continuous, and fruitful work of ministry, encompassing everything from initial outreach to mature discipleship. The driving force is "hope," not merely a wish, but a confident expectation that God's just character ensures the laborer will share in the "crop" or outcome. This "sharing" encompasses both spiritual fruit (the growth of the church, converted lives) and material sustenance for the laborer themselves. It is God's just design that those who sow spiritual things should reap material things (Rom 15:27, 1 Cor 9:11). This verse combats the idea that spiritual labor should be uncompensated, asserting a divine mandate for supporting those called to ministry.

Examples for practical usage:

• A church deciding on fair compensation for its pastor or ministry staff, reflecting God's provision.
• Individual believers prayerfully considering their financial support for missionaries or teachers.
• Ministers discerning their own expectations regarding material support, recognizing their right while perhaps, like Paul, sometimes waiving it for the sake of the gospel.