1 Corinthians 9 4

1 Corinthians 9:4 kjv

Have we not power to eat and to drink?

1 Corinthians 9:4 nkjv

Do we have no right to eat and drink?

1 Corinthians 9:4 niv

Don't we have the right to food and drink?

1 Corinthians 9:4 esv

Do we not have the right to eat and drink?

1 Corinthians 9:4 nlt

Don't we have the right to live in your homes and share your meals?

1 Corinthians 9 verses

1 Corinthians 9 4 Meaning

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

1 Corinthians 9 4 Context

This verse is found in the second letter to Timothy, specifically in chapter 3, verses 10-17. Paul is writing to his protégé, Timothy, who is leading the church in Ephesus. Paul encourages Timothy to persevere in his ministry despite facing opposition and false teachers. The preceding verses (v. 1-9) detail the corrupt and wicked character of people in the "last days," who will be lovers of themselves, greedy, boastful, etc. Against this backdrop of moral decay, Paul presents Scripture as the reliable and divine source of truth and guidance, contrasting its enduring power with the fleeting corruptions of men. He draws a parallel to the resistance encountered by Moses from the Egyptian sorcerers Jannes and Jambres, who opposed him as these false teachers oppose the truth. Therefore, 1 Corinthians 9:4 is part of Paul's personal defense of his apostolic rights and privileges, emphasizing that while he has a right to financial support for his ministry, he chose not to exercise it in Corinth for the sake of the Gospel.

1 Corinthians 9 4 Word analysis

• all (pas - πᾶς): Signifies entirety, completeness. It applies to the whole corpus of Scripture.
• Scripture (graphē - γραφῇ): Refers to the written Word of God, specifically the Old Testament canon in the first-century context, but by extension includes the New Testament as it is being written.
• is (estin - ἐστίν): A present indicative verb, indicating a timeless truth about Scripture's nature.
• God-breathed (theopneustos - θεόπνευστος): A compound word. Theos (God) + pneo (to breathe). It means "breathed out by God." This is a pivotal term emphasizing divine origin and direct inspiration. It suggests that Scripture is not merely the product of human thought or imagination but the very utterance of God, brought forth by His Spirit. The Holy Spirit moved and guided the human authors (2 Pet 1:20-21).
• and (kai - καὶ): Connects the two clauses, linking the source of Scripture to its utility.
• is profitable (ophelimos - ὠφέλιμος): Useful, beneficial, advantageous. This highlights the practical value and application of Scripture.
• for (pros - πρὸς): Indicates the purpose or direction of its usefulness.
• teaching (didaskalian - διδασκαλίαν): Instruction, doctrine, what is taught.
• for reproof (elenchon - ἔλεγχον): Rebuke, conviction, exposure of error or wrongdoing. It's about bringing sin or false teaching to light.
• for correction (epanorthōsin - ἐπανόρθωσιν): Restoration, straightening, setting right what is crooked or wrong. It implies rectifying faulty thinking or behavior.
• and (kai - καὶ): Continues the list of utilities.
• for instruction (paideian - παιδείαν): Training, discipline, education in righteousness. This involves forming character and habit according to God's ways.
• in (en - ἐν): Indicates the sphere or realm in which this instruction takes place.
• righteousness (dikaiosunē - δικαιοσύνῃ): Righteous conduct, conformity to God's will.
• that (hina - ἵνα): Introduces a purpose clause.
• the man (anēr - ἄνθρωπος): Could refer to a male person or generally to a human being/person. In this context, it's understood broadly as "the person" or "believer."
• of God (tou theou - τοῦ θεοῦ): Belonging to God, related to God.
• may be (genētai - γένηται): A subjunctive verb indicating the result or attainment of completeness.
• complete (exērtismenos - ἐξήρτισμένος): Perfectly furnished, qualified, completed. It signifies being made adequate and ready for every assignment. The imagery can be related to fitting out a ship with all necessary equipment.
• thoroughly equipped (epetēsmēnōs - ἐπιτηδεύματος): Well-supplied, furnished. This emphasizes being fully prepared. This part seems to be a misinterpretation from some transcriptions as the word in most manuscripts is 'exartismenos'. This specific phrase is not in 2 Tim 3:17. The primary Greek word here is "exērtismenos" (ἐξήρτισμένος), meaning "fully equipped" or "perfected," thus a complete analysis requires focus on this term.
• for (pros - πρὸς): To, for the purpose of.
• every (panta - πάντα): Every single.
• good (agathon - ἀγαθὸν): Well-doing, morally good.
• work (ergon - ἔργον): Deed, action, task.

Group analysis:

• "all Scripture is God-breathed": This phrase is foundational to understanding the Bible's authority. "God-breathed" (theopneustos) establishes the supernatural origin of Scripture, distinguishing it from all human writings. The inspiration is verbal and plenary, meaning it extends to all of Scripture and the very words chosen.
• "and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness": This outlines the multi-faceted utility of inspired Scripture. It serves instructional purposes (teaching), addresses error (reproof), guides restoration (correction), and molds character (training).
• "so that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work": This states the ultimate goal and result of Scripture's profitability. Believers, equipped by God’s Word, are rendered sufficient for every godly endeavor God calls them to.

1 Corinthians 9 4 Bonus section

The term theopneustos (God-breathed) is unique in Scripture. It appears only in this verse and in 2 Timothy 3:16 (as part of the same phrase in the Greek). This unique wording underscores the singular nature of biblical inspiration, marking the Scriptures as distinct from all other literature, sacred or secular. The comprehensive nature of its equipping means no other source is needed to be a mature, effective servant of God. The "good work" encompasses both evangelism and discipleship, as well as living a life pleasing to God. The Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, directed Timothy to these truths to fortify him against doctrinal error and to ground him in the certainty and utility of God's infallible Word.

1 Corinthians 9 4 Commentary

The doctrine of the inspiration of Scripture is crucial. "God-breathed" (theopneustos) asserts that the Bible originates from God, not mere human wisdom. This means every part of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is His authoritative word. This inspiration equips believers thoroughly for all of life's duties and service. Scripture provides correct doctrine, convicts of sin, guides in returning to God's path, and disciplines us to live a righteous life. Its purpose is to mature us into God’s servants, capable and ready for any good task He has ordained. It's the ultimate manual for the Christian life, ensuring we are not deficient in any spiritual ability or knowledge needed for service.