1 Corinthians 9:8 kjv
Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?
1 Corinthians 9:8 nkjv
Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also?
1 Corinthians 9:8 niv
Do I say this merely on human authority? Doesn't the Law say the same thing?
1 Corinthians 9:8 esv
Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same?
1 Corinthians 9:8 nlt
Am I expressing merely a human opinion, or does the law say the same thing?
1 Corinthians 9 8 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 9:9 | "For it is written in the Law of Moses, 'You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.'" | Deuteronomy 25:4 (Fulfills law regarding support) |
| 1 Tim 5:18 | "The laborer deserves his wages." | Deuteronomy 25:4 (Echoes the principle) |
| Deut 25:4 | "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain." | Law of Moses (Primary source of the saying) |
| Gal 6:6 | "Let the one who is taught the word share all his good things with the one who instructs him." | Principle of mutual support |
| 2 Thess 3:9 | "It is not because we do not have the right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate." | Paul's practice of self-support |
| Luke 10:7 | "And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages." | Jesus' instruction to the seventy |
| 1 Cor 9:14 | "Likewise, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel." | Direct command from Christ |
| Rom 15:27 | "They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material things." | Principle of sharing spiritual for material |
| 1 Cor 9:11 | "If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?" | Analogy of sowing and reaping |
| Acts 20:34 | "You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who are with me." | Paul's personal example of work |
| 1 Cor 9:12 | "If others share this right over you, do not we even more? But we did not use this right, but endure all things, so that we might not put any obstacle to the gospel of Christ." | Explains his voluntary forbearance |
| Matt 10:10 | "no bag for their journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff, for the laborer is worthy of his food." | Jesus' commissioning of the apostles |
| 1 Cor 9:10 | "for it is written for our sake, no doubt, this should be written that the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of a share in the yield." | Reiterates the principle for believers |
| 2 Cor 11:12 | "And what I do I will continue to do, in order to cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things whereof they glory." | Explains why he sometimes refrains from rights |
| 1 Cor 9:18 | "What then is my reward? That when I preach the gospel I may present the gospel free of charge, so as to use my rightful claim to the gospel not at all." | His ultimate goal concerning his rights |
| 1 Tim 6:18 | "To do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share." | Principle of generosity |
| Ps 111:5 | "He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever." | God's provision for the faithful |
| John 6:27 | "Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you." | Distinction between spiritual and temporal |
| Phil 4:17 | "Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your account." | Desire for the fruit of their labor |
| Heb 13:5 | "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" | Contentment and trust in God's provision |
| Acts 1:8 | "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses..." | Commission to preach |
1 Corinthians 9 verses
1 Corinthians 9 8 Meaning
This verse is a rhetorical question used by the Apostle Paul. It asks if the law of Moses or the common legal and social understanding of his time prohibited testimony based on what was written, particularly regarding property or rights. Paul is implying that simply because something is written down in law, it doesn't necessarily forbid another form of validation or justification. This sets up his argument for why he, as an apostle, has the right to expect financial support from the churches he ministers to. He is contrasting his legitimate right, based on God's direct command and common practice for those who work, with an argument that might suggest the scriptures prohibit his ministry support.
1 Corinthians 9 8 Context
This verse is found in 1 Corinthians chapter 9, where the Apostle Paul is defending his apostolic rights and his voluntary decision to forgo certain privileges for the sake of the Gospel. He is addressing concerns within the Corinthian church regarding his authority and financial support. Paul has established the principle that laborers are worthy of their wages, using the analogy of an ox not being muzzled while threshing. He then presents this question about whether existing law prohibits receiving support based on written declarations. Paul is indirectly addressing those who might be questioning his right to receive financial support from the church, perhaps due to a misinterpretation of scripture or a different ascetic mindset prevalent in some Corinthian factions. He argues that his status as an apostle, ordained by Christ, grants him this right, a right recognized by the law of Moses and common sense, and not negated by its mere existence. This defense is part of his larger argument to explain his practices and assert his legitimate claims while also highlighting his charitable forbearance in not always exercising those rights.
1 Corinthians 9 8 Word Analysis
- Is it (mē tis) - A Greek particle indicating a question, usually seeking a negative answer or expressing doubt. "Is it the case that?" or "Is it that...?"
- according (katá) - A preposition meaning "down," "according to," "against." Here it signifies "in accordance with" or "according to."
- to (Lekomenon) - From lego (to say, speak). Here it is the present passive participle, meaning "that which is said" or "that which is written."
- the (ton) - The definite article, masculine accusative singular.
- Law (Nomon) - From nomos, meaning "law," "statute," "ordinance." Refers to the Law of Moses.
- of (Mōseōs) - Genitive case of Moses.
- Moses - The name of the Hebrew lawgiver.
- that (hina) - A conjunction introducing a purpose or result clause, often translated as "in order that," "so that," "that." Here, it introduces the content of what is written.
- an (Bos) - From bous, meaning "ox." Masculine nominative singular.
- ox - Refers to a bovine animal, typically used for work.
- shall (polemistēs) - Not a word in the Greek text for this concept; it's the masculine participle of polemeō meaning "to war" or "fight." This translation seems incorrect for this specific verse, but likely refers to the subsequent mention of fighting or laboring in 1 Cor 9:7 and onwards in the argument, not in this specific verse's clause regarding "the law." The intended meaning is a prohibition against.
- not (me) - The negative particle.
- muzzle (phimōsis) - From phimoō, meaning "to muzzle," "gag," "silence." The noun form, phimōsis, refers to the act of muzzling.
- his (autou) - Possessive pronoun, "his," "her," "its."
- mouth (stoma) - Refers to the mouth.
- while (ethelontas) - Participle from ethelo meaning "to be willing" or "desire." Again, likely a misinterpretation of the specific word for "while" or "as." The actual Greek for the prohibition being applied "while it treads" is derived from aloao.
- treading (aloontas) - From aloao, meaning "to thresh," "to tread out grain." The participle indicates the action happening concurrently.
- the (ton) - Definite article.
- grain (alouflon) - Refers to grain, especially as it is being threshed.
Group analysis:
- "Is it according to the Law of Moses, that an ox shall not muzzle his mouth while treading the grain?" – This entire phrase is structured as a prohibition recorded in the Mosaic Law, posed as a question to check if its existence negates another form of entitlement or justification.
1 Corinthians 9 8 Bonus Section
Paul's rhetorical question serves a strategic purpose in his argumentation. It aims to silence potential objections by demonstrating that his claim for support is not contrary to established divine law, but rather finds its justification within it. This technique, known as "legalistic proof-texting" (though Paul uses it correctly to establish a principle, not to distort meaning), reinforces his authority by aligning his conduct and claims with scriptural precedent. The broader context shows Paul willing to waive his rights (9:12, 9:15) if it serves the Gospel, but this particular argument establishes the legitimacy of those rights should he choose to exercise them. His argument is consistent with the "law of Christ" which supersedes or fulfills the letter of the Law of Moses, as seen in passages like Matthew 5:17.
1 Corinthians 9 8 Commentary
Paul leverages the principle embedded in Deuteronomy 25:4 regarding the ox. The Law commanded that an ox should not be muzzled while it was treading out the grain. This wasn't just about animal welfare; it illustrated a broader principle of justice and reciprocity: those who work, especially in producing food, should be able to partake in the fruits of their labor. Paul asks if the written law forbidding this specific act implies that all other forms of labor support or testimony of right are thus disallowed. He is arguing against such an interpretation. The very existence of this statute, designed to ensure provision for the laborer (the ox), implies a divine sanction for the laborer to receive sustenance. Therefore, Paul is implicitly stating that the law itself, far from prohibiting support for those who labor in ministry, actually provides a scriptural precedent for it. This verse is pivotal because it connects the Old Testament Law to the rights of New Testament ministers, showing that God’s provision for workers is a consistent principle throughout salvation history. Paul’s use of the Law highlights that his claims are not based on human custom or his own will alone, but are grounded in divine ordinance.