1 Corinthians 9:11
What does 1 Corinthians 9:11 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 9:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 9:11 means
Paul argues from greater to lesser: if he has planted “spiritual things” among the Corinthians, is it too much to receive from them “carnal things,” that is, material support? Spiritual ministry carries eternal value; receiving temporal goods in return is modest and fair. The comparison does not demean material gifts but puts them in perspective. He is not demanding money; he is clarifying a rightful expectation rooted in gratitude and partnership in the gospel. This sets the stage for his surprising choice to waive that right in Corinth, not because it is invalid, but because he judged that accepting it there might hinder the message.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things?
KJV
King James Version · 1611If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If we have been planting the things of the Spirit for you, does it seem a great thing for you to give us a part in your things of this world?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862If we to you the spiritual things did sow--great <FI>is it<Fi> if we your fleshly things do reap?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we reap your carnal things?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890If we have sown to you spiritual things, [is it a] great [thing] if we shall reap your carnal things?
Context
With Scripture’s principle in view, Paul now applies it to his relationship with the Corinthians. Verse 11 brings the argument home: spiritual sowing reasonably leads to material reaping. This asserts the legitimacy of support without embarrassment. Next, in verse 12, Paul will acknowledge that others already share in this right among them, then reveal his own decision not to use it in their case, prioritizing the gospel’s unhindered progress over his personal comforts.
v.10or saith he it assuredly for our sake? Yea, for our sake it was written: because he that ploweth ought to plow in hope, and he that thresheth, to thresh in hope of partaking.
v.11This passage
v.12If others partake of this right over you, do not we yet more? Nevertheless we did not use this right; but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 10:10
no wallet for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.
- 2 Corinthians 11:15
It is no great thing therefore if his ministers also fashion themselves as ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
- Galatians 6:6
But let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
- 2 Kings 5:13
And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?
- Romans 15:27
Yea, it hath been their good pleasure; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, they owe it to them also to minister unto them in carnal things.
- Malachi 3:8
Will a man rob God? yet ye rob me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
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