Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 9:14

What does 1 Corinthians 9:14 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 9:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 9:14 means

Paul states that the Lord himself ordained that those who proclaim the gospel should make their living by the gospel. Jesus taught his messengers to receive hospitality and support as they labored. This is not a concession to human weakness but the Lord’s wise provision for his workers. It dignifies the office and frees ministers to devote themselves to the Word. With this, Paul’s case is complete: nature, law, temple precedent, and Christ agree. Yet he will still say that, in Corinth, he deliberately refused this right—not because it was wrong to accept it, but because love for the gospel’s advance led him to a different choice there.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Even so did the Lord ordain that they that proclaim the gospel should live of the gospel.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Even so did the Lord ordain that they that proclaim the gospel should live of the gospel.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Even so did the Lord give orders that the preachers of the good news might get their living from the good news.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

so also did the Lord direct to those proclaiming the good news: of the good news to live.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

So also the Lord ordained that they who preach the gospel should live by the gospel.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

So also the Lord has ordained to those that announce the glad tidings to live of the glad tidings.

Context

This verse crowns Paul’s argument for ministerial support with the Lord’s authority. Having shown the principle from multiple angles, he now anchors it in Jesus’ command. With the right thus firmly established, Paul will pivot in verse 15 to emphasize that he has not used it among the Corinthians, nor is he writing to change that. Verses 16–18 will then unfold his inner compulsion to preach and his chosen “reward” of offering the gospel free of charge.

v.13Know ye not that they that minister about sacred things eat of the things of the temple, and they that wait upon the altar have their portion with the altar?

v.14This passage

v.15But I have used none of these things: and I write not these things that it may be so done in my case; for it were good for me rather to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 10:7

    And in that same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

  • Matthew 10:10

    no wallet for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.

  • 1 Timothy 5:17

    Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.

  • Galatians 6:6

    But let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:4

    Have we no right to eat and to drink?

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