Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 9:8

What does 1 Corinthians 9:8 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 9:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 9:8 means

Paul asks whether he is speaking only from human custom, then points to the law of Moses to show that God himself teaches this principle. He wants the Corinthians to see that this is not a merely pragmatic or cultural argument. God’s revealed will affirms the justice of supporting those who labor. By appealing to Scripture, he anchors the right to support in divine wisdom, not personal preference. When apostolic practice, common life, and the law all align, the conclusion is strong. This strategy readies his readers to receive the specific biblical citation that follows and to treat it as a binding moral lesson, not just a helpful suggestion.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Do I speak these things after the manner of men? or saith not the law also the same?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Do I speak these things after the manner of men? or saith not the law also the same?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Am I talking as a man? does not the law say the same?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

According to man do I speak these things? or doth not also the law say these things?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Speak I these things according to man? Or doth not the law also say; these things?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Do I speak these things as a man, or does not the law also say these things?

Context

Having used examples from ordinary life, Paul now elevates the foundation of his claim. Verse 8 is the hinge from human reasoning to biblical authority. He signals that the law speaks to this very issue. In verse 9 he will quote a command from the law of Moses about oxen. Then, in verse 10, he will interpret its broader purpose for human workers. The move from custom to Scripture heightens the weight of his argument before he applies it to the Corinthians’ situation.

v.7What soldier ever serveth at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?

v.8This passage

v.9For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. Is it for the oxen that God careth,

Cross references

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

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:8

    Therefore he that rejecteth, rejecteth not man, but God, who giveth his Holy Spirit unto you.

  • Isaiah 8:20

    To the law and to the testimony! if they speak not according to this word, surely there is no morning for them.

  • Romans 3:31

    Do we then make the law of none effect through faith? God forbid: nay, we establish the law.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:34

    let the women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as also saith the law.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:40

    But she is happier if she abide as she is, after my judgment: and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.

  • Romans 6:19

    I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye presented your members as servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity, even so now present your members as servants to righteousness unto sanctification.

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