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1 Corinthians 9:11

GenerosityServing others

9 For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned?

10 Isn’t He actually speaking on our behalf? Indeed, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they should also expect to share in the harvest.

If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much for us to reap a material harvest from you?

12 If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.

13 Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings?

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This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much for us to reap a material harvest from you?
KJV
If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
WEB
If we sowed to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we reap your fleshly things?
ASV
If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things?
DARBY
If we have sown to you spiritual things, [is it a] great [thing] if *we* shall reap your carnal things?
BLB
If we sowed spiritual things among you⁺, [is it] too much if we will reap fleshly things from you⁺?
ÅB
Har vi sådd for dere de åndelige goder, er det da noe stort om vi høster deres timelige goder?
OTB
Hvis vi har delt åndelige velsignelser med dere, er det da for mye å forvente materiell støtte fra dere?
B1930
Har vi sådd for eder de åndelige goder, er det da noget stort om vi høster eders timelige goder?

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Romans 15:27

    They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual blessings, they are obligated to minister to them with material blessings.

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  • Galatians 6:6

    Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.

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  • Matthew 10:10

    Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions.

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  • 2 Corinthians 11:15

    It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.

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  • Malachi 3:8–9

    Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’ In tithes and offerings.

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  • 2 Kings 5:13

    Naaman’s servants, however, approached him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’?”

    Read in context