1 Corinthians 9:9-16

Paul Surrenders His Rights

9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, u "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned? 10 Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written v for our sake, because w the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. 11 x If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?

12 If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, y we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything z rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that a those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? 14 In the same way, the Lord commanded that b those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

15 But c I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone d deprive me of my ground for boasting. 16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For e necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

  1. Cross References
    1 Timothy 5:18
    For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages.
    Deuteronomy 25:4
    You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain.
  2. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 25:4
    You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain.
  3. Cross References
    Romans 4:24
    But for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord.
  4. Cross References
    2 Timothy 2:6
    It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.
  5. Cross References
    Romans 15:27
    For 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 blessings.
    Galatians 6:6
    One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches.
  6. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 9:15
    But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting.
    1 Corinthians 9:18
    What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.
    Acts 20:33
    I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.
  7. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 6:3
    We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry.
    2 Corinthians 11:12
    And what I do I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do.
  8. Cross References
    Leviticus 6:16
    And the rest of it Aaron and his sons shall eat...
    Leviticus 6:26
    The priest who offers it for sin shall eat it. ...
    Leviticus 7:6
    Every male among the priests may eat of it. It ...
    Numbers 5:9 - 10
    And every contribution, all the holy donations ...
    Numbers 18:8 - 20
    Then the Lord spoke to Aaron, "Behold, I have g...
    Deuteronomy 18:1
    The Levitical priests, all the tribe of Levi, s...
  9. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 9:4
    Do we not have the right to eat and drink?
    Matthew 10:10
    No bag for your journey, nor two tunics nor sandals nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.
  10. Cross References
    Acts 18:3
    And because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.
  11. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 11:10
    As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia.
  12. Cross References
    Acts 4:20
    For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.
    Acts 9:6
    But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.
    Romans 1:14
    I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.