1 Corinthians 9:11

If we sowed to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we reap your fleshly things?

World English Bible
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Other translations

WEBBE

If we sowed to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we reap your fleshly things?

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?

ASV

If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things?

BBE

If 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?

Original Greek

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The early church

"If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things?" Lo, he adds also a fourth argument for the duty of yielding support. For since he had said, "What soldier ever serveth at his own charges?" and, "who planteth a vineyard?" and, "who feedeth a flock?" and introduced the ox that treadeth the corn; he points out likewise another most reasonable cause on account of which they might justly receive; viz. having bestowed much greater gifts, no more as having labored only. What is it then? "if we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things?" Seest thou a most just allegation and fuller of reason than all the former? for "in those instances," says he, "carnal is the seed, carnal also is the fruit; but here not so, but the seed is spiritual, the return carnal." Thus, to prevent high thoughts in those who contribute to their teachers, he signified that they receive more than they give. As if he had said, "Husbandmen, whatsoever they sow, this also do they receive; but we, sowing in your souls spiritual things, do reap carnal." For such is the kind of support given by them.
John Chrysostom · d. 407Homilies on 1 Corinthians

Commentary

Matthew Henry · Verses 1–14

It is not new for a minister to meet with unkind returns for good-will to a people, and diligent and successful services among them. To the cavils of some, the apostle answers, so as to set forth himself as an example of self-denial, for the good of others. He had a right to marry as well as other apostles, and to claim what was needful for his wife, and his children if he had any, from the churches, without labouring with his own hands to get it. Those who seek to do our souls good, should have food provided for them. But he renounced his right, rather than hinder his success by claiming it. It is the people's duty to maintain their minister. He may wave his right, as Paul did; but those transgress a precept of Christ, who deny or withhold due support.

Read Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 9 →

Cross-references

6

Topics

Cross-references: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. Hebrew and Greek data from STEPBible.org (Tyndale House, Cambridge), CC BY 4.0. Library: sources.