1 Corinthians 9:8

Do I speak these things according to the ways of men? Or doesn’t the law also say the same thing?

World English Bible
Learn

Your notes

Private to you. Anything you write on this verse, here or while reading, shows up here and in My study.

Other translations

WEBBE

Do I speak these things according to the ways of men? Or doesn’t the law also say the same thing?

BSB

Do I say this from a human perspective? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing?

KJV

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

ASV

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

BBE

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

Original Greek

Look up a word

Tap a word to see what it means and everywhere else it's used.

μὴ mē Not G3361 κατὰ kata according to G2596 ἄνθρωπον anthrōpon man G444 ταῦτα tauta these things G3778 λαλῶ; lalō do I speak G2980 ἢ ē Or G2228 καὶ kai also G2532 ὁ ho the G3588 νόμος nomos law G3551 ταῦτα tauta these things G3778 οὐ ou not G3756 λέγει; legei says G3004

The early church

Having shewn, as you see, both from the Apostles, that it is not forbidden the teacher to receive, and from illustrations found in common life, he proceeds also to a third head, thus saying, "Do I speak these things after the manner of men? or saith not the law also the same?" For since he had hitherto alleged nothing out of the Scriptures, but put forward the common custom; "think not," saith he, "that I am confident in these alone, nor that I go to the opinions of men for the ground of these enactments. For I can shew that these things are also well-pleasing to God, and I read an ancient law enjoining them." Wherefore also he carries on his discourse in the form of a question, which is apt to be done in things fully acknowledged; thus saying, "Say I these things after the manner of men?" i.e. "do I strengthen myself only by human examples?" "or saith not the law also the same?"
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

7

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