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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Corinthians 9:4 Have we no right to food and to drink?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/9-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/46_1Co_09_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 9:4 - The Rights of an Apostle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Have we no right to food and to drink?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script 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align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_corinthians/9-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/">1 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-3.htm" title="1 Corinthians 9:3">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 9:4 <a href="/1_corinthians/9-5.htm" title="1 Corinthians 9:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/9.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Don&#8217t we have the right to food and drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Don’t we have the right to live in your homes and share your meals?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Do we not have the right to eat and drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Have we no right to food and to drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Have we no authority to eat and to drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Have we not power to eat and to drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Do we have no right to eat and drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do we not have a right to eat and drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Do we not have a right to eat and drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Do we not have a right to eat and drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Do we not have authority to eat and drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_corinthians/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Have we not the right to our food and drink [at the expense of the churches]?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don’t we have the right to eat and drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don&#8217t we have the right to eat and drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_corinthians/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Have we no right to eat and to drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_corinthians/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />that Barnabas and I have the right to our food and drink. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_corinthians/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Have we no right to eat and to drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Don't we have the right to eat and drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Don't I have the right to be given food and drink for my work? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_corinthians/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />We have the right to earn our food, don't we? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_corinthians/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do we not have the right to financial support?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Have we no right to eat and to drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Have we not power to eat and to drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Have we not a right to claim food and drink?<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Have we no right to food and to drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_corinthians/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Have we no right to eat and to drink? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />do we not have authority to eat and to drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Have we no authority to eat and to drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> have we not authority to eat and to drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />have we not power to eat and to drink?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Have not we power to eat and to drink? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Do we not have the authority to eat and to drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Do we not have the right to eat and drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do we not have the right to our food and drink?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Have we not the right to eat and to drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Why is it illegal for us to eat and to drink?<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Have we not the right to eat and drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Have we not a right to eat and drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Have we not power to eat and drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_corinthians/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />have we not a right to meat and drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Have we not a right to claim food and drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Have we no right to eat, and to drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />have<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/9-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=1701" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">The Rights of an Apostle</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>This is my defense to those who scrutinize me: <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echomen (V-PIA-1P) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">Have we</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">no</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1849.htm" title="1849: exousian (N-AFS) -- From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.">right</a> <a href="/greek/5315.htm" title="5315: phagein (V-ANA) -- A primary verb; to eat.">to food</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4095.htm" title="4095: pein (V-ANA) -- To drink, imbibe. A prolonged form of pio, which poo occurs only as an alternate in certain tenses; to imbibe.">to drink?</a> </span> <span class="reftext">5</span>Have we no right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-10.htm">Matthew 10:10</a></span><br />Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-7.htm">Luke 10:7</a></span><br />Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-18.htm">1 Timothy 5:18</a></span><br />For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-9.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:9</a></span><br />Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-14.htm">1 Corinthians 9:14</a></span><br />In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-11.htm">1 Corinthians 4:11-12</a></span><br />To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. / We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-7.htm">2 Corinthians 11:7-9</a></span><br />Was it a sin for me to humble myself in order to exalt you, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? / I robbed other churches by accepting their support in order to serve you. / And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-16.htm">Philippians 4:16-18</a></span><br />For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again. / Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account. / I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-6.htm">Galatians 6:6</a></span><br />Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-27.htm">Romans 15:27</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-33.htm">Acts 20:33-35</a></span><br />I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. / You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. / In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/25-4.htm">Deuteronomy 25:4</a></span><br />Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/18-8.htm">Numbers 18:8-9</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Aaron, “Behold, I have put you in charge of My offerings. As for all the sacred offerings of the Israelites, I have given them to you and your sons as a portion and a permanent statute. / A portion of the most holy offerings reserved from the fire will be yours. From all the offerings they render to Me as most holy offerings, whether grain offerings or sin offerings or guilt offerings, that part belongs to you and your sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/18-31.htm">Numbers 18:31</a></span><br />And you and your households may eat the rest of it anywhere; it is the compensation for your work at the Tent of Meeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/6-16.htm">Leviticus 6:16-18</a></span><br />Aaron and his sons are to eat the remainder. It must be eaten without leaven in a holy place; they are to eat it in the courtyard of the Tent of Meeting. / It must not be baked with leaven; I have assigned it as their portion of My food offerings. It is most holy, like the sin offering and the guilt offering. / Any male among the sons of Aaron may eat it. This is a permanent portion from the food offerings to the LORD for the generations to come. Anything that touches them will become holy.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Have we not power to eat and to drink?</p><p class="hdg">we.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/9-7.htm">1 Corinthians 9:7-14</a></b></br> Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/10-10.htm">Matthew 10:10</a></b></br> Nor scrip for <i>your</i> journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/10-7.htm">Luke 10:7</a></b></br> And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/7-4.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/romans/3-8.htm">Claim</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-10.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-13.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-13.htm">Food</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">Power</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">Right</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/9-5.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-12.htm">Claim</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-7.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-7.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-13.htm">Food</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-5.htm">Power</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-5.htm">Right</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">He shows his liberty;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-7.htm">and that the minister ought to receive a living by the Gospel;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-15.htm">yet that himself has of his own accord abstained,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-18.htm">to be neither chargeable unto them,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">nor offensive unto any, in matters indifferent.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">Our life is like unto a race.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Have we no right</b><br>This phrase addresses the concept of rights and privileges, particularly in the context of Christian ministry. Paul is asserting the rights of apostles and ministers to receive material support from those they serve. This is rooted in the Old Testament principle that those who work in the temple should receive their living from the temple (<a href="/1_corinthians/9-13.htm">1 Corinthians 9:13</a>, <a href="/deuteronomy/18.htm">Deuteronomy 18:1-8</a>). The idea of rights in this context is not about entitlement but about the legitimate support for those who dedicate their lives to the gospel.<p><b>to food</b><br>In the ancient world, providing food was a basic form of hospitality and support. The early church often shared meals together, as seen in <a href="/acts/2-46.htm">Acts 2:46</a>, which reflects the communal life of believers. Paul is emphasizing that those who preach the gospel should be able to expect sustenance from the community they serve. This is also a reflection of Jesus' instructions to His disciples in <a href="/luke/10-7.htm">Luke 10:7</a>, where He tells them to eat and drink what is provided by those they minister to, as "the worker deserves his wages."<p><b>and to drink?</b><br>The mention of drink alongside food underscores the basic necessities of life. In the cultural context of Corinth, hospitality would include both food and drink, often wine, as part of the provision for guests. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of God providing for His people, as seen in the provision of manna and water in the wilderness (Exodus 16-17). Paul is reinforcing the idea that those who labor in spiritual matters should not be burdened with concerns about their physical needs, as their focus should be on their ministry.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth. Paul is defending his rights as an apostle and his freedom to receive material support from the church.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a></b><br>A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality. The church in Corinth was diverse and faced many challenges, including issues of division and questions about Christian liberty.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/apostles.htm">Apostles</a></b><br>Early Christian leaders and missionaries, including Paul, who were foundational in spreading the Gospel and establishing churches.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_right_to_support.htm">The Right to Support</a></b><br>Paul asserts the right of apostles and ministers to receive material support. This principle underscores the value of spiritual work and the responsibility of the church to care for its leaders.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balancing_rights_and_sacrifice.htm">Balancing Rights and Sacrifice</a></b><br>While Paul defends his rights, he also models self-sacrifice by choosing not to exercise them fully for the sake of the Gospel. This teaches us about prioritizing the mission of Christ over personal entitlements.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/generosity_in_the_church.htm">Generosity in the Church</a></b><br>The church is called to be generous and supportive of those who dedicate their lives to ministry. This reflects a community that values and invests in spiritual growth and leadership.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_christian_liberty.htm">Understanding Christian Liberty</a></b><br>Christian liberty involves understanding our rights in Christ but also discerning when to lay them down for the benefit of others and the advancement of the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_1_cor_9_4-14_align_with_matt_10_8-10.htm">In 1 Corinthians 9:4–14, Paul argues for financial support for apostles; how does that align with Jesus’s command in Matthew 10:8–10 to preach without seeking material gain?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_temperance.htm">What is the Bible's teaching on temperance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_1_cor_9_9_and_9_21_align.htm">In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul appeals to the Old Testament law (v.9) yet speaks of being under 'Christ's law' (v.21); how can skeptics be convinced there is no conflict between these two references?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/interpret_'eat_flesh,_drink_blood'_command.htm">John 6:53-56: How should we interpret the command to eat Jesus's flesh and drink his blood, considering it seems at odds with both moral and dietary laws?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">Have we not power</span> <span class= "bld">. . .?</span>--This follows 1 Corinthians 6 after the parenthetical argument contained in <a href="/context/1_corinthians/9-2.htm" title="If I be not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of my apostleship are you in the Lord.">1Corinthians 9:2-3</a>. Having established his right to be called an Apostle by the fact that he had seen the Lord, and had been instrumental in their conversion, he now in the same interrogative style asserts his rights as an Apostle. The use of the plural "we" carries on the thought that he is claiming this right as being one of the Apostles--all of whom have, as Apostles, such a right. The form in which the question is asked implies, Surely we have this right. This verse, taken in connection with <a href="/1_corinthians/8-9.htm" title="But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.">1Corinthians 8:9</a>, where the same word in the Greek, "liberty," occurs in connection with eating, shows how this line of thought has grown out of the preceding subject. The question there, however, was that of eating meat offered to idols; the question here is the right to eat and drink (<span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> live) at the expense of the Church (<a href="/luke/10-7.htm" title="And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.">Luke 10:7</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">To eat and to drink.</span> To be supported by those to whom we preach (<a href="/luke/10-7.htm">Luke 10:7</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/9-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Have we</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔχομεν</span> <span class="translit">(echomen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">no</span><br /><span class="grk">μὴ</span> <span class="translit">(mē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">right</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐξουσίαν</span> <span class="translit">(exousian)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1849.htm">Strong's 1849: </a> </span><span class="str2">From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to food</span><br /><span class="grk">φαγεῖν</span> <span class="translit">(phagein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary verb; to eat.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">to drink?</span><br /><span class="grk">πεῖν</span> <span class="translit">(pein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4095.htm">Strong's 4095: </a> </span><span class="str2">To drink, imbibe. A prolonged form of pio, which poo occurs only as an alternate in certain tenses; to imbibe.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/9-4.htm">1 Corinthians 9:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/9-4.htm">1 Corinthians 9:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/9-4.htm">1 Corinthians 9:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/9-4.htm">1 Corinthians 9:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/9-4.htm">1 Corinthians 9:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/9-4.htm">1 Corinthians 9:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/9-4.htm">1 Corinthians 9:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/9-4.htm">1 Corinthians 9:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/9-4.htm">1 Corinthians 9:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/9-4.htm">1 Corinthians 9:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_corinthians/9-4.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 9:4 Have we no right to eat (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 9:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 9:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 9:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 9:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>