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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.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/9-10.htm" title="1 Corinthians 9:10">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 9:11 <a href="/1_corinthians/9-12.htm" title="1 Corinthians 9:12">►</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 />If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much for us to reap a material harvest from you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />If we have sown spiritual things among you, <i>is it</i> a great thing if we will reap material things from you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />If we have sown unto you spiritual things, <i>is it</i> a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />If we have sown spiritual things for you, <i>is it</i> a great thing if we reap your material things?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we should reap material things from you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_corinthians/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If we have sown [the good seed of] spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it too much if we reap material benefits from you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it too much if we reap material benefits from you? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_corinthians/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_corinthians/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When we told the message to you, it was like planting spiritual seed. So we have the right to accept material things as our harvest from you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_corinthians/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If we have planted the spiritual seed that has been of benefit to you, is it too much if we receive part of the harvest from your earthly goods?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />We have sown spiritual seed among you. Is it too much if we reap material benefits from you? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_corinthians/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap material benefits from you? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much for us to reap a material harvest from you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_corinthians/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If we sowed spiritual blessings among you, is it too much to reap material things from you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If we sowed to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we reap your fleshly things?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If we have sown to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />If it is we who sowed the spiritual grain in you, is it a great thing that we should reap a temporal harvest from you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_corinthians/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If we sowed to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we reap your fleshly things? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />If we sowed to you the spiritual things—[is it] great if we reap your fleshly things?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />If we have sown spiritual things among you, <i>is it</i> a great thing if we will reap material things from you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> If we to you the spiritual things did sow -- great is it if we your fleshly things do reap?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />If we have sown to you spiritual things, is it great if we shall reap your carnal things?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we reap your carnal things? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />If we have sown spiritual things in you, is it important if we harvest from your worldly things?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If we have sown spiritual seed for you, is it a great thing that we reap a material harvest from you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If we have sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material benefits?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Now if we have sown among you spiritual things, is it too much that we should reap material things from you?<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 />If we have sown in you from The Spirit, is it a great thing if we shall reap of you from the body?<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />If we have sown, for your benefit, things that are spiritual, is it a great thing that we reap your carnal things?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we should reap your corporal things?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_corinthians/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />if for your benefit we have sown spirituals, is it so extraordinary if we should reap some benefit from your temporals?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />If it is we who sowed the spiritual grain in you, is it a great thing that we should reap a temporal harvest from you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />If we sowed for you spiritual things, is it a great matter, if we shall reap your carnal things?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />If we <i>then</i> have sown unto you spiritual <i>things, is it</i> a great <i>matter</i> if we reap your carnal <i>things?</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/9-11.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=1761" 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">10</span>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. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: Ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">If</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmeis (PPro-N1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">we</a> <a href="/greek/4687.htm" title="4687: espeiramen (V-AIA-1P) -- To sow, spread, scatter. Probably strengthened from spao; to scatter, i.e. Sow.">have sown</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4152.htm" title="4152: pneumatika (Adj-ANP) -- Spiritual. From pneuma; non-carnal, i.e. ethereal, or a spirit, or supernatural, regenerate, religious.">spiritual seed</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">among you,</a> <a href="/greek/3173.htm" title="3173: mega (Adj-NNS) -- Large, great, in the widest sense. ">is it too much</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmeis (PPro-N1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">for us</a> <a href="/greek/2325.htm" title="2325: therisomen (V-FIA-1P) -- To reap, gather, harvest. From theros; to harvest.">to reap</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4559.htm" title="4559: sarkika (Adj-ANP) -- Fleshly, carnal, earthly. From sarx; pertaining to flesh, i.e. bodily, temporal, or animal, unregenerate.">a material harvest</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">from you?</a> </span> <span class="reftext">12</span>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.…<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="/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="/1_timothy/5-17.htm">1 Timothy 5:17-18</a></span><br />Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. / 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="/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="/2_corinthians/11-8.htm">2 Corinthians 11:8-9</a></span><br />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/4-15.htm">Philippians 4:15-17</a></span><br />And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving. / 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.<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="/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="/1_thessalonians/2-6.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:6</a></span><br />Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-13.htm">2 Corinthians 12:13</a></span><br />In what way were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!<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 18:8-12</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. / You are to eat it as a most holy offering, and every male may eat it. You shall regard it as holy. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/13-10.htm">Nehemiah 13:10-12</a></span><br />I also learned that because the portions for the Levites had not been given to them, all the Levites and singers responsible for performing the service had gone back to their own fields. / So I rebuked the officials and asked, “Why has the house of God been neglected?” Then I gathered the Levites and singers together and stationed them at their posts, / and all Judah brought a tenth of the grain, new wine, and oil into the storerooms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-8.htm">Malachi 3:8-10</a></span><br />Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’ In tithes and offerings. / You are cursed with a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are still robbing Me. / Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If we have sown to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?</p><p class="hdg">sown.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/malachi/3-8.htm">Malachi 3:8,9</a></b></br> Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings… </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="/romans/15-27.htm">Romans 15:27</a></b></br> It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.</p><p class="hdg">a great.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/5-13.htm">2 Kings 5:13</a></b></br> And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, <i>if</i> the prophet had bid thee <i>do some</i> great thing, wouldest thou not have done <i>it</i>? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/11-15.htm">2 Corinthians 11:15</a></b></br> Therefore <i>it is</i> no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/4-38.htm">Benefits</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">Carnal</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">Fleshly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-35.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-10.htm">Grain</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-12.htm">Great</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-10.htm">Harvest</a> <a href="/romans/15-27.htm">Material</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-10.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">Planting</a> <a href="/romans/6-22.htm">Reap</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/luke/19-22.htm">Sow</a> <a href="/luke/19-22.htm">Sowed</a> <a href="/mark/4-32.htm">Sown</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-40.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">Spiritual</a> <a href="/galatians/6-6.htm">Temporal</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/9-23.htm">Benefits</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">Carnal</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-12.htm">Fleshly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-12.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-37.htm">Grain</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-10.htm">Great</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-8.htm">Harvest</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-18.htm">Material</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-22.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/revelation/10-2.htm">Planting</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-6.htm">Reap</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-36.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-36.htm">Sow</a> <a href="/genesis/26-12.htm">Sowed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-42.htm">Sown</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-27.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-3.htm">Spiritual</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-18.htm">Temporal</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>If we have sown spiritual seed among you</b><br>Paul uses agricultural imagery to describe his ministry work, likening the teaching and preaching of the Gospel to sowing seeds. This metaphor is consistent with other biblical passages, such as the Parable of the Sower (<a href="/matthew/13-3.htm">Matthew 13:3-9</a>), where the Word of God is depicted as seed. The spiritual seed refers to the teachings and truths of Christianity that Paul and his companions have imparted to the Corinthians. This phrase emphasizes the labor and effort involved in spreading the Gospel, highlighting the spiritual nourishment and growth that result from it. The concept of sowing and reaping is a common biblical theme, illustrating the principle of cause and effect in spiritual matters.<p><b>is it too much for us to reap a material harvest from you?</b><br>Here, Paul addresses the issue of financial support for those who minister the Gospel. The rhetorical question implies that it is reasonable for those who provide spiritual benefits to receive material support in return. This principle is rooted in the Old Testament, where the Levites, who served in the temple, were supported by the tithes and offerings of the people (<a href="/numbers/18-21.htm">Numbers 18:21</a>). Paul reinforces this idea in <a href="/1_timothy/5-18.htm">1 Timothy 5:18</a>, quoting <a href="/deuteronomy/25-4.htm">Deuteronomy 25:4</a>, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain," to argue that workers deserve their wages. The material harvest refers to the financial or physical support that the Corinthians could provide to Paul and his fellow workers. This expectation of reciprocity underscores the mutual responsibility within the Christian community, where spiritual and material needs are met through shared resources.<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. He is defending his rights as an apostle to receive material support from the church.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_corinth.htm">The Church in Corinth</a></b><br>A diverse and often troubled congregation in the city of Corinth, known for its wealth and immorality, which Paul seeks to guide and correct through his letters.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_sowing.htm">Spiritual Sowing</a></b><br>Refers to the teaching and preaching of the Gospel and the spiritual guidance provided by Paul and other apostles.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/material_harvest.htm">Material Harvest</a></b><br>The support and sustenance that Paul argues should be provided to those who minister spiritually, such as financial or material assistance.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/apostolic_ministry.htm">Apostolic Ministry</a></b><br>The broader context of Paul's ministry, which includes preaching, teaching, and establishing churches, often without demanding financial support.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_principle_of_reciprocity.htm">The Principle of Reciprocity</a></b><br>Paul highlights a principle of reciprocity between spiritual and material realms. Just as farmers expect a harvest from their labor, spiritual leaders who sow the Word should expect support from those who benefit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/v/valuing_spiritual_leadership.htm">Valuing Spiritual Leadership</a></b><br>The church is encouraged to recognize and value the spiritual leadership and teaching they receive by providing for their leaders' material needs.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/generosity_and_stewardship.htm">Generosity and Stewardship</a></b><br>Believers are called to practice generosity and good stewardship, understanding that supporting spiritual leaders is an investment in the Kingdom of God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_balance_of_rights_and_sacrifice.htm">The Balance of Rights and Sacrifice</a></b><br>While Paul asserts his right to material support, he often chooses to forego it for the sake of the Gospel, teaching us about the balance between rights and sacrificial service.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_church_community.htm">The Role of the Church Community</a></b><br>The church community is responsible for ensuring that those who dedicate their lives to ministry are not burdened by financial concerns, allowing them to focus on their spiritual mission.<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>(11) <span class= "bld">If we have sown unto you spiritual things.</span>--The two sentences in this verse contain a striking double antithesis, the "we" and "you" being emphatic, and "spiritual" being opposed to "carnal." The spiritual things are, of course, the things of the Spirit of God, by which their spiritual natures are sustained; the carnal things those which the teachers might expect in return, the ordinary support of their physical nature. The force of the climax will be better realised if we notice that the previous argument proved the right of a labourer to receive a remuneration the same in kind as was the quality of his labour. A plougher or a sower would have his reward in a harvest of the same kind as he had sown. That being the principle recognised in civilised life, and sanctioned by the object which the Law of God had in view, the Apostle adds, with a slight touch of sarcasm--Such being an ordinary thing in life, is it a <span class= "ital">great</span> thing for us to have a reward as inferior to our work as carnal things are to spiritual things?<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If we.</span> The <span class="accented">we</span> is in both clauses emphatic, to show that the argument applied directly to St. Paul's own case. Is it <span class="cmt_word">a great thing.</span> An argument <span class="accented">a fortiori.</span> If <span class="accented">ordinary</span> labour is not undertaken gratuitously, is the <span class="accented">spiritual</span> labourer to be left to starve? St. Paul always recognized the rights of preachers and ministers, and stated them with emphasis (<a href="/galatians/6-6.htm">Galatians 6:6</a>; <a href="/romans/15-27.htm">Romans 15:27</a>), although from higher motives he waived all personal claim to profit by the result of his arguments. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/9-11.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">If</span><br /><span class="grk">Εἰ</span> <span class="translit">(Ei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> </span><span class="str2">If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμεῖς</span> <span class="translit">(hēmeis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have sown</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐσπείραμεν</span> <span class="translit">(espeiramen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4687.htm">Strong's 4687: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sow, spread, scatter. Probably strengthened from spao; to scatter, i.e. Sow.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">spiritual [seed]</span><br /><span class="grk">πνευματικὰ</span> <span class="translit">(pneumatika)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4152.htm">Strong's 4152: </a> </span><span class="str2">Spiritual. From pneuma; non-carnal, i.e. ethereal, or a spirit, or supernatural, regenerate, religious.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">among you,</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμῖν</span> <span class="translit">(hymin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[is it] too much</span><br /><span class="grk">μέγα</span> <span class="translit">(mega)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3173.htm">Strong's 3173: </a> </span><span class="str2">Large, great, in the widest sense. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">for us</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμεῖς</span> <span class="translit">(hēmeis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to reap</span><br /><span class="grk">θερίσομεν</span> <span class="translit">(therisomen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2325.htm">Strong's 2325: </a> </span><span class="str2">To reap, gather, harvest. From theros; to harvest.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a material [harvest]</span><br /><span class="grk">σαρκικὰ</span> <span class="translit">(sarkika)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4559.htm">Strong's 4559: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fleshly, carnal, earthly. From sarx; pertaining to flesh, i.e. bodily, temporal, or animal, unregenerate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from you?</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμῶν</span> <span class="translit">(hymōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/9-11.htm">1 Corinthians 9:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/9-11.htm">1 Corinthians 9:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/9-11.htm">1 Corinthians 9:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/9-11.htm">1 Corinthians 9:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/9-11.htm">1 Corinthians 9:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/9-11.htm">1 Corinthians 9:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/9-11.htm">1 Corinthians 9:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/9-11.htm">1 Corinthians 9:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/9-11.htm">1 Corinthians 9:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/9-11.htm">1 Corinthians 9:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_corinthians/9-11.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 9:11 If we sowed to you spiritual things (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 9:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 9:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 9:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 9:12" /></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>