1 Corinthians 9:11

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1 Corinthians 9:11 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much for us to reap a material harvest from you?

King James Version KJV

If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English 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?

Free Bible Version FBV

If we sowed what is spiritual with you, does it really matter if we reap some material benefit?

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

If wee haue sowen vnto you spirituall thinges, is it a great thing if we reape your carnall thinges?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

If we to you the spiritual things did sow — great [is it] if we your fleshly things do reap?

World English Bible WEB

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

Noah Webster Bible WBS

If we have sown to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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

Translation for Translators T4T

And because we have proclaimed God’s message to you, we certainly have the right to receive from you the things that we need for our bodies [MET]! [MET, RHQ]

Plain English Version PEV

That garden is a picture of all of you Christians, and those gardeners are like the people that told you God’s good news. You see, we worked hard when we told you God’s good news. We gave you what your spirits needed. So now it is only fair for you to give us the things that our bodies need. But we never ask you to give us anything.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 9:11

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Corinthians 9:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ει ημεις υμιν τα πνευματικα εσπειραμεν μεγα ει ημεις υμων τα σαρκικα θερισομεν

ει ei G1487 if COND

ημεις egō G1473 I/we Pron-1NP

υμιν su G4771 you Pron-2DP

τα ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APN

πνευματικα pneumatikos G4152 spiritual Adj-APN

εσπειραμεν speirō G4687 to sow Verb-AAI-1P

μεγα megas G3173 great Adj-NSN

ει ei G1487 if COND

ημεις egō G1473 I/we Pron-1NP

υμων su G4771 you Pron-2GP

τα ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APN

σαρκικα sarkikos G4559 fleshly Adj-APN

θερισομεν therizō G2325 to reap Verb-FAI-1P

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 9:11

ει ei G1487 "if" COND

This word means 'if' and is used to express conditions or questions. It appears in many Bible verses, such as Matthew 11:14 and Romans 8:25, introducing a condition or hypothesis.

Definition: εἰ, conjunctive particle, used in conditions and in indirect questions. __I. Conditional, if; __1. with indic, expressing a general assumption; __(a) pres.: before indic, pres., Mat.11:14, Rom.8:25, al.; before imperat., Mrk.4:23 9:22, Jhn.15:18, 1Co.7:9, al.; before fut. indic., Luk.16:31, Rom.8:11, al.; before pf. or aor., with negation in apodosis, Mat.12:26, Rom.4:14, al.; similarly, before impf., Luk.17:6, Jhn.8:39; before quæst., Mat.6:23, Jhn.5:47 7:23 8:46, 1Pe.2:20; __(b) fut.: Mat.26:33, 1Pe.2:20; __(with) pf.: Jhn.11:12, Rom.6:5, al.; __(d) aor.: Luk.16:11 19:8, Jhn.13:32, 18:23, Rev.20:15, al. __2. Where the assumption is certain = ἐπεί: Mat.12:28, Jhn.7:4, Rom.5:17, al. __3. Of an unfulfilled condition, with indic, impf., aor. or plpf., before ἄν, with imp. or aor. (see: ἄν, I, i). __4. C. indic., after verbs denoting wonder, etc., sometimes, but not always, coupled with an element of doubt: Mrk.15:44, 1Jn.3:13, al. __5. C. indic., as in LXX (Num.14:3o, 1Ki.14:45, al. = Heb. אִם), in oaths, with the formula of imprecation understood in a suppressed apodosis (WM, 627; Burton, §272): Mrk.8:12, Heb.3:11" (LXX) 4:3 (LXX). __6. Rarely (cl.) with optative, to express a merely possible condition: Act.24:19 27:39, 1Co.14:10 15:37, I Pe3:14, 17. __II. Interrogative, if, whether. __1. As in cl., in indir. questions after verbs of seeing, asking, knowing, saying, etc.: with indic. pres., Mat.26:63, Mrk.15:36, Act.19:2, 2Co.13:5, al.; fut., Mrk.3:2, Act.8:22, al.; aor., Mrk.15:44, 1Co.1:16, al.; with subjc. aor. (M, Pr., 194), Php.3:12. __2. As in LXX (= Heb. אִם and interrog. הֲ, Gen.17:17, al.; see WM, 639f.; Viteau, i, 22), in direct questions: Mrk.8:23 (Tr., WH, txt.), Luk.13:23, 22:49, Act.19:2, al. __III. With other particles. __1. εἰ ἄρα, εἴγε, εἰ δὲ μήγε, see: ἄρα, γε. __2. εἰ δὲ καί, but if also: Luk.11:18; but even if, 1Co.4:7, 2Co.4:3 11:16. __3. εἰ δὲ μή, but if not, but if otherwise: Mrk.2:21, 22 Jhn.14:2, Rev.2:5, al. __4. εἰ καί, if even, if also, although: Mrk.14:29, Luk.11:8, 1Co.7:21, 2Co.4:16, Php.2:17, al. __5. καὶ εἰ, even if, see: καί __6. εἰ μή, if not, unless, except, but only: Mat.24:22, Mrk.2:26 6:5, Jhn.9:33, 1Co.7:17 (only), Gal.1:19 (cf. ἐὰν μή, 2:16; see Hort., Ja., xvi); ἐκτὸς εἰ μή, pleonastic (Bl., §65, 6), 1Co.14:5 15:2, 1Ti.5:19. __7. εἰ μήν = cl. ἦ μήν (M, Pr., 46), in oaths, surely (Eze.33:27, al.): Heb.6:14. __8. εἴ πως, if haply: Act.27:12, Rom.1:10. __9. εἴτε . . . εἴτε, whether . . . or; Rom.12:6-8, 1Co.3:22 13:8, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 459 NT verses. KJV: forasmuch as, if, that, (al-)though, whether See also: 1 Corinthians 1:14; 2 Corinthians 10:7; 1 Peter 1:6.

ημεις egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1NP

This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.

Definition: ἐγώ, genitive, etc., ἐμοῦ, ἐμοί, ἐμέ (enclitic μου, μοι, με), pl. ἡμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς, of person(s) pron. I. __(a) The nom. is usually emphatic, when expressed as subjc, as in Mat.3:11, Mrk.1:8, Luk.3:16, al. But often there is no apparent emphasis, as Mat.10:16, Jhn.10:17; ἰδοὺ ἐ. (= Heb. הִנֵּנִי, cf. 1Ki.3:8), Act.9:10; ἐ. (like Heb. אֲנִי), I am, Jhn.1:23 (LXX), Act.7:32 (LXX). __(b) The enclitic forms (see supr.) are used with nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, where there is no emphasis: ἐν τ. πατρί μου, Jhn.14:20; μου τ. λόγους, Mat.7:24; ὀπίσω μου, Mat.3:11; ἰσχυρότερός μου, ib.; λέγει μοι, Rev.5:5; also with the prep. πρός, as Mrk.9:19, al. The full forms (ἐμοῦ, etc.) are used with the other prepositions, as δι᾽ ἐμοῦ, ἐν ἐμοί, εἰς ἐμέ, etc., also for emphasis, as Luk.10:16, Jhn.7:23, Mrk.14:7, al. __(with) The genitive μου and ἡμῶν are often used for the poss. pronouns ἐμός, ἡμέτερος: τ. λαόν μου, Mat.2:6; μου τῂ ἀπιστιᾳ, Mrk.9:24. __(d) τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί ( = Heb. מַה־לִי וָלָךְ, Jdg.11:12, al.), i.e. what have we in common: Mat.8:29, Mrk.1:24, 5:7, Luk.8:28, Jhn.2:4; τί γάρ μοι, 1Co.5:2. __(e) The interchange of ἐγώ and ἡμεῖς, common in π., appears in Pauline Epp. (see M, Pr., 86f., M, Th., 131f.). __(f) κἀγώ (= καὶ ἐγώ), and I, even I, I also: Mat.2:8, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:56, Rom.3:7, 1Co.7:40, al.; κἀγώ . . . καί, both . . . and, Jhn.7:28. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.

υμιν su G4771 "you" Pron-2DP

This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.

Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.

τα ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-APN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

πνευματικα pneumatikos G4152 "spiritual" Adj-APN

This Greek word for spiritual means non-carnal or supernatural, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:44 and Ephesians 6:12. It describes something that is related to the human spirit or the Divine Spirit.

Definition: πνευματικός, -ή, -όν (πνεῦμα), __1. of or caused by the wind, air or breath (Arist., al.). __2. spiritual (opposite to σωματικός, Plut.); __(a) of created beings : τὰ π. (RV, the spiritual hosts), Eph.6:12; of that which is related to the human spirit, opposite to ψυχικός, 1Co.15:44 15:46; __(b) of that which belongs to or is actuated by the Divine Spirit; __α of persons : 1Co.2:15 3:1 14:37, Gal.6:1; οἶκος π., figuratively, 1Pe.2:5; __β of things : Rom.1:11 7:14, 1Co.2:13 10:3-4 12:1 14:1, Eph.1:3 5:19, Col.1:9 3:16, 1Pe.2:5; opposite to τ. σαρκικά, Rom.15:27, 1Co.9:11.† SYN.: ψυχικός, which see, and cf. DB, ii, 410, iv, 612 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: spiritual See also: 1 Corinthians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:46; 1 Peter 2:5.

εσπειραμεν speirō G4687 "to sow" Verb-AAI-1P

To sow means to scatter seed, either literally or figuratively. Jesus uses this term in parables, like in Matthew 13:3-4 and Mark 4:3-4.

Definition: σπείρω [in LXX chiefly for זָרַע ;] to sow (seed): absol., Mat.6:26 13:3-4, 18 25:24, 26, Mrk.4:3-4, Luk.8:5 12:24, Jhn.4:36, 2Co.9:10; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.13:24, 27 13:37, 39, Mrk.4:32, Luk.8:5, 1Co.15:36-37; before εἰς, Mat.13:22, Mrk.4:18; ἐν, Mat.13:24, 31; ἐπί, with genitive, Mrk.4:31; ἐπί, with accusative, Mat.13:20, 23, Mrk.4:16, 20; παρά, with accusative, Mat.13:19. Metaphorical: 1Co.9:11 15:42-44, Gal.6:7-8, Jas.3:18; in proverbial sayings, Mat.25:24, 26, Luk.19:21-22, Jhn.4:37, 2Co.9:6, Gal.6:7; in interpretation of parables, Mat.13:19-23 Mrk.4:14-20 † (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 42 NT verses. KJV: sow(- er), receive seed See also: 1 Corinthians 9:11; Mark 4:16; James 3:18.

μεγα megas G3173 "great" Adj-NSN

The Greek word for great, describing something big or intense, like a large stone in Matthew 2:60 or a strong wind in John 6:18. It's used to show importance or magnitude. In the Bible, it's often used to describe God's power and love.

Definition: μέγας, μεγάλη, μέγα, [in LXX chiefly for גָּדוֹל, also for מַרְבֶּה ,רַב (incl. μείζων), רֹב (μέγιστος) ;] great; __1. of external form, bodily size, measure, extent: λίθος, Mat.2:60; δράκων, Rev.12:3; ἰχθῦς, Jhn.21:11; πόλις, Rev.11:8; μάχαιρα, Rev.6:4, al. __2. Of intensity and degree: δύναμις, Act.4:33; φόβος, Mrk.4:41; ἀγάπη, Jhn.15:13; ἄνεμος, 'ib. 6:18; κραυγή, Act.23:9; φῶς, Mat.4:16; πυρετός, Luk.4:38; θλίψις, Mat.24:21. __3. Of rank; __(a) of persons: θεός (MM, xvi), Tit.2:13; Ἄρτεμις, Act.19:27; compar. (see infr.), Mat.18:1 (cf. Dalman, Words, 113f.); neut. for masc. (Bl., §32, 1), Mat.12:6; __(b) of things: ἁμαρτία, Jhn.19:11; μυστήριον, Eph.5:32; = μεγίστη (see infr., and cf. Field, Notes, 16f.), Mat.22:36; compar. for superl. (M, Pr., 78), 1Co.13:13. __4. __(a) Compar., μείζων: Mat.11:11 23:17, al.; neut. pl., μείζονα, contr. μείζω, Jhn.1:51; double compar., μειζότερος (M, Pr., 236; Bl., §11, 4), III Jo 4; __(b) superl, μέγιστος (Deiss., BS, 365), 2Pe.1:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 227 NT verses. KJV: (+ fear) exceedingly, great(-est), high, large, loud, mighty, + (be) sore (afraid), strong, X to years See also: 1 Corinthians 9:11; Luke 22:27; Hebrews 4:14.

ει ei G1487 "if" COND

This word means 'if' and is used to express conditions or questions. It appears in many Bible verses, such as Matthew 11:14 and Romans 8:25, introducing a condition or hypothesis.

Usage: Occurs in 459 NT verses. KJV: forasmuch as, if, that, (al-)though, whether See also: 1 Corinthians 1:14; 2 Corinthians 10:7; 1 Peter 1:6.

ημεις egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1NP

This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.

Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.

υμων su G4771 "you" Pron-2GP

Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.

τα ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-APN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

σαρκικα sarkikos G4559 "fleshly" Adj-APN

Fleshly refers to something related to the body or its desires, as seen in Romans 15:27 and 1 Corinthians 9:11, where it describes worldly or carnal things.

Definition: σαρκικός, -ή, -όν (σάρξ) (seel. for σάρκινος, Arist., H.A., x, 2, 7) = Lat. carnalis, i.e. __(a) associated with or pertaining to the flesh, fleshly, carnal: Rom.15:27, 1Co.9:11; __(b) in a more ethical sense, of the nature of the flesh, under the control of its appetites, fleshly, carnal, sensual (but including more than mere sensuality; cf. Hort, 1Pe., 133): 1Co.3:3, 2Co.1:12 10:4, 1Pe.2:11.† SYN.: σάρκινος (which see), ψυχικός; cf. Tr., Syn., §§ LXXi, LXXii; Lft., Notes, 184 f.; Vau. on Rom.7:14 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: carnal, fleshly See also: 1 Corinthians 3:1; 2 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Peter 2:11.

θερισομεν therizō G2325 "to reap" Verb-FAI-1P

To reap or harvest, as in Matthew 6:26 and Luke 12:24, where Jesus teaches about God's care for His people.

Definition: θερίζω (θέρος), [in LXX chiefly for קָצַר ;] to reap: Mat.6:26, Luk.12:24, Jas.5:4; figuratively, Mat.25:24, 26, Luk.19:21-22, Jhn.4:36-38, 2Co.9:6, Gal.6:7, 9, Rev.14:15; with accusative, τ. σαρκικά, 1Co.9:11; φθοράν, ζωὴν αἰώνιον, Gal.6:8; τ. γῆν, Rev.14:16.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 17 NT verses. KJV: reap See also: 1 Corinthians 9:11; John 4:38; James 5:4.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 9:11

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Context
Cross References
1 Corinthians 9:11 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 9:11
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 9:11
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:11
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:11
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:11
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:11
Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 9:11
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 9:11
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:11
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 9:11

Context — The Rights of an Apostle

9For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned? 10Isn’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.

11If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much for us to reap a material harvest from you?

12If 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. 13Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings?

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Romans 15:27	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.
2	Galatians 6:6	Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.
3	2 Corinthians 11:15	It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.
4	Matthew 10:10	Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions.
5	2 Kings 5:13	Naaman’s servants, however, approached him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’?”
6	Malachi 3:8–9	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.

1 Corinthians 9:11 Summary

[This verse means that if spiritual leaders, like pastors or missionaries, have helped you grow in your faith, it's only fair that they receive some kind of support, like food or money, in return, as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:11 and Deuteronomy 25:4. This is because they have dedicated their lives to serving the Lord and His people. It's like a farmer expecting to eat some of the food they've grown, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 9:10. By supporting our spiritual leaders, we are showing our appreciation for their hard work and care, and we are also obeying God's command to take care of those who minister to us, as seen in Galatians 6:6 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'sow spiritual seed' and 'reap a material harvest'?

To sow spiritual seed means to share the gospel and nurture believers, while reaping a material harvest refers to receiving physical support, such as food or money, in return for this spiritual labor, as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:11 and supported by Deuteronomy 25:4 and 1 Timothy 5:18.

Is it biblical for pastors and ministers to receive financial support from their congregation?

Yes, the Bible teaches that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel, as stated in 1 Corinthians 9:14 and supported by Galatians 6:6 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18.

Does this verse imply that ministers are entitled to wealth or luxury?

No, this verse is not about accumulating wealth, but rather about basic support and provision for those who have dedicated their lives to serving the Lord and His people, as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:11 and Matthew 10:10.

How does this verse relate to the concept of tithing and giving in the Bible?

This verse is connected to the broader biblical principle of giving and supporting those who minister spiritually, as seen in Malachi 3:10, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, and 1 Corinthians 9:11, emphasizing the importance of generously providing for those who serve the Lord.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can 'sow spiritual seed' in my own community or church, and how can I trust God to provide for my physical needs?
How can I balance my desire to serve the Lord with my need for physical provision and support, as seen in this verse and others like Matthew 6:33?
In what ways can I show appreciation and support for my spiritual leaders, whether through financial giving or other means, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 9:11 and Galatians 6:6?
What does it mean to 'reap a material harvest' in my own life, and how can I trust God to provide for my needs as I serve Him, as seen in Philippians 4:19 and Matthew 6:25-34?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 9:11

If we have sown unto you spiritual things,.... The preachers of the Gospel are compared to sowers of seed; the seed they sow is the word of God, which is like to seed, for its smallness and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 9:11

If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? We ... we - emphatic in the Greek. Your carnal things.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:11

By spiritual things the apostle meaneth the doctrine and sacraments of the gospel; which are called spiritual things, because they come from heaven, they affect the soul and spirit of a man, they tend to make men spiritual, they prepare the soul for heaven. By carnal things he means things which only serve our bodies, which are our carnal, fleshly part. From the inequality of these things, and the excellency of the former above the latter, the apostle argueth the reasonableness of ministers’ maintenance from their people, they giving them quid pro quo, a just compensation for such allowance, yea, what was of much more value; for there is a great disproportion between things spiritual and things carnal, the former much excelling the latter: so as the minister of the gospel had the odds of them, giving people things of a much greater and more excellent value, for things of a much less and inferior value.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:11

11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? Ver. 11. Is it a great thing, &c.] Do not we give you gold for brass? Cast we not pearls before you? Alexander the Great gave Aristotle for his book de Natura Animalium, 800 talents, which Isaiah 800,000 crowns at least. Theodorus Gaza translated that book into Latin, and dedicated it to Pope Sixtus. The Pope asked him how much the rich outside of the book stood him in; Gaza answered, forty crowns. Those forty crowns he commanded to be repaid him, and so sent him away without any reward for so precious a piece of work. Interrogavit asinus papa quanti ornatus constaret? (John Manl. loc. com.) How well might the poor old Grecian sit and sing, " Heu male nune artes miseras haec saecula tractant, Spes nulla ulterior." (Juven. Satir. 7.)

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:11

(11) If we have sown unto you spiritual things.—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 great thing for us to have a reward as inferior to our work as carnal things are to spiritual things?

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:11

Verse 11. If we have sown unto you spiritual things] If we have been the means of bringing you into a state of salvation by the Divine doctrines which we have preached unto you, is it too much for us to expect a temporal support then we give ourselves up entirely to this work? Every man who preaches the Gospel has a right to his own support and that of his family while thus employed.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 9:11

11. If we have sown unto you spiritual things] St Paul’s third argument is drawn from the principles of natural gratitude. If we have conferred on you such inestimable benefits, it is surely no very burdensome return to give us our maintenance. Not, says Estius, that the one is in any sense the price paid for the other, for the two are too unequal: but that he who receives gifts so invaluable certainly lies under an obligation to him who imparts them—an obligation which he may well requite by ministering to his benefactor in such trifles (see Acts 6:1-4) as food and drink. Cf. Romans 15:17; Galatians 6:6.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 9:11

If we have sown unto you spiritual things - If we have been the means of imparting to you the gospel, and bestowing upon you its high hopes and privileges; see the note at Romans 15:27.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:11

11. Carnal things—That is, secular goods.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 9:11

	Sermon	Description
	Harvesting Eternal Rewards - Part 4 by Josef Tson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of preaching and teaching the word of God. He emphasizes the idea that preachers should focus on feeding and nourishing their
	(Through the Bible) Romans 15-16 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker expresses his concern about television preachers who deceive believers with clever and entertaining speeches. He emphasizes the importance of being wise
	True Good Is Only Reached by Abandonment. by Francois Fenelon	The preacher delves into the meaning of 'pneumatikos,' which refers to the wind, spirit, and the inner life of a human being or the divine Spirit. This term is used in various cont
	Epistle 29 by George Fox	George Fox emphasizes the distinction between true ministers of Christ and those who misuse scripture for personal gain. He warns against supporting those who demand tithes without
	Eight Ways of Deceiving Ourselves by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the company we keep and the conversations we engage in. He warns against deceiving ourselves by thinking we can overcome ne
	(Through the Bible) Galatians 5-6 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the dangers of modern conveniences that distract us from our relationship with God. He warns against wasting time on TV shows and fantasies
	Opportunity and Accountability by Michael L. Brown	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the church is not just a place to gather and look good, but a place where the mission of God is carried out. He encourages everyone to d