1 Corinthians 9:10

KJV

Or saith he [it] altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, [this] is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

KJV (with Strong's)

Or {G2228} saith he {G3004} it altogether {G3843} for {G1223} our {G2248} sakes {G1223}? For {G1223} our {G2248} sakes {G1223}, no doubt {G1063}, this is written {G1125}: that {G3754} he that ploweth {G722} should {G3784} plow {G722} in {G1909} hope {G1680}; and {G2532} that he that thresheth {G248} in hope {G1680} should be partaker {G3348} of {G1909} his {G846} hope {G1680}.

Complete Jewish Bible

all the more does he say this for our sakes. Yes, it was written for us, meaning that he who plows and he who threshes should work expecting to get a share of the crop.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

or saith he it assuredly for our sake? Yea, for our sake it was written: because he that ploweth ought to plow in hope, and he that thresheth, to thresh in hope of partaking.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 9:10, the Apostle Paul powerfully articulates a divine principle of just compensation and confident expectation for those who labor, particularly in spiritual service. Drawing from an agricultural analogy, he asserts that the scriptural command concerning the unmuzzled ox is not merely for animal welfare but primarily reveals God's intention that those who work diligently, whether in tilling the soil or proclaiming the gospel, should do so with the assured hope of partaking in the fruit of their efforts and receiving appropriate provision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [1 Corinthians 9](/1_corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Apostolic Rights") is a pivotal chapter where Paul defends his apostolic authority and, more specifically, his right to receive financial support from the churches he served. He argues that, despite having this legitimate right, he often chose not to exercise it, so as not to hinder the spread of the gospel. To establish the universal principle of supporting those who minister, Paul employs a series of compelling arguments: the common practice of soldiers, vineyard keepers, and shepherds ( [1 Corinthians 9:7](/1_corinthians/9-7 "1 Corinthians 9:7 - Who serves as a soldier at his own expense?") ); the Mosaic Law, specifically quoting [Deuteronomy 25:4](/deuteronomy/25-4 "Deuteronomy 25:4 - Do Not Muzzle an Ox") concerning the ox treading out grain ( [1 Corinthians 9:9](/1_corinthians/9-9 "1 Corinthians 9:9 - The Law of the Muzzled Ox") ); and the example of the Levitical priests who lived by the temple sacrifices ( [1 Corinthians 9:13](/1_corinthians/9-13 "1 Corinthians 9:13 - Priests Live by the Temple") ). Verse 10 serves as Paul's interpretive bridge, explaining that the law about the ox was fundamentally a divine teaching for human laborers, underscoring God's design for fair recompense.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The agricultural imagery of "plowing" and "threshing" would have been immediately understood by Paul's audience in ancient Corinth, a society deeply rooted in agrarian practices. Plowing involved preparing the ground for planting, a laborious task requiring foresight and effort. Threshing was the process of separating grain from chaff, often done by oxen treading on the harvested stalks. The Mosaic Law in [Deuteronomy 25:4](/deuteronomy/25-4 "Deuteronomy 25:4 - Do Not Muzzle an Ox") explicitly forbade muzzling an ox while it was threshing, ensuring the animal could eat some of the grain it was working with. This law reflected a broader cultural understanding of justice and humane treatment, but Paul elevates it to a spiritual principle. Furthermore, in both Jewish and Greco-Roman societies, it was common for teachers, philosophers, and religious leaders to be supported by their disciples or communities, recognizing the value of their intellectual and spiritual contributions. Paul navigates this expectation, asserting his right while often waiving it for strategic gospel purposes.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians") and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Principle of Provision**, asserting that God's laws, even those seemingly mundane, reveal profound truths about His care for those who labor. God intends for diligent workers to be sustained by the fruit of their efforts, a principle extending beyond agriculture to all forms of honest work, especially spiritual ministry. Secondly, the repeated emphasis on "hope" underscores the theme of **Confident Expectation in Labor**. Work, particularly in God's service, is not to be done in vain or without a clear vision of its rightful outcome. This "hope" (Greek: _elpís_) is not a mere wish but a robust, confident assurance rooted in God's faithfulness and the natural order He established. Finally, and most directly for Paul's argument, the verse reinforces the theme of **Legitimate Support for Ministry**. Just as a farmer expects a harvest, those who sow spiritual seeds and labor in the gospel have a divine right to partake in the material support from those they serve, aligning with teachings found in passages like [Galatians 6:6](/galatians/6-6 "Galatians 6:6 - Share with Your Teacher") and [1 Timothy 5:18](/1_timothy/5-18 "1 Timothy 5:18 - The Laborer Deserves His Wages").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hope (Greek, _elpís_):** From a primary root meaning to anticipate, usually with pleasure; expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence. In this context, it's not a mere wish or a vague desire, but a strong, confident assurance of a future good, a guaranteed outcome for diligent labor. It signifies a firm belief in the eventual realization of the expected reward or harvest, rooted in God's just character and established principles.
* **written (Greek, _gráphō_):** A primary verb meaning to "grave," especially to write; figuratively, to describe. Here, it emphasizes the divine authority and enduring truth of the principle being expounded. By stating "this is written," Paul elevates the agricultural illustration from [Deuteronomy 25:4](/deuteronomy/25-4 "Deuteronomy 25:4 - Do Not Muzzle an Ox") from a simple animal welfare law to a divinely inspired, foundational principle applicable to human conduct and divine provision.
* **partaker (Greek, _metéchō_):** From _metá_ (with) and _échō_ (to have); to share or participate; by implication, to belong to, eat (or drink). This word highlights the rightful claim of the laborer to a share in the outcome or reward of their work. For the farmer, it means partaking of the physical harvest; for the spiritual laborer, it means partaking of the material support from those who benefit from their spiritual sowing. It denotes a legitimate and expected share.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Or saith he [it] altogether for our sakes?"**: Paul begins with a rhetorical question, challenging the Corinthians to consider the deeper, human-centric meaning behind the seemingly animal-focused law of the unmuzzled ox. He prompts them to move beyond a superficial understanding to grasp God's broader intent. The phrase "altogether for our sakes" (Greek: _pántōs diá hēmâs_) emphasizes that the primary, overarching purpose of such a divine principle is for the benefit and instruction of humanity.
* **"For our sakes, no doubt, [this] is written:"**: This clause provides Paul's emphatic affirmative answer to his own rhetorical question. He asserts with absolute certainty that the underlying principle of [Deuteronomy 25:4](/deuteronomy/25-4 "Deuteronomy 25:4 - Do Not Muzzle an Ox") was indeed recorded in Scripture for the sake of human beings. The phrase "no doubt" (Greek: _gár_) reinforces the undeniable truth and divine intentionality behind the written word, establishing the principle's authority and applicability to human labor and provision.
* **"that he that ploweth should plow in hope;"**: Paul introduces the first agricultural analogy, applying the principle to the act of plowing. The worker who prepares the ground for planting does so not blindly, but with a confident expectation of a future harvest. The verb "should" (Greek: _opheílō_) implies a moral obligation or a fitting state, suggesting that it is proper and divinely intended for a laborer to have this hopeful anticipation. This "hope" is the assurance that their arduous effort will not be in vain but will yield fruit.
* **"and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope."**: The second analogy extends the principle to threshing, the final stage of harvesting. Just as the thresher works with the confident expectation of separating the grain, they also have the right to partake of that grain. The repetition of "in hope" underscores the continuous, confident expectation throughout the entire labor process. The phrase "partaker of his hope" signifies that the laborer has a rightful share in the very outcome they confidently anticipated. Their hope is fulfilled by their participation in the harvest.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in [1 Corinthians 9:10](/1_corinthians/9-10 "1 Corinthians 9:10 - The Principle of Hope in Labor") to convey his theological point. Firstly, he uses a **Rhetorical Question** at the outset ("Or saith he [it] altogether for our sakes?"), which immediately engages the audience and sets up his subsequent authoritative declaration. This question is designed not for an answer but to guide the listener's thought process towards Paul's intended conclusion. Secondly, the verse is built upon a profound **Analogy**, transitioning from the literal agricultural context of "plowing" and "threshing" to the spiritual labor of ministry. This analogy allows Paul to draw a clear parallel between physical work and spiritual service, making the abstract concept of ministerial support tangible and relatable. The agricultural imagery itself serves as a powerful **Metaphor** for the effort and expectation involved in any productive endeavor. Finally, the verse is a prime example of **Didacticism**, as Paul is clearly teaching a foundational principle of divine justice and provision. He interprets an Old Testament law not merely as a historical regulation but as a timeless, divinely inspired truth applicable to the lives and livelihoods of those who serve God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The principle articulated in [1 Corinthians 9:10](/1_corinthians/9-10 "1 Corinthians 9:10 - The Principle of Hope in Labor") is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of work, justice, and divine provision. It underscores that God values and intends to provide for diligent labor, whether in the physical or spiritual realm. This verse challenges any notion that those who serve God should do so without expectation of support, asserting that such an expectation is not a sign of greed but a confident hope rooted in God's own character and established order. It reflects a theology of fairness, where effort is met with reward, and sowing is followed by reaping. This principle extends beyond financial support for ministers; it speaks to the broader truth that God honors and sustains those who faithfully engage in His work, empowering them to labor with assurance rather than anxiety.

* [Deuteronomy 25:4](/deuteronomy/25-4 "Deuteronomy 25:4 - Do Not Muzzle an Ox")
* [Luke 10:7](/luke/10-7 "Luke 10:7 - The Laborer Deserves His Wages")
* [1 Timothy 5:18](/1_timothy/5-18 "1 Timothy 5:18 - Elders Worthy of Double Honor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 9:10](/1_corinthians/9-10 "1 Corinthians 9:10 - The Principle of Hope in Labor") offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for every believer, regardless of their specific calling. For those who labor, whether in vocational ministry, their professional careers, or within their families and communities, this verse instills a vital sense of purpose and confident expectation. It reminds us that our diligent efforts, especially those aligned with God's will and undertaken with integrity, are not in vain. We are called to "plow in hope," trusting that God will honor our work and provide for our needs, allowing us to "partake of our hope" – to experience the fruit and reward of our labor. This perspective guards against discouragement, fuels perseverance, and transforms mundane tasks into acts of faith. For those who benefit from the labor of others, particularly spiritual leaders and teachers, the verse highlights a divine responsibility to provide support. It calls us to generosity, appreciation, and a tangible recognition of the value of spiritual service, ensuring that those who sow spiritual seeds are sustained to continue their vital work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you "plowing" or "threshing" with diligence? Do you do so with a confident hope, trusting God for the outcome and provision?**
* **How does the principle of "partaking of his hope" challenge or affirm your current understanding of work, reward, and divine provision?**
* **Considering Paul's broader argument in [1 Corinthians 9](/1_corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Apostolic Rights"), how can you apply the principle of supporting those who minister in your own context, even if they choose not to exercise their right to full support?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to have "hope" in your labor, not as a mere wish, but as a confident expectation rooted in God's faithfulness?**

### FAQ

**Is this verse only about financial support for ministers?**

Answer: While [1 Corinthians 9:10](/1_corinthians/9-10 "1 Corinthians 9:10 - The Principle of Hope in Labor") is indeed used by Paul to argue for the legitimate right of ministers to receive financial support, its underlying principle is much broader. Paul interprets the law concerning the ox not being muzzled ( [Deuteronomy 25:4](/deuteronomy/25-4 "Deuteronomy 25:4 - Do Not Muzzle an Ox") ) as a universal truth about God's design for all human labor. It teaches that anyone who works diligently should do so with the expectation of benefiting from their efforts. This includes not only financial provision but also the satisfaction of seeing fruit from one's labor, the spiritual nourishment received from ministry, and the general principle of justice that hard work should be rewarded. Paul's immediate application is to gospel workers, but the principle itself applies to all who "plow in hope" and "thresh in hope."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 9:10](/1_corinthians/9-10 "1 Corinthians 9:10 - The Principle of Hope in Labor") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential laborer who "plowed in hope" and "threshed in hope." From His incarnation to His crucifixion, Jesus faithfully sowed the seeds of the Kingdom of God, teaching, healing, and ultimately laying down His life ( [John 12:24](/john/12-24 "John 12:24 - A Grain of Wheat") ). His entire ministry was undertaken with a confident expectation rooted in His Father's will and promises, even through suffering and death ( [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith") ). Jesus' "hope" was not a mere wish but an unwavering certainty of resurrection, victory over sin and death, and the salvation of humanity. He "partook of His hope" through His glorious resurrection ( [Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God") ), ascension, and enthronement at the Father's right hand ( [Ephesians 1:20-23](/ephesians/1-20-23 "Ephesians 1:20-23 - Christ's Exaltation") ), receiving the full reward for His perfect labor. As believers, we are called to "partake of His hope" ( [Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory") ), sharing in the eternal harvest Christ secured, and laboring in His name with the same confident expectation of future glory and divine provision, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain ( [1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Stand Firm in the Lord") ).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 15:4

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

2 Timothy 2:6

The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

Romans 4:23

¶ Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;

Romans 4:24

But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

John 4:35

Say not ye, There are yet four months, and [then] cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

John 4:38

I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

2 Corinthians 4:15

For all things [are] for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.