1 Corinthians 9:11

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

If {G1487} we {G2249} have sown {G4687} unto you {G5213} spiritual things {G4152}, is it a great thing {G3173} if {G1487} we {G2249} shall reap {G2325} your {G5216} carnal things {G4559}?

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

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

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

1 Corinthians 9:11 is a pivotal verse in Paul's defense of the right of those who minister the Gospel to receive material support from those they serve. It encapsulates a profound principle of reciprocity between spiritual giving and material receiving, framed as a rhetorical question.

Context of 1 Corinthians 9:11

In 1 Corinthians chapter 9, Paul is rigorously establishing his apostolic authority and defending the legitimacy of his right to be supported by the Corinthian church. He employs various analogies to illustrate that those who labor deserve to benefit from their labor: a soldier is paid, a farmer eats from his crop, and a shepherd partakes of the flock's milk (1 Corinthians 9:7). He even cites Old Testament law regarding not muzzling an ox while it treads out the corn (Deuteronomy 25:4) to emphasize that these principles apply even more profoundly to those who minister spiritual truths. This verse acts as a rhetorical question, designed to highlight the inherent fairness and reasonableness of such an exchange.

Meaning and Key Themes

  • Reciprocity in Ministry: The core message of this verse is that if ministers "sow" invaluable "spiritual things" – the Gospel, teaching, spiritual guidance, and truth – it is only reasonable that they should "reap" physical or "carnal things" in return, such as financial provision and material care. The question "is it a great thing?" implies that this is a small, not burdensome, request given the immense and eternal value of what has been provided.
  • Value of Spiritual Labor: Paul implicitly underscores the immense worth of spiritual ministry. Sharing the eternal truths of God's Word and leading souls to Christ far outweighs any temporary material contribution. This verse serves as a foundational principle for understanding support for those who teach God's Word.
  • Distinction between Spiritual and Carnal: Paul uses these terms to differentiate between the eternal, life-transforming nature of the Gospel and the temporary, physical needs of daily life. "Carnal" here refers to earthly, material sustenance, not necessarily sinfulness.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "sown" is speirō (σπείρω), meaning to scatter seed, which beautifully illustrates the act of propagating the Gospel and its truths.
  • "Spiritual things" comes from pneumatika (πνευματικὰ), referring to things pertaining to the spirit, encompassing divine truths, spiritual gifts, and the very essence of the Gospel.
  • "Carnal things" is from sarkika (σαρκικὰ), which denotes things pertaining to the flesh or earthly existence, contrasting with the spiritual. In this context, it specifically refers to material provisions and sustenance.

Practical Application

This verse remains highly relevant today, establishing a biblical precedent for the financial support of full-time ministers, missionaries, pastors, and those dedicated to teaching God's Word. It encourages believers to generously support those who feed them spiritually, recognizing the immense value of their labor and the spiritual blessings they receive. It also serves as a reminder to ministers of the profound spiritual investment they are making, which transcends any material return. Churches and individuals are called to consider the principle of honorable provision for those who devote their lives to laboring in the Word and doctrine.

Cross-References and Connections

The principle of supporting those who minister is echoed in several other New Testament passages:

  • Luke 10:7: Jesus states, "for the labourer is worthy of his hire."
  • Galatians 6:6: "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things."
  • Romans 15:27: Paul speaks of the Gentiles ministering material things to the Jews, having received spiritual things from them.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 15:27

    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.

  • Galatians 6:6

    Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:15

    Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

  • Matthew 10:10

    Nor scrip for [your] journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

  • 2 Kings 5:13

    And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, [if] the prophet had bid thee [do some] great thing, wouldest thou not have done [it]? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

  • Malachi 3:8

    Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

  • Malachi 3:9

    Ye [are] cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, [even] this whole nation.

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