1 Corinthians 9:13

KJV

Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live [of the things] of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?

KJV (with Strong's)

Do ye {G1492} not {G3756} know {G1492} that {G3754} they which minister {G2038} about holy things {G2413} live {G2068} of the things of {G1537} the temple {G2411}? and they which wait {G4332} at the altar {G2379} are partakers {G4829} with the altar {G2379}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Don’t you know that those who work in the Temple get their food from the Temple, and those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrifices offered there?

Berean Standard Bible

Do 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?

American Standard Version

Know ye not that they that minister about sacred things eat of the things of the temple, and they that wait upon the altar have their portion with the altar?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 9:13, the Apostle Paul employs a rhetorical question, drawing upon well-known Old Testament practices concerning the sustenance of temple and altar ministers, to establish a foundational principle: those who serve in sacred capacities are entitled to derive their livelihood from the very service they perform. This verse serves as a crucial bridge in Paul's defense of his apostolic rights, demonstrating that the concept of supporting those dedicated to spiritual work is not merely a human custom but a divinely ordained and historically established norm.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's extensive and passionate defense of his apostolic authority and rights in 1 Corinthians 9. Having addressed various issues within the Corinthian church (divisions, immorality, lawsuits), Paul now turns to the topic of Christian liberty and the responsibilities of ministry. He argues that while he has the right to financial support as an apostle, he has chosen not to exercise this right among the Corinthians so as not to hinder the spread of the gospel ([1 Corinthians 9:12](/1_corinthians/9-12 "1 Corinthians 9:12 - Paul's Self-Sacrifice for the Gospel")). To bolster his argument for the *legitimacy* of such support, even if he foregoes it, Paul moves from common secular examples (soldiers, farmers, shepherds – [1 Corinthians 9:7](/1_corinthians/9-7 "1 Corinthians 9:7 - Secular Analogies for Ministerial Support")) and Old Testament law concerning oxen ([1 Corinthians 9:9-10](/1_corinthians/9-9-10 "1 Corinthians 9:9-10 - The Ox Treading Grain")) to the sacred examples of temple and altar workers in this verse, culminating in the direct application to gospel ministers in the subsequent verse ([1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - The Lord's Ordination for Gospel Ministers")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practices Paul references were deeply embedded in the religious and social fabric of ancient Israel. Under the Mosaic Law, the Levites and priests, who were dedicated to the service of the tabernacle and later the temple, were explicitly forbidden from owning land as an inheritance among the tribes ([Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20-24 "Numbers 18:20-24 - The Levites' Inheritance")). Instead, their sustenance came directly from the offerings, tithes, and sacrifices brought by the people to the sanctuary. Priests, in particular, received portions of certain sacrifices (e.g., peace offerings, sin offerings) that were consumed by them and their families within the temple precincts, signifying their participation in the sacred meal and their livelihood from God's provision through the people's worship. This system ensured that those who consecrated their lives to God's service could do so without needing to engage in secular labor for their survival, thereby maintaining their focus on their spiritual duties.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within 1 Corinthians and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Provision for Sacred Service**. Paul highlights that the principle of supporting those who minister in holy capacities is not merely a human custom but a divinely ordained system, reflecting God's care for His servants. Secondly, it emphasizes the theme of **Participation in the Sacred**. The phrase "partakers with the altar" vividly illustrates the intimate connection between the priests' work and their livelihood; their very sustenance was tied to the sacred acts they performed, symbolizing their deep involvement in God's economy of worship and sacrifice. This theme extends to the Christian context, where those who minister the gospel are seen as participating in the spiritual harvest, and thus are entitled to share in its material fruit. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Apostolic Rights and Responsibilities**, as Paul uses this established principle to validate the right of apostles and gospel ministers to receive support, even as he exemplifies the responsibility of self-sacrifice for the sake of the gospel ([1 Corinthians 9:15-18](/1_corinthians/9-15-18 "1 Corinthians 9:15-18 - Paul's Refusal of Support")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb, G1492, properly means "to see" (literally or figuratively), and by implication, "to know" (especially in the perfect tense). Paul's use of "Do ye not know?" is a rhetorical device, implying that the Corinthians *should* be aware of this widely understood principle. It suggests that the truth he is about to present is not new or obscure but a common understanding derived from their shared heritage and religious knowledge.
* **live (Greek, _esthíō'_):** G2068, primarily means "to eat," but here, as indicated by the Strong's definition, it extends to "live" in the sense of subsisting or deriving one's livelihood. This word directly addresses the financial and material sustenance of the temple ministers, emphasizing that their very existence and daily needs were met "of the things of the temple," i.e., from the provisions and offerings associated with their sacred duties.
* **partakers (Greek, _symmerízomai'_):** G4829, means "to share jointly" or "participate in." This term highlights the communal and rightful aspect of the priests' share. It signifies that their portion was not a mere handout but a legitimate share, a co-participation in the sacred provisions of the altar, underscoring their inherent right to the benefits derived from their dedicated service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live [of the things] of the temple?"**: This first clause begins with a rhetorical question, designed to elicit an affirmative answer and to assume shared knowledge. Paul points to the well-established practice within the Jewish temple system. Those who "minister about holy things" (referring to the priests and Levites) were understood to "live of the things of the temple." This means their sustenance, their daily bread, and their livelihood came directly from the offerings, tithes, and provisions brought into the temple. The temple was not just a place of worship but also the economic center that supported its dedicated workers. This arrangement ensured that those consecrated to God's service were provided for by the very system they served.
* **"and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?"**: This second clause parallels and reinforces the first, focusing specifically on those who "wait at the altar," a more specific reference to the priests who performed sacrificial duties. To "wait at the altar" implies constant attendance and active participation in the sacrificial rites. The phrase "are partakers with the altar" signifies that these priests had a legitimate share in the offerings presented on the altar. For instance, portions of certain sacrifices (like the peace offerings) were consumed by the priests, symbolizing their communion with God and their livelihood derived from the sacred acts. This was not merely a custom but a divinely ordained right, ensuring that those who performed the demanding and vital work of mediation and sacrifice were sustained by the very system of worship.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several effective literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, "Do ye not know...?", which serves not to seek information but to emphasize a point that Paul expects his audience to already acknowledge as common knowledge. This device powerfully draws the Corinthians into agreement with his premise before he applies it. He also uses **Analogy** and **Parallelism** by presenting two closely related examples: "they which minister about holy things" and "they which wait at the altar." Both refer to temple workers, but the second phrase narrows the focus to those directly involved in sacrificial rites, reinforcing the principle through a specific, potent image. The structure of the verse itself demonstrates **Parallelism**, with the two clauses mirroring each other in their assertion of a right to sustenance based on sacred service. Furthermore, there is an implied **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** where "the temple" and "the altar" represent the entire system of provisions and sacred duties associated with them, rather than just the physical structures.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological implications of 1 Corinthians 9:13 are profound, establishing a clear biblical precedent for the support of those engaged in full-time ministry. It underscores God's consistent principle throughout redemptive history: those dedicated to His service are to be sustained by the community they serve, allowing them to devote themselves fully to spiritual labor without the distraction of worldly occupations. This principle is rooted in God's character as a provider and His desire for His ministers to be unhindered in their sacred calling. It reflects a divine economy where spiritual labor yields material sustenance, not as a wage earned, but as a provision for a consecrated life. This concept elevates the dignity of ministerial work, placing it within the framework of God's own design for His people and His worship.

* [Numbers 18:31](/numbers/18-31 "Numbers 18:31 - Levites' Portion from Offerings")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1-5](/deuteronomy/18-1-5 "Deuteronomy 18:1-5 - Priests' and Levites' Inheritance")
* [Luke 10:7](/luke/10-7 "Luke 10:7 - The Laborer is Worthy of His Hire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 9:13 offers a timeless principle that resonates deeply with the contemporary church regarding the support of its spiritual leaders. It challenges believers to recognize that those who dedicate their lives to the demanding and often sacrificial work of ministry are not merely performing a job, but are engaged in "holy things," a sacred calling worthy of communal provision. This verse cultivates a sense of mutual responsibility within the body of Christ: ministers are called to serve faithfully, and the congregation is called to provide for their needs. This enables ministers to focus wholeheartedly on prayer, the study of the Word, and the shepherding of souls, unburdened by the necessity of secular employment. It is a reminder that supporting ministry is an act of worship, participating in God's provision for His kingdom work, and honoring those who labor tirelessly for the spiritual well-being of the church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the Old Testament precedent for supporting temple workers deepen your appreciation for the principle of supporting Christian ministers today?**
* **In what ways does your personal giving reflect a commitment to enabling those who "minister about holy things" to "live of the gospel"?**
* **What might be the spiritual implications for a church or individual who neglects the biblical principle of financially supporting those who serve them in ministry?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean all Christian ministers must be paid a salary?**

Answer: While 1 Corinthians 9:13, especially when read in conjunction with [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - The Lord's Ordination for Gospel Ministers"), establishes the *right* of those who preach the gospel to "live of the gospel," it does not mandate a specific payment structure or salary for all ministers. Paul himself, in the very context of asserting this right, chose not to exercise it among the Corinthians to avoid hindering the gospel ([1 Corinthians 9:12](/1_corinthians/9-12 "1 Corinthians 9:12 - Paul's Self-Sacrifice")). The principle is about ensuring that ministers are adequately supported so they can devote themselves fully to their calling, whether through direct financial provision, meeting specific needs, or allowing them to work part-time if that best serves the ministry context. The emphasis is on enabling them to serve unhindered, rather than prescribing a rigid compensation model.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 9:13 directly references Old Testament temple practices, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper significance are found in Christ. The temple and altar, with all their "holy things" and sacrificial rites, were but shadows pointing to the reality of Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate High Priest, who not only "ministered about holy things" but *is* the Holy One of God, offering Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). In Him, the need for earthly priests to "wait at the altar" and "partake with the altar" is transformed. Believers, through Christ, become a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), offering spiritual sacrifices of praise and service. The principle of support for those who minister, then, is not merely a continuation of an Old Covenant custom, but a reflection of Christ's own provision for His church. Just as the earthly temple sustained its ministers, so the spiritual temple—the body of Christ—is called to sustain those who proclaim the good news of the One who fulfilled all temple and altar symbolism, enabling them to devote themselves fully to building up His kingdom and making disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")).

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

Numbers 18:8

¶ And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance for ever.

Numbers 18:20

¶ And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I [am] thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.

Numbers 5:9

And every offering of all the holy things of the children of Israel, which they bring unto the priest, shall be his.

Numbers 5:10

And every man's hallowed things shall be his: whatsoever any man giveth the priest, it shall be his.

Leviticus 6:26

The priest that offereth it for sin shall eat it: in the holy place shall it be eaten, in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation.

1 Corinthians 10:18

Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

Deuteronomy 18:1

¶ The priests the Levites, [and] all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and his inheritance.