1 Corinthians 9:14

KJV

Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Even {G2532} so {G3779} hath {G1299} the Lord {G2962} ordained {G1299} that they which preach {G2605} the gospel {G2098} should live {G2198} of {G1537} the gospel {G2098}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the same way, the Lord directed that those who proclaim the Good News should get their living from the Good News.

Berean Standard Bible

In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

American Standard Version

Even so did the Lord ordain that they that proclaim the gospel should live of the gospel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 9:14 encapsulates a foundational principle regarding the financial support of those who proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul asserts that it is not merely a human custom or an optional practice, but a divine decree from the Lord Himself that those who dedicate their lives to preaching the gospel should derive their livelihood from that very ministry. This verse climactically summarizes Paul's extensive defense of the right of ministers to receive material support, even as he often chose to forgo this right for strategic reasons.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful conclusion to Paul's intricate argument in [1 Corinthians 9](/1-corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Apostolic Rights and Self-Denial"). Throughout the chapter, Paul passionately defends his apostolic authority and, by extension, his right to receive financial support from the Corinthian church. He employs a series of compelling analogies, likening ministers to soldiers, farmers, and shepherds, all of whom expect to benefit from their labor. He further grounds his argument in Old Testament law, referencing the command not to muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain in [Deuteronomy 25:4](/deuteronomy/25-4 "Deuteronomy 25:4 - Do Not Muzzle the Ox") and the divine provision for the Levites who served in the temple in [Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20-24 "Numbers 18:20-24 - Provision for the Levites"). Despite establishing this clear right, Paul immediately clarifies in [1 Corinthians 9:15](/1-corinthians/9-15 "1 Corinthians 9:15 - Paul's Refusal of Support") that he has chosen not to exercise it in Corinth, so as not to hinder the gospel, thereby demonstrating his willingness to sacrifice personal rights for the sake of the mission. Verse 14, therefore, acts as the authoritative theological underpinning for the principle Paul has been defending.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, it was common for philosophers, rhetoricians, and teachers to be supported by their students or patrons. However, Paul's approach to ministry often differed, as he sometimes chose to support himself through tent-making (e.g., [Acts 18:3](/acts/18-3 "Acts 18:3 - Paul's Tentmaking in Corinth")). This might have led some in Corinth to question his apostolic legitimacy, as a "true" teacher might be expected to receive support. Within Jewish tradition, priests and Levites were explicitly provided for by the tithes and offerings of the people, as they had no tribal land inheritance. Paul draws on this established precedent to emphasize that the principle of supporting religious workers was not new but divinely sanctioned. The Corinthian church itself was marked by divisions and various misunderstandings, making Paul's careful explanation of his rights and his reasons for waiving them particularly crucial for maintaining unity and preventing misjudgment of his motives.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Corinthians and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Mandate for Ministry Support**, asserting that the provision for those who proclaim the gospel is not a human invention but a direct command from the Lord. Secondly, it highlights the principle of **Reciprocity in Ministry**, where those who sow spiritual blessings among believers are entitled to reap material support, ensuring that ministers can devote themselves fully to their calling. This theme is echoed in [Galatians 6:6](/galatians/6-6 "Galatians 6:6 - Share with Your Teacher"). Thirdly, it affirms the **Legitimacy and Value of Vocational Ministry**, establishing that preaching the gospel is a worthy and honorable full-time occupation that deserves financial provision, allowing for maximum effectiveness in spreading the "good news" that is at the heart of the Christian faith. Paul's discussion throughout [1 Corinthians 9](/1-corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Apostolic Rights") masterfully balances the **Rights of the Minister** with the **Sacrifice for the Gospel's Sake**, demonstrating that while the right to support is divinely given, its exercise can be strategically forgone for the greater good of the kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ordained (Greek, _diatássō'_):** From G1299, this word signifies a definitive and authoritative arrangement, institution, or command. It implies a divine decree, not merely a suggestion or a human custom. When the Lord "ordains" something, it carries the weight of His will and authority, establishing a binding principle for His people.
* **preach (Greek, _katangéllō'_):** From G2605, this term means "to proclaim" or "to promulgate." It denotes the active, public declaration of a message. In this context, it refers specifically to those who are engaged in the systematic and public proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ, emphasizing their role as heralds of God's message.
* **live (Greek, _záō'_):** From G2198, this primary verb means "to live" in a literal or figurative sense. Coupled with "of the gospel," it implies not just mere subsistence but a livelihood, a means of sustenance and flourishing. It suggests that the very activity of proclaiming the gospel should be the source from which their daily needs and existence are provided.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Even so hath the Lord ordained":** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and authority of the principle that follows. The phrase "Even so" (Greek: _hoútō kai_) connects this statement directly to the preceding examples and arguments, indicating that the conclusion is a divinely established parallel. It is not a human invention or a matter of convenience, but a command issued by the supreme authority, the Lord (Greek: _kýrios_).
* **"that they which preach the gospel":** This identifies the specific group to whom the divine ordination applies: those who are actively engaged in proclaiming the "good message" (Greek: _euangélion_), the gospel of Christ. This refers to vocational ministers, missionaries, and teachers whose primary calling and labor is the dissemination of God's truth.
* **"should live of the gospel":** This final clause specifies the nature of the divine ordination. The preposition "of" (Greek: _ek_) denotes origin or source. Thus, their livelihood, their means of sustenance and support, is to come "from" or "out of" the very work of proclaiming the gospel. This implies that the community benefiting from the spiritual ministry should provide the material means for the minister's life and work.

#### Literary Devices
The Apostle Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in [1 Corinthians 9](/1-corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Apostolic Rights") to build up to this climactic statement. Primarily, he uses **Analogy and Parallelism**, drawing comparisons from common life experiences (soldiers, farmers, shepherds) and Old Testament law (muzzled ox, Levitical support) to demonstrate a universal principle of recompense for labor. Verse 14 acts as the **Culmination** of this series of arguments, summarizing them under the authoritative declaration of a divine mandate. The phrase "hath the Lord ordained" functions as a **Divine Decree**, imbuing the principle with absolute authority and removing it from the realm of mere human custom or preference. Furthermore, the entire argument carries an implicit theme of **Reciprocity**, highlighting the mutual benefit and obligation between those who minister spiritual truths and those who provide material support.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The principle articulated in 1 Corinthians 9:14 is profoundly theological, underscoring God's design for the support of His ministers and the propagation of His message. It teaches that the work of proclaiming the gospel is a sacred and full-time calling, worthy of dedicated provision, thereby freeing those called to focus entirely on their spiritual duties without being unduly burdened by secular concerns. This divine ordinance reflects God's care for His servants and His commitment to the spread of the gospel, establishing a reciprocal relationship where those who receive spiritual nourishment are called to provide material sustenance. It is a testament to the inherent value God places on the proclamation of His good news and the laborers who carry it forth.

* [Galatians 6:6](/galatians/6-6 "Galatians 6:6 - Share with Your Teacher")
* [1 Timothy 5:18](/1-timothy/5-18 "1 Timothy 5:18 - The Laborer Deserves His Wages")
* [Matthew 10:10](/matthew/10-10 "Matthew 10:10 - The Worker Deserves His Food")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 9:14 offers timeless guidance for both those in ministry and those who support it within the body of Christ today. For ministers, it affirms their legitimate right to receive financial support, allowing them to devote themselves fully to prayer, study, and the ministry of the Word. While Paul himself often chose self-denial for strategic reasons, this verse ensures that the principle of support remains valid, preventing ministers from feeling guilt or shame for accepting provision. For the broader church, this verse serves as a clear divine command to generously support those who faithfully preach the gospel. It calls believers to recognize that their financial contributions are not merely charitable donations but an act of obedience to God, an investment in the spread of the kingdom, and a practical means of enabling ministers to fulfill their calling effectively. It encourages a spirit of partnership in the gospel, where all members contribute according to their gifts and resources for the common good and the glory of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge or affirm your current understanding of financial support for ministers and missionaries?**
* **In what practical ways can you, as an individual or as part of a church community, apply the principle of "living of the gospel" to those who serve in ministry?**
* **How might ministers balance their God-given right to support with Paul's example of strategic self-denial for the sake of the gospel?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that every Christian who shares their faith should be financially supported by the church?**

Answer: No, 1 Corinthians 9:14 specifically refers to those "which preach the gospel," implying a vocational, full-time commitment to proclaiming the good news. While all believers are called to share their faith, this verse addresses those whose primary calling and labor is the public and systematic proclamation of the gospel, such as pastors, evangelists, and missionaries. It distinguishes between general Christian witness and dedicated, vocational ministry that requires full-time devotion.

**Is it wrong for a pastor or minister to have a secular job if they are also preaching the gospel?**

Answer: Not inherently. While 1 Corinthians 9:14 establishes the divine right for those who preach the gospel to "live of the gospel," meaning to be financially supported by their ministry, it does not forbid a minister from engaging in secular work. Paul himself, despite asserting this right, often chose to work to support himself (e.g., [Acts 18:3](/acts/18-3 "Acts 18:3 - Paul's Tentmaking")). The decision to work secularly often depends on contextual factors, such as the size and financial capacity of the church, the specific needs of the minister, or a strategic decision to avoid being a burden or to model self-sufficiency. The core principle is that the church *should* provide for its vocational ministers, enabling them to devote themselves fully to their calling without undue financial strain.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 9:14 speaks to the support of those who proclaim the gospel, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Christ Himself. Jesus, the ultimate "preacher of the gospel," perfectly embodied both the principle of divine provision and the profound act of self-denial. He affirmed the principle that "the laborer is worthy of his food" when sending out His disciples (e.g., [Matthew 10:10](/matthew/10-10 "Matthew 10:10 - The Worker Deserves His Food") and [Luke 10:7](/luke/10-7 "Luke 10:7 - The Worker Deserves His Wages")), trusting in God's provision through the hospitality of others (e.g., [Luke 9:3](/luke/9-3 "Luke 9:3 - Disciples Sent Out Without Provisions") and [Luke 10:4](/luke/10-4 "Luke 10:4 - Disciples Sent Out Without Purse or Bag")). More profoundly, Jesus Himself is the "gospel" (good news) that gives life. He is the "bread of life" (as stated in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), from whom all true sustenance, both spiritual and eternal, flows. His entire earthly ministry, culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection, was the ultimate "preaching" of the gospel, providing the very "life" (Greek: _záō_) by which humanity can truly live. In a profound sense, Jesus "lived of the gospel" by being the very content and source of the good news, offering His life so that others might live. His ultimate act of self-emptying, as described in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Humility of Christ"), provides the supreme example for all ministers, balancing the right to provision with a willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the message and the salvation of humanity.

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

Matthew 10:10

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

1 Timothy 5:17

¶ Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

1 Timothy 5:18

For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer [is] worthy of his reward.

1 Corinthians 9:4

Have we not power to eat and to drink?

Galatians 6:6

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

Luke 10:7

And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.