1 Corinthians 9:4

KJV

Have we not power to eat and to drink?

KJV (with Strong's)

Have we {G2192} not {G3378} power {G1849} to eat {G5315} and {G2532} to drink {G4095}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Don’t we have the right to be given food and drink?

Berean Standard Bible

Have we no right to food and to drink?

American Standard Version

Have we no right to eat and to drink?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 9:4, the Apostle Paul employs a rhetorical question to assert the inherent and legitimate right of himself and other apostles to receive material support, specifically food and drink, from those to whom they minister. This verse serves as the foundational premise for Paul's subsequent argument in chapter 9, where he defends his apostolic authority and explains his intentional decision to waive these legitimate rights for the greater advancement and unhindered proclamation of the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned at the outset of Paul's defense of his apostleship and his rights as an evangelist, following his discussions on Christian liberty and food sacrificed to idols in chapters 8. Chapter 9 begins with Paul establishing his credentials as an apostle, having seen the risen Lord and being the spiritual father of the Corinthian believers ([1 Corinthians 9:1-2](/1-corinthians/9-1-2 "Paul's Apostolic Credentials")). The rhetorical question in [1 Corinthians 9:4](/1-corinthians/9-4 "Paul's Right to Support") immediately introduces the concept of ministerial rights, which he then supports with various analogies from everyday life (soldiers, vineyard keepers, shepherds, oxen treading grain) and Old Testament law ([1 Corinthians 9:7-11](/1-corinthians/9-7-11 "Analogies for Ministerial Support")). The subsequent verses reveal his deliberate choice to forgo these rights, not because they are illegitimate, but for the sake of the Gospel's effectiveness among the Corinthians ([1 Corinthians 9:12-18](/1-corinthians/9-12-18 "Paul's Self-Denial for the Gospel")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, it was common practice for teachers, philosophers, and rhetoricians to receive payment from their students or patrons. Paul, however, often chose to work with his hands (e.g., tentmaking, as seen in [Acts 18:3](/acts/18-3 "Paul's Tentmaking in Corinth")) to support himself, a practice that distinguished him from many itinerant teachers of his day. This choice, while admirable to some, may have led others in Corinth to question his legitimacy or the value of his message, as paid teachers were often seen as more authoritative. Furthermore, the Corinthian church itself was plagued by divisions and factions ([1 Corinthians 1:10-17](/1-corinthians/1-10-17 "Divisions in the Corinthian Church")), and some members likely held differing views on the financial support of spiritual leaders, possibly even viewing Paul's self-sufficiency as a sign of weakness or a lack of confidence in his own message. Paul's argument here is thus a robust defense of his apostolic authority and rights, even as he explains his personal decision to not exercise them.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 9](/1-corinthians/9 "Paul's Rights as an Apostle") primarily explores the themes of **apostolic authority and rights**, emphasizing that those who minister the Gospel have a legitimate claim to material support from those they serve. This principle is rooted in both common sense and Old Testament law, as Paul demonstrates in [1 Corinthians 9:7-11](/1-corinthians/9-7-11 "Paul's Arguments for Support"). However, a more profound theme is **self-denial and sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel**. Paul's decision to forgo his rights, particularly financial support, highlights his unwavering commitment to remove any potential stumbling block to the spread of the Good News ([1 Corinthians 9:12](/1-corinthians/9-12 "Paul's Choice to Not Hinder the Gospel")). This embodies the broader Christian principle of **loving concern for others** and prioritizing their spiritual well-being over personal convenience or entitlement, a theme echoed in Paul's discussion of Christian liberty in [1 Corinthians 8](/1-corinthians/8 "Christian Liberty and Love").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **power (Greek, _exousía'_):** From G1849, this term, while often translated as "power," carries the primary sense of "privilege," "right," "authority," or "liberty." Paul is not questioning their physical ability to eat and drink, but rather their legitimate claim or entitlement to be provided for. It denotes a sanctioned freedom or jurisdiction, indicating that apostles possess a divine warrant for their sustenance.
* **eat (Greek, _phágō'_):** From G5315, a primary verb meaning "to eat," literally or figuratively. In this context, it refers to the consumption of food, representing the basic necessity of sustenance. Coupled with "drink," it signifies the fundamental provision required for survival and, by extension, for full-time ministry.
* **drink (Greek, _pínō'_):** From G4095, a primary verb meaning "to imbibe" or "to drink." Like "eat," it denotes a basic physical need. Together, "to eat and to drink" form a common idiom for receiving full provision and livelihood, implying not just the act of consumption but the right to be supplied with all that is necessary for life and work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Have we not power":** This is a rhetorical question, signaled by the Greek negative particles `mḕ ouk` (G3378), which expects a strong affirmative answer. Paul is not genuinely asking if they lack the right, but rather asserting that they *do* indeed possess it. The "we" refers to Paul and Barnabas, and by extension, other apostles and ministers of the Gospel, as indicated by the subsequent verses. The "power" (exousía) here is not brute strength but the legitimate authority or right to be supported.
* **"to eat and to drink?":** This phrase functions as a merism, where two parts represent the whole. "Eating and drinking" signifies the entirety of material sustenance and provision, including food, drink, and by extension, financial support for their livelihood. Paul is asserting the right of apostles to be financially supported by the communities they serve, enabling them to dedicate themselves fully to their ministry without needing to work secular jobs for their basic needs.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [1 Corinthians 9:4](/1-corinthians/9-4 "Paul's Rhetorical Question") is a **Rhetorical Question**. Paul uses the interrogative "Have we not...?" not to elicit information, but to make a forceful assertion. The expected answer is a resounding "Yes, you do have that power/right!" This technique immediately engages the audience and sets the stage for his subsequent argument, making his point more impactful than a direct statement would have been. Additionally, the phrase "to eat and to drink" functions as a **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary parts (eating and drinking) are used to represent a complete whole, in this case, full material provision and livelihood. This concise phrasing efficiently conveys the comprehensive nature of the apostles' right to sustenance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The assertion of a minister's right to material support, as seen in [1 Corinthians 9:4](/1-corinthians/9-4 "The Right to Ministerial Support"), is a foundational principle woven throughout Scripture, establishing a divine pattern for the sustenance of those dedicated to spiritual labor. This right is not merely a human convention but reflects God's design for the propagation of His message, ensuring that those who sow spiritual seed can reap material benefits, thereby freeing them to fully devote themselves to the ministry of the Word and prayer. This principle underscores the value God places on the proclamation of the Gospel and the care of His servants, recognizing that full-time ministry requires full-time provision.

* [Deuteronomy 25:4](/deuteronomy/25-4 "Do Not Muzzle an Ox")
* [Galatians 6:6](/galatians/6-6 "Sharing All Good Things")
* [1 Timothy 5:18](/1-timothy/5-18 "Support for Elders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 9:4](/1-corinthians/9-4 "Paul's Right to Support") invites us to reflect on the biblical principle of supporting those who minister the Gospel, recognizing that their dedication to spiritual labor warrants material provision. For the church today, this means actively and generously supporting pastors, missionaries, and other full-time Christian workers, enabling them to focus on their calling without the burden of financial insecurity. However, the broader context of [1 Corinthians 9](/1-corinthians/9 "Paul's Example of Self-Denial") also challenges believers to consider when it might be appropriate to forgo legitimate rights for the sake of the Gospel's advancement or to avoid causing offense. This requires discernment, humility, and a deep love for Christ and others, prioritizing the spiritual well-being of the community over personal convenience or entitlement. It calls us to emulate Paul's Christ-like example of selfless service, always asking how our choices can best serve the Kingdom of God and prevent any hindrance to the Good News.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my church currently support its spiritual leaders, and does it align with the principles found in 1 Corinthians 9?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be holding onto legitimate rights or preferences that, if surrendered, could better serve the Gospel or benefit others?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of selfless service, willing to make sacrifices for the sake of Christ's mission, even when it involves personal cost?**

### FAQ
**Does Paul's assertion of his "power to eat and to drink" mean all ministers must receive financial support?**

Answer: While [1 Corinthians 9:4](/1-corinthians/9-4 "Paul's Right to Support") clearly establishes the legitimate right of ministers to receive financial and material support from those they serve, it does not mandate that all ministers *must* exercise this right. Paul himself, in the very next verses, explains his deliberate choice to forgo this right for the sake of the Gospel ([1 Corinthians 9:12](/1-corinthians/9-12 "Paul's Choice to Not Hinder the Gospel")). The passage teaches that the *right* to support exists, rooted in divine principle ([1 Corinthians 9:14](/1-corinthians/9-14 "The Lord's Command for Support")), but the *exercise* of that right can be a matter of Spirit-led discernment, prioritizing the unhindered spread of the Gospel above personal convenience or entitlement. Thus, churches are obligated to be ready to support their ministers, and ministers have the right to receive it, but they may, like Paul, choose to waive it for strategic Kingdom purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Corinthians 9:4](/1-corinthians/9-4 "Paul's Right to Support") speaks to the rights of apostles and ministers, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies not in the assertion of rights, but in the ultimate example of self-denial and sacrifice embodied by Jesus Christ Himself. Paul's willingness to forgo his legitimate rights for the sake of the Gospel profoundly mirrors Christ's own kenosis, His "emptying" of Himself. Though He was God, Jesus "did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Christ's Humility")). He, who had every right to divine glory and honor, chose instead to become poor for our sakes, "that you through his poverty might be rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2-corinthians/8-9 "Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). The Lamb of God, who came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "The Son of Man Came to Serve")), perfectly exemplifies the principle of sacrificing personal rights and privileges for the greater good of others and the advancement of God's redemptive plan. Paul's example, therefore, is a Christ-like one, demonstrating that true authority and power in the Kingdom are often expressed through humble service and self-sacrifice, ultimately pointing to the supreme sacrifice of Christ on the cross, which secured our eternal provision and liberation from sin ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World")).

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

1 Thessalonians 2:6

Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor [yet] of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

2 Thessalonians 3:8

Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

2 Thessalonians 3:9

Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

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.

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 Corinthians 9:7

Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?

1 Corinthians 9:14

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