1 Corinthians 9:7

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Who {G5101} goeth a warfare {G4754} any time at {G4218} his own {G2398} charges {G3800}? who {G5101} planteth {G5452} a vineyard {G290}, and {G2532} eateth {G2068} not {G3756} of {G1537} the fruit {G2590} thereof {G846}? or {G2228} who {G5101} feedeth {G4165} a flock {G4167}, and {G2532} eateth {G2068} not {G3756} of {G1537} the milk {G1051} of the flock {G4167}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Did you ever hear of a soldier paying his own expenses? or of a farmer planting a vineyard without eating its grapes? Who shepherds a flock without drinking some of the milk?

Berean Standard Bible

Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not drink of its milk?

American Standard Version

What soldier ever serveth at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 9:7 presents three rhetorical questions that powerfully assert the inherent and universally recognized principle that those who labor in a specific vocation are entitled to benefit from their work. Through the common illustrations of a soldier, a vineyard planter, and a shepherd, the Apostle Paul lays a foundational argument for the legitimate right of those who minister the Gospel to receive material support from those they serve, establishing a divine principle of reciprocity between spiritual sowing and material reaping.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a larger section of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, specifically [1 Corinthians 9](/1_corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Defense of His Apostleship"). Paul is defending his apostolic authority and his right to financial support from the Corinthian church, a right he often chose not to exercise to avoid hindering the spread of the Gospel (as he explicitly states in [1 Corinthians 9:12](/1_corinthians/9-12 "1 Corinthians 9:12 - Paul's Refusal of Support for the Gospel")). Before explaining *why* he foregoes this right, he first establishes that the right itself is biblically legitimate and universally understood. The three analogies in verse 7 serve as a common-sense prelude to his more theological and Scriptural arguments for ministerial support, which follow in verses like [1 Corinthians 9:9-10](/1_corinthians/9-9-10 "1 Corinthians 9:9-10 - The Ox Treading Out the Corn") and [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - The Lord's Command for Gospel Preachers").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world and ancient Near East, the examples Paul uses were deeply familiar and culturally resonant. Soldiers received pay and provisions for their service; it was unthinkable for them to finance their own campaigns. Farmers planted vineyards with the expectation of harvesting and consuming the grapes. Shepherds tended flocks with the clear understanding that they would benefit from the flock's produce, such as milk, wool, and offspring. These were not merely societal norms but fundamental economic principles. The Corinthian church, a diverse community with varying social strata and philosophical influences, would readily grasp these everyday scenarios, making Paul's rhetorical questions undeniably persuasive. The underlying issue in Corinth was likely a questioning of Paul's legitimacy as an apostle, partly due to his refusal to accept payment, which some might have interpreted as a sign of weakness or lack of genuine authority.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians") and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the **Right to Compensation for Labor**, especially for those engaged in spiritual ministry. Paul firmly establishes that those who dedicate themselves to a task benefiting others have a rightful expectation of support or benefit from that work. This principle extends beyond mere human logic, implying a **Divine Principle of Reciprocity**, where those who sow spiritual blessings are entitled to reap material ones (cf. [Romans 15:27](/romans/15-27 "Romans 15:27 - Sharing Spiritual and Material Blessings")). The rhetorical nature of the questions also highlights the theme of **Common Sense and Natural Justice**, appealing to an innate understanding of fairness. No one expects a laborer to work without benefiting from their toil, a principle reinforced by Old Testament law, as seen in [Deuteronomy 25:4](/deuteronomy/25-4 "Deuteronomy 25:4 - The Ox Not Muzzled While Treading Grain"), which Paul quotes later in this chapter.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **charges (Greek, _opsṓnion'_):** This term specifically refers to a soldier's pay, provisions, or wages. It denotes the stipend or financial compensation due for service, emphasizing that Paul is speaking of direct material support or living expenses, not merely an abstract right. Its use here underscores the concrete nature of the support Paul is discussing.
* **fruit (Greek, _karpós'_):** Derived from a word related to "plucked," _karpós_ refers to the literal produce of a plant, such as grapes from a vineyard. Figuratively, it represents the beneficial outcome or result of one's labor. In this context, it highlights the natural expectation that a planter would partake in the very yield of their investment and effort.
* **milk (Greek, _gála'_):** This word refers to the literal milk produced by a flock. As a staple product of sheep or goats, it represents a direct and essential benefit derived from tending the animals. Its inclusion emphasizes the immediate and practical sustenance that a shepherd would naturally expect from their diligent care of the flock.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges?"**: This opening rhetorical question challenges the notion that a soldier would fund his own military campaign. It highlights the absurdity of such an expectation, establishing the universal principle that those who serve in a demanding and vital capacity are provided for by those they serve or represent. The "charges" refer to the soldier's pay, provisions, and equipment, underscoring the necessity of external support for effective service.
* **"who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof?"**: This second question draws upon the common agricultural practice of planting a vineyard. The planter invests time, effort, and resources into cultivating the vines. The implied answer is that no one would undertake such labor without the expectation of partaking in the harvest, specifically eating the grapes (fruit) produced. This illustrates the fundamental principle of reaping what one sows, and benefiting from one's own productive labor.
* **"or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?"**: The final question uses the pastoral image of a shepherd tending a flock. The shepherd's diligent care—feeding, protecting, and guiding—is naturally rewarded by the sustenance derived from the flock, such as its milk. This reinforces the idea that the one who provides care and nourishment to others is entitled to receive sustenance in return, completing the trio of compelling, common-sense analogies for compensation for labor.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs **Rhetorical Questions** throughout this verse, expecting an obvious "no" answer to each. This technique serves to engage the audience, compelling them to acknowledge the self-evident truth of his premise. The three questions also form a powerful **Analogy** or **Simile**, comparing the work of an apostle (or any Gospel minister) to the universally understood labors of a soldier, a farmer, and a shepherd. This use of familiar, everyday examples makes his argument accessible and undeniable. Furthermore, the structure of the verse exhibits **Parallelism**, with each question following a similar grammatical pattern ("Who X and eats not of Y?"), which enhances the rhythm and persuasive force of the argument. The cumulative effect of these devices is to build an irrefutable case for the principle of compensation for labor, particularly spiritual labor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The principles articulated in 1 Corinthians 9:7 are deeply rooted in both Old Testament law and New Testament teaching, establishing a consistent biblical ethic regarding the support of those who minister God's Word. It reveals a divine design where those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service are to be materially sustained by the community they serve. This is not merely a human convention but a principle reflecting God's justice and provision. Just as a farmer lives from his harvest or a shepherd from his flock, so too should those who sow spiritual seed be enabled to live from the material support of those who reap spiritual benefits. This reciprocity underscores the mutual interdependence within the body of Christ, where spiritual nourishment is exchanged for material provision, enabling the continued proclamation of the Gospel.

* [Deuteronomy 25:4](/deuteronomy/25-4 "The Ox Not Muzzled")
* [Luke 10:7](/luke/10-7 "The Laborer is Worthy of His Hire")
* [Galatians 6:6](/galatians/6-6 "Sharing Good Things with Teachers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 9:7 serves as a vital reminder for both those who minister and those who are ministered to. For believers, it cultivates a spirit of generosity and responsibility, encouraging us to actively and cheerfully provide for those who labor in teaching and preaching the Gospel. Recognizing that the spiritual food we receive comes at a cost to those who prepare and deliver it, we are called to honor their work through tangible support. For those in ministry, this verse affirms a legitimate right to receive sustenance, freeing them to focus on their spiritual calling without undue material burdens. However, Paul's broader example in [1 Corinthians 9](/1_corinthians/9 "Paul's Example of Self-Sacrifice") also provides a powerful counter-balance, demonstrating that while the right exists, it can be sacrificially relinquished for the greater advance of the Gospel. Thus, the verse encourages both faithful provision and humble, strategic service, fostering a healthy, interdependent relationship within the church that prioritizes the spread of God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of financial support for vocational ministry in the church today?**
* **In what practical ways can I apply the principle of supporting those who minister God's Word, considering my own resources and the needs of those who serve?**
* **If I am involved in ministry, how do I balance my legitimate right to support with a spirit of sacrificial service, following Paul's example for the sake of the Gospel?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul emphasize this right if he often chose not to exercise it?**

Answer: Paul's primary motivation in [1 Corinthians 9](/1_corinthians/9 "Paul's Defense of His Apostleship") is not to demand support for himself, but to establish the *principle* that those who minister the Gospel have a legitimate, God-given right to be supported by those they serve. He first establishes the validity of this right through common-sense analogies (verse 7), Old Testament law (verse 9), and the Lord's command (verse 14). Having firmly established the right, he then explains that he chose to forego it for strategic reasons: to avoid hindering the Gospel (as stated in [1 Corinthians 9:12](/1_corinthians/9-12 "Paul's Refusal of Support for the Gospel")), to set an example of self-sacrifice, and to preach the Gospel without charge. His emphasis on the right validates the practice for other ministers, while his personal choice demonstrates profound humility and dedication to the mission.

**Is this verse only about financial support for pastors and missionaries?**

Answer: While 1 Corinthians 9:7, and indeed the entire chapter, directly addresses the financial support of those who preach and teach the Gospel, the underlying principle it champions is broader. It speaks to the fundamental justice that a laborer is worthy of his hire, and that those who invest their time, skill, and effort in a vocation should benefit from their work. This principle is applied specifically to ministry here, but it resonates with the general biblical teaching on fair compensation for honest labor. Therefore, while its immediate context is ministerial support, the verse's common-sense analogies affirm a universal principle of reciprocity in labor and reward, which can be thoughtfully applied to various forms of work and service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 9:7, with its appeals to the soldier, the farmer, and the shepherd, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential laborer, who "went a warfare" against sin and death, not at His own charges, but by fully emptying Himself and relying on the Father's provision, ultimately paying the ultimate price for our redemption (cf. [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Christ's Humiliation")). He is the divine "planter" of the vineyard of God's kingdom, sowing the seeds of truth and life, and He certainly partakes of the "fruit" of His labor—the salvation of humanity and the glory given to Him by the Father (cf. [John 15:1-8](/john/15-1-8 "The True Vine")). Moreover, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who feeds His flock, laying down His life for them, and from His sacrifice and ongoing care, He draws sustenance and honor, receiving the "milk" of their devotion and faith (cf. [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "The Good Shepherd")). The principle that the laborer is worthy of his hire is supremely demonstrated in Christ's own journey from humble service to glorious exaltation, as He endured the cross "for the joy that was set before him" (cf. [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith")). Thus, the support and sustenance of those who labor in the Gospel today are a participation in Christ's own pattern of sacrificial service and divine provision, reflecting the eternal truth that God always provides for those who faithfully advance His kingdom.

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

Proverbs 27:18

¶ Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.

Deuteronomy 20:6

And what man [is he] that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not [yet] eaten of it? let him [also] go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man eat of it.

2 Timothy 2:3

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 2:4

No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of [this] life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

1 Corinthians 3:6

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

1 Corinthians 3:8

Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

Acts 20:28

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.