1 Corinthians 9:8

KJV

Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?

KJV (with Strong's)

Say I {G2980} these things {G5023} as {G3361}{G2596} a man {G444}? or {G2228} saith {G3004} not {G3780} the law {G3551} the same {G5023} also {G2532}?

Complete Jewish Bible

What I am saying is not based merely on human authority, because the Torah says the same thing —

Berean Standard Bible

Do I say this from a human perspective? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing?

American Standard Version

Do I speak these things after the manner of men? or saith not the law also the same?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 9:8, the Apostle Paul employs a powerful rhetorical strategy to defend the right of gospel ministers to receive financial support. He challenges the Corinthians to consider whether his arguments for ministerial remuneration are merely human opinions or if they are, in fact, deeply rooted in the divine authority of the Mosaic Law, thereby elevating the discussion from a matter of personal preference to a divinely established principle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal transition point in Paul's extended defense of his apostolic rights and the broader principle of ministerial support, which spans [1 Corinthians 9](/1_corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Apostolic Rights"). Immediately preceding this verse, in [1 Corinthians 9:7](/1_corinthians/9-7 "1 Corinthians 9:7 - Analogies for Ministerial Support"), Paul uses common, relatable analogies from daily life—soldiers, vinedressers, and shepherds—to illustrate the inherent right of those who labor to partake of the fruit of their labor. With the rhetorical questions of [1 Corinthians 9:8](/1_corinthians/9-8 "1 Corinthians 9:8 - Law's Testimony for Support"), Paul shifts from general human reasoning to the irrefutable authority of God's revealed Law, preparing the ground for his direct quotation from Deuteronomy in [1 Corinthians 9:9](/1_corinthians/9-9 "1 Corinthians 9:9 - The Law of the Ox"). This strategic move underscores that the principle of supporting ministers is not a novel Christian invention but a timeless, divinely sanctioned truth.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, it was common for philosophers, teachers, and rhetoricians to be supported by their disciples or patrons. However, Paul, as an apostle, often distinguished his ministry from that of secular teachers, sometimes choosing to forgo his right to support to avoid any perception of greed or burdening the church, particularly in Corinth ([1 Corinthians 9:12](/1_corinthians/9-12 "1 Corinthians 9:12 - Paul's Self-Support")). Within Judaism, the Mosaic Law contained clear provisions for the support of the Levites and priests who served in the temple, ensuring that those dedicated to sacred service were provided for by the community ([Numbers 18:21](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21 - Support for Levites")). By appealing to "the law," Paul taps into a foundational understanding within the Jewish tradition, which would have been familiar to many in the Corinthian church (both Jewish and Gentile converts), that those who minister spiritually are worthy of material support.

* **Key Themes:** A central theme in [1 Corinthians 9](/1_corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Apostolic Freedom and Rights") is the **legitimacy of ministerial support**. Paul argues that the right for those who preach the gospel to live from the gospel is not merely a human convention but a divine mandate, as evidenced by both natural principles and the Old Testament Law. This theme is intricately linked to **Paul's apostolic defense**, where he asserts his full rights as an apostle, even as he chooses not to exercise them for the sake of the gospel ([1 Corinthians 9:15](/1_corinthians/9-15 "1 Corinthians 9:15 - Paul's Refusal of Support")). Furthermore, the verse highlights the **continuity of God's principles** across different covenants, demonstrating that the underlying truth of providing for those who serve God is consistent from the Old Testament Law to the New Testament gospel ministry, underscoring the enduring wisdom and justice of God's ways.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Say (Greek, _laléō'_):** This word (G2980) means "to talk, i.e. utter words." While it can refer to general speech, in this context, it highlights the act of Paul articulating his arguments. By asking "Say I these things as a man?", Paul questions whether his pronouncements are merely human utterances, lacking divine backing, or if they possess a higher authority.
* **Man (Greek, _ánthrōpos'_):** This term (G444) denotes a human being, often in contrast to God or divine authority. Paul's rhetorical question, "Say I these things as a man?", probes whether his reasoning is based solely on human wisdom, fallible and potentially self-serving, or if it transcends human origins and taps into divine truth.
* **Law (Greek, _nómos'_):** This word (G3551) refers to "law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), especially (of Moses... or figuratively (a principle))." Here, "the law" specifically refers to the Mosaic Law, the Torah. Paul's appeal to the Law signifies a shift from human logic to God's revealed will, grounding the principle of ministerial support in ancient, divine commands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Say I these things as a man?"**: This is a direct, emphatic rhetorical question posed by Paul. It challenges any potential accusation or assumption that his arguments for ministerial support are based on personal opinion, human reasoning, or self-interest. The implied answer is a resounding "No," setting the stage for the divine authority he is about to invoke. Paul is asserting that his defense is not merely a product of human wisdom, which can be flawed or biased, but is rooted in something far more authoritative.
* **"or saith not the law the same also?"**: This second rhetorical question serves as a powerful contrast and affirmation. Having dismissed the idea that his arguments are solely human, Paul immediately points to a higher, undeniable authority: "the law," referring to the Mosaic Law. This question expects an affirmative answer ("Yes, the law says the same!"), indicating that the principle of supporting those who labor in sacred service is not a new concept but is deeply embedded in God's ancient commands. This move validates his argument by demonstrating its divine origin and consistency across time.

#### Literary Devices
1 Corinthians 9:8 masterfully employs a **Rhetorical Question**. Paul uses two successive interrogative sentences, "Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?", not to elicit information but to make a strong assertion. The first question ("Say I these things as a man?") expects a negative answer, emphatically denying that his arguments are merely human. The second question ("or saith not the law the same also?") expects a positive answer, affirming that the Law indeed supports his claim. This technique creates a dramatic effect, drawing the reader into the argument and compelling agreement. Furthermore, Paul uses **Juxtaposition** by placing "as a man" in direct contrast with "the law," highlighting the vast difference between human reasoning and divine revelation. This serves as an **Appeal to Authority**, shifting the basis of his argument from personal experience or common sense (as in [1 Corinthians 9:7](/1_corinthians/9-7 "1 Corinthians 9:7 - Analogies for Ministerial Support")) to the ultimate authority of God's inspired Word, thereby strengthening the legitimacy of his claim.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's appeal to the Law in 1 Corinthians 9:8 underscores a profound theological truth: God's principles for His people are consistent and enduring, transcending specific covenants or eras. The divine command to provide for those who minister, exemplified by the care for the ox treading grain, reveals God's character as one who values and justly rewards labor, especially spiritual labor. This principle extends from the Old Testament Levitical system to the New Testament ministry of the gospel, affirming that those who dedicate their lives to proclaiming God's truth and serving His people have a divinely established right to be supported by the community they serve. It challenges believers to recognize that supporting ministry is not an act of charity but an act of obedience to a divine pattern, reflecting God's own care for His servants and His work.

* [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 - Laborer is worthy of his wages")
* [Deuteronomy 25:4](/deuteronomy/25-4 "Deuteronomy 25:4 - Do not muzzle an ox")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 9:8 serves as a powerful reminder that the principles governing our lives as believers are not arbitrary human constructs but are rooted in God's enduring wisdom and justice. For those who serve in ministry today, this verse provides a biblical foundation for the legitimacy of receiving support, affirming that their dedication to the gospel is worthy of material provision. It encourages ministers to ground their teachings and claims in God's authoritative Word, rather than relying solely on human logic or personal preference, ensuring integrity and divine backing for their work. For the church community, this passage calls for a generous and responsible posture towards those who minister. It challenges us to see the financial support of pastors, missionaries, and other spiritual laborers not as an optional charitable act, but as a divinely sanctioned responsibility, essential for the flourishing of the gospel. When we support those who serve, we are participating in a divine economy, honoring God's design for His church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the divine basis for ministerial support impact your view of giving to the church or supporting missionaries?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or as a church, inadvertently treat ministerial support as a human convention rather than a divine principle?**
* **How can ministers ensure that their claims and teachings are always grounded in God's authoritative Word, reflecting divine wisdom rather than mere human reasoning?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul refer to "the law" when discussing Christian ministry?**

Answer: Paul's reference to "the law" (specifically the Mosaic Law, as seen in the subsequent verse, [1 Corinthians 9:9](/1_corinthians/9-9 "1 Corinthians 9:9 - The Law of the Ox")) is a strategic move to establish the divine authority behind the principle of ministerial support. He is demonstrating that the idea of those who labor in sacred service being supported by the community is not a new concept unique to the Christian church, nor is it merely a human invention or a personal preference of his own. Instead, it is a timeless principle revealed by God Himself, deeply embedded in the Old Testament Scriptures. By showing this continuity, Paul elevates the discussion beyond human opinion to a foundational truth of God's character and His just provision for His servants. It underscores that God cares for those who are dedicated to His work, whether under the Old Covenant or the New.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 9:8 directly addresses the principle of ministerial support through the lens of the Mosaic Law, it finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. Jesus Himself, the ultimate "laborer" in God's vineyard, exemplified the principle of living from the gospel. Though He often ministered without a permanent home ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - Foxes have holes")), He and His disciples were supported by others ([Luke 8:1-3](/luke/8-1-3 "Luke 8:1-3 - Women who supported Jesus")). The "law" Paul refers to, particularly the command about not muzzling an ox ([Deuteronomy 25:4](/deuteronomy/25-4 "Deuteronomy 25:4 - Do not muzzle an ox")), points to God's care for those who labor. This principle is magnified in Christ, who not only labored tirelessly for humanity's salvation but also taught His disciples that "the laborer is worthy of his wages" ([Luke 10:7](/luke/10-7 "Luke 10:7 - The laborer is worthy")). Jesus perfectly embodies the one who "sows spiritual things" and has the right to "reap material things" ([1 Corinthians 9:11](/1_corinthians/9-11 "1 Corinthians 9:11 - Sowing spiritual, reaping material")). Ultimately, the Law's testimony about just provision for labor points forward to the perfect justice and provision found in Christ, who fulfilled the Law's righteous demands and established the New Covenant where those who proclaim His liberating gospel are worthy of honor and support from His body, the Church ([1 Timothy 5:17-18](/1_timothy/5-17-18 "1 Timothy 5:17-18 - Honoring Elders")).

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 Corinthians 7:40

But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

Romans 3:31

Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

Romans 6:19

I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

1 Thessalonians 2:13

¶ For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

Isaiah 8:20

To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them.

1 Corinthians 14:34

¶ Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but [they are commanded] to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

1 Thessalonians 4:8

He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.