1 Corinthians 9:10

Isn’t He actually speaking on our behalf? Indeed, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they should also expect to share in the harvest.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church while defending his right to financial support during a broader argument about apostolic privileges. He speaks at the moment of explaining how Old Testament agricultural laws apply to New Testament ministry.

The words — The Greek ἡμᾶς (hēmas) means "us," and διὰ (diá) means "because of" or "for the sake of." Paul uses these terms to state that the Mosaic command was recorded for the practical benefit of those who labor in spiritual work.

The thread — The text states that laborers should share in the harvest, a principle repeated in 2 Timothy 2:6 regarding the hardworking farmer. The idea that Scripture was written for instruction runs through Romans 15:4 and Romans 4:23.

Why it lands — The verse states that plowmen and threshers should expect to share in the harvest, then applies this to spiritual ministers. It asks readers to accept material support for teachers as a direct, practical outworking of biblical justice.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

Cross-references

Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.
2 Timothy 2:6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake of the crops.
Romans 4:23 Now the words “it was credited to him” were written not only for Abraham,
John 4:35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months until the harvest’? I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ripe for harvest.
1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
2 Corinthians 4:15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is extending to more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow, to the glory of God.
Matthew 24:22 If those days had not been cut short, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short.
Luke 17:7 Which of you whose servant comes in from plowing or shepherding in the field will say to him, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’?