1 Corinthians 9:14

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

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian church after posing a rhetorical question about temple workers and altar servers partaking of their respective offerings. He uses that comparison to introduce the financial principle governing gospel ministers.

The words — διέταξεν (dietaxen) translates literally as "has prescribed" or "ordained," while οὕτως (houtōs) means "in this way" or "so." These terms mark the statement as a direct command rather than a personal preference.

The thread — The text aligns with Matthew 10:10 regarding the worker's right to provisions and 1 Timothy 5:17 on elders receiving honor for preaching. Paul also appeals to the same financial right in 1 Corinthians 9:4.

Why it lands — The verse states that the Lord commanded gospel preachers to be supported by their ministry. It requires readers to acknowledge the binding nature of the rule while noting Paul's deliberate choice to waive it.

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

οὕτωςhoutōsSo καὶkaialso ὁhothe κύριοςkuriosLord διέταξενdietaxenhas prescribed τοῖςtoisto those τὸtothe εὐαγγέλιονeuangeliongospel καταγγέλλουσινkatangellousinproclaiming ἐκekfrom τοῦtouthe εὐαγγελίουeuangeliougospel ζῆν.zēnto live.

King James Version

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

Cross-references

Matthew 10:10 Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions.
1 Timothy 5:17 Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
1 Corinthians 9:4 Have we no right to food and to drink?
Galatians 6:6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.
Luke 10:7 Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house.