Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 9:4
Have we no right to food and to drink?
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers while defending his conduct against those who scrutinize his apostolic practice. He raises this question at the opening of his explanation regarding his voluntary renunciation of ministry support.
The words — The Greek phrase ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν (echomen exousian) literally means "we have the right." It governs the infinitives φαγεῖν καὶ πεῖν (phagein kai pein), which translate directly as "to eat and to drink."
The thread — The claim to material provision echoes the principle that a worker is worthy of his wages in Luke 10:7. Paul later demonstrates this same recognized authority by refusing to demand support in 1 Thessalonians 2:6 and 2 Thessalonians 3:8.
Why it lands — The text first establishes the apostles’ legitimate claim to food and drink before Paul details his choice to waive it. Readers must examine how recognized rights function when deliberately surrendered for a specific purpose.
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
Have we not power to eat and to drink?
Cross-references
- 1 Thessalonians 2:6 Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you.
- 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.
- 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 Corinthians 9:7 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?
- Galatians 6:6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:9 Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.
- 1 Timothy 5:17 Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.