Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 9:8
Do I say this from a human perspective? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing?
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church while defending his right to financial support. He poses this question immediately after comparing his ministry to a soldier, vineyard planter, and shepherd.
The words — κατὰ ἄνθρωπον (kata anthrōpon) literally means "according to man," denoting a human or conventional standard of reasoning.
The thread — The text explicitly appeals to the Law, which Paul immediately quotes regarding the muzzling of an ox (1 Corinthians 9:9). This appeal mirrors the principle that teaching must conform to established revelation (Isaiah 8:20) and aligns with his argument that faith upholds the law (Romans 3:31).
Why it lands — The text states that apostolic claims must be verified against written Scripture rather than human convention. It requires readers to test their own arguments against the Law before accepting them as valid.
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
Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?
Cross-references
- Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
- Romans 3:31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Certainly not! Instead, we uphold the law.
- Romans 6:19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to escalating wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.
- 1 Corinthians 7:40 In my judgment, however, she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.
- 1 Corinthians 14:34 Women are to be silent in the churches. They are not permitted to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:13 And we continually thank God because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is also now at work in you who believe.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:8 Anyone, then, who rejects this command does not reject man but God, the very One who gives you His Holy Spirit.