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.

1 CORINTHIANS 9:10KJV
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1 Corinthians 9:10 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 9:10 mean?

1 Corinthians 9:10 says that the teaching about the plowman and the thresher working in hope was written for the benefit of people, showing that those who work should expect to share in the results of their labor. Paul uses this example to explain that it is right for those who serve others, like himself as an apostle, to receive support from those they serve.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing questions about his rights as an apostle. He refers to a principle from the Old Testament about oxen not being muzzled while they work, and argues that this was written not just for animals, but to teach people that workers deserve to benefit from their work. Paul is making a case for fair treatment and support of those who labor in spiritual service.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 9:10

  • ἐλπίδι (elpidi, "hope"): This word means "expectation" or "confidence in something good." Paul emphasizes that both the one who plows and the one who threshes do so with the expectation of sharing in the harvest, underlining the fairness of receiving something in return for work.
  • μετέχειν (metechein, "partaker"): This word means "to share in" or "to have a part in." Paul uses it to stress that the worker should not just hope, but actually participate in the results of the work, reinforcing the idea of just reward.
  • ἔγραψεν (egrapsen, "written"): Paul points out that this teaching was written down for "our sakes," highlighting that the principle is intended for people, not just as an agricultural rule.

Why 1 Corinthians 9:10 matters

  • This verse clarifies that biblical principles about work and reward are meant for people, not just as ancient rules or metaphors.
  • Paul’s use of this example supports his broader argument that those who serve in ministry have a right to material support, connecting practical life with spiritual service.
  • Understanding this verse helps prevent misunderstandings about whether spiritual workers should be supported, showing that the Bible itself affirms this principle.

Where else these words appear

“ploweth” Greek G722 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 17:7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?

“thresheth” Greek G248 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
  • 1 Timothy 5:18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

“partaker” Greek G3348 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 9:12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
  • Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

“altogether” Greek G3843 · used in 9 verses

  • Luke 4:23 And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.
  • Acts 21:22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.
  • 1 Corinthians 5:10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.