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1 Corinthians 9:10
ESV Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop.
NIV Surely he says this for us, doesn’t he? Yes, this was written for us, because whoever plows and threshes should be able to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest.
NASB Or is He speaking entirely for our sake? Yes, it was written for our sake, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing in the crops.
CSB Isn’t he really saying it for our sake? Yes, this is written for our sake, because he who plows ought to plow in hope, and he who threshes should thresh in hope of sharing the crop.
NLT Wasn’t he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest.
KJV 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.
NKJV Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope.

What does 1 Corinthians 9:10 mean?

Paul is showing that, in almost all cases, the one who works has the right to be supported by the work he does. As an apostle, he has the right to ask for financial support from those he serves. This would include the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 9:1–7).

Paul has pointed to a line from the law of Moses to support his argument (Deuteronomy 25:4). The farmer was forbidden from muzzling the oxen while they were treading out the grain. Paul has asked if that command is really for the oxen alone, or if it is really for the sake of the human beings God loves and provides for?

Paul insists that the principle is for all of us. Both the plowman and the thresher do their work in hope of sharing the crop. That should be their right, just as it is an apostle's right to ask for financial support from those to whom they minister. Paul will pointedly ask the Corinthians in the following verse if this is his rightful claim on them. Then he will explain why he will not demand this right. His intent is to support his teaching on sacrificing our rights for the good of others, as given at the end of chapter 8 (1 Corinthians 8:7–13).
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