1 Corinthians 9:11
New International Version
If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?

New Living Translation
Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink?

English Standard Version
If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?

Berean Standard Bible
If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much for us to reap a material harvest from you?

Berean Literal Bible
If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it a great thing if we will reap material things from you?

King James Bible
If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

New King James Version
If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things?

New American Standard Bible
If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?

NASB 1995
If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?

NASB 1977
If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we should reap material things from you?

Legacy Standard Bible
If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?

Amplified Bible
If we have sown [the good seed of] spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?

Christian Standard Bible
If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it too much if we reap material benefits from you?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it too much if we reap material benefits from you?

American Standard Version
If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things?

Contemporary English Version
When we told the message to you, it was like planting spiritual seed. So we have the right to accept material things as our harvest from you.

English Revised Version
If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If we have planted the spiritual seed that has been of benefit to you, is it too much if we receive part of the harvest from your earthly goods?

Good News Translation
We have sown spiritual seed among you. Is it too much if we reap material benefits from you?

International Standard Version
If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap material benefits from you?

Majority Standard Bible
If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much for us to reap a material harvest from you?

NET Bible
If we sowed spiritual blessings among you, is it too much to reap material things from you?

New Heart English Bible
If we sowed to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we reap your fleshly things?

Webster's Bible Translation
If we have sown to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

Weymouth New Testament
If it is we who sowed the spiritual grain in you, is it a great thing that we should reap a temporal harvest from you?

World English Bible
If we sowed to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we reap your fleshly things?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
If we sowed to you the spiritual things—[is it] great if we reap your fleshly things?

Berean Literal Bible
If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it a great thing if we will reap material things from you?

Young's Literal Translation
If we to you the spiritual things did sow -- great is it if we your fleshly things do reap?

Smith's Literal Translation
If we have sown to you spiritual things, is it great if we shall reap your carnal things?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we reap your carnal things?

Catholic Public Domain Version
If we have sown spiritual things in you, is it important if we harvest from your worldly things?

New American Bible
If we have sown spiritual seed for you, is it a great thing that we reap a material harvest from you?

New Revised Standard Version
If we have sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material benefits?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now if we have sown among you spiritual things, is it too much that we should reap material things from you?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
If we have sown in you from The Spirit, is it a great thing if we shall reap of you from the body?
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
If we have sown, for your benefit, things that are spiritual, is it a great thing that we reap your carnal things?

Godbey New Testament
If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

Haweis New Testament
If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we should reap your corporal things?

Mace New Testament
if for your benefit we have sown spirituals, is it so extraordinary if we should reap some benefit from your temporals?

Weymouth New Testament
If it is we who sowed the spiritual grain in you, is it a great thing that we should reap a temporal harvest from you?

Worrell New Testament
If we sowed for you spiritual things, is it a great matter, if we shall reap your carnal things?

Worsley New Testament
If we then have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we reap your carnal things?
Audio Bible



Context
The Rights of an Apostle
10Isn’t He actually speaking on our behalf? Indeed, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they should also expect to share in the harvest. 11If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much for us to reap a material harvest from you? 12If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.…

Cross References
Galatians 6:6
Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.

Romans 15:27
They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual blessings, they are obligated to minister to them with material blessings.

1 Timothy 5:17-18
Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. / For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”

Matthew 10:10
Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions.

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.

2 Corinthians 11:8-9
I robbed other churches by accepting their support in order to serve you. / And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.

Philippians 4:15-17
And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving. / For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again. / Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.

2 Thessalonians 3:9
Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate.

Acts 20:33-35
I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. / You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. / In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

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 Corinthians 12:13
In what way were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!

Deuteronomy 25:4
Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.

Numbers 18:8-12
Then the LORD said to Aaron, “Behold, I have put you in charge of My offerings. As for all the sacred offerings of the Israelites, I have given them to you and your sons as a portion and a permanent statute. / A portion of the most holy offerings reserved from the fire will be yours. From all the offerings they render to Me as most holy offerings, whether grain offerings or sin offerings or guilt offerings, that part belongs to you and your sons. / You are to eat it as a most holy offering, and every male may eat it. You shall regard it as holy. ...

Nehemiah 13:10-12
I also learned that because the portions for the Levites had not been given to them, all the Levites and singers responsible for performing the service had gone back to their own fields. / So I rebuked the officials and asked, “Why has the house of God been neglected?” Then I gathered the Levites and singers together and stationed them at their posts, / and all Judah brought a tenth of the grain, new wine, and oil into the storerooms.

Malachi 3:8-10
Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’ In tithes and offerings. / You are cursed with a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are still robbing Me. / Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.


Treasury of Scripture

If we have sown to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

sown.

Malachi 3:8,9
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings…

Matthew 10:10
Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

Romans 15:27
It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

a great.

2 Kings 5:13
And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

2 Corinthians 11:15
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

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Benefits Carnal Fleshly Good Grain Great Harvest Material Matter Planting Reap Seed Sow Sowed Sown Spirit Spiritual Temporal
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1 Corinthians 9
1. He shows his liberty;
7. and that the minister ought to receive a living by the Gospel;
15. yet that himself has of his own accord abstained,
18. to be neither chargeable unto them,
22. nor offensive unto any, in matters indifferent.
24. Our life is like unto a race.














If we have sown
The phrase "sown" comes from the Greek word "speirō," which means to scatter seed. In the context of Paul's ministry, this metaphorical language reflects the act of teaching and spreading the Gospel. The imagery of sowing is deeply rooted in agricultural practices familiar to the audience of the time, emphasizing the labor and intentionality involved in sharing spiritual truths. Paul is drawing a parallel between the physical act of sowing seeds and the spiritual act of imparting wisdom and knowledge of Christ.

spiritual seed
The term "spiritual" is derived from the Greek "pneumatikos," indicating that which pertains to the spirit. The "seed" here symbolizes the teachings and doctrines of Christianity, which are intended to take root in the hearts of believers and produce spiritual growth and maturity. This concept is consistent with the broader biblical theme of the Word of God as seed, as seen in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13). The spiritual seed is invaluable, as it leads to eternal life and transformation.

among you
This phrase indicates the recipients of Paul's ministry, the Corinthian church. The use of "among" suggests a close, communal relationship between Paul and the believers. It highlights the personal investment and presence of Paul in their lives, emphasizing that his work was not distant or detached but intimately connected with their spiritual journey.

is it too much
The rhetorical question posed by Paul challenges the Corinthians to consider the fairness and reasonableness of his request. The Greek word "polus" implies a sense of magnitude or extent. Paul is appealing to their sense of justice and reciprocity, suggesting that it is not excessive to expect some form of material support in return for the spiritual benefits they have received.

if we reap
The word "reap" comes from the Greek "therizō," which means to harvest. This continues the agricultural metaphor, indicating the natural outcome or reward of labor. In this context, reaping refers to receiving material support or sustenance. Paul is drawing on the principle that those who work deserve to benefit from their labor, a concept supported by both Old Testament law and Jesus' teachings.

a material harvest
The term "material" is translated from the Greek "sarkikos," meaning pertaining to the flesh or physical realm. "Harvest" refers to the tangible, financial, or physical support that Paul and his companions might receive. This phrase underscores the contrast between the spiritual and material, highlighting the practical needs of those who dedicate their lives to ministry.

from you
This phrase personalizes the appeal, directing it specifically to the Corinthian believers. It emphasizes the mutual relationship and responsibility between the minister and the congregation. Paul is not demanding support from strangers but from those who have directly benefited from his ministry, reinforcing the idea of community and shared obligation within the body of Christ.

(11) If we have sown unto you spiritual things.--The two sentences in this verse contain a striking double antithesis, the "we" and "you" being emphatic, and "spiritual" being opposed to "carnal." The spiritual things are, of course, the things of the Spirit of God, by which their spiritual natures are sustained; the carnal things those which the teachers might expect in return, the ordinary support of their physical nature. The force of the climax will be better realised if we notice that the previous argument proved the right of a labourer to receive a remuneration the same in kind as was the quality of his labour. A plougher or a sower would have his reward in a harvest of the same kind as he had sown. That being the principle recognised in civilised life, and sanctioned by the object which the Law of God had in view, the Apostle adds, with a slight touch of sarcasm--Such being an ordinary thing in life, is it a great thing for us to have a reward as inferior to our work as carnal things are to spiritual things?

Verse 11. - If we. The we is in both clauses emphatic, to show that the argument applied directly to St. Paul's own case. Is it a great thing. An argument a fortiori. If ordinary labour is not undertaken gratuitously, is the spiritual labourer to be left to starve? St. Paul always recognized the rights of preachers and ministers, and stated them with emphasis (Galatians 6:6; Romans 15:27), although from higher motives he waived all personal claim to profit by the result of his arguments.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
If
Εἰ (Ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

we
ἡμεῖς (hēmeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

have sown
ἐσπείραμεν (espeiramen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 4687: To sow, spread, scatter. Probably strengthened from spao; to scatter, i.e. Sow.

spiritual [seed]
πνευματικὰ (pneumatika)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4152: Spiritual. From pneuma; non-carnal, i.e. ethereal, or a spirit, or supernatural, regenerate, religious.

among you,
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

[is it] too much
μέγα (mega)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3173: Large, great, in the widest sense.

for us
ἡμεῖς (hēmeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

to reap
θερίσομεν (therisomen)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2325: To reap, gather, harvest. From theros; to harvest.

a material [harvest]
σαρκικὰ (sarkika)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4559: Fleshly, carnal, earthly. From sarx; pertaining to flesh, i.e. bodily, temporal, or animal, unregenerate.

from you?
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 9:11 If we sowed to you spiritual things (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 9:10
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