King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 9:12 Mean?

1 Corinthians 9:12 in the King James Version says “If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer a... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 9:12 · KJV


Context

10

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.

11

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

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.

13

Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? live: or, feed

14

Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Paul concedes that other teachers in Corinth received support; his own claim is even stronger given that he founded the church. Yet he immediately pivots: Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. The Greek egkopē (ἐγκοπή, "hindrance, obstacle") was a military term for roadblocks impeding troop movement.

Here is the chapter's climax: Paul refuses his rights to avoid placing any barrier before the gospel. In a culture suspicious of greedy philosophers and charlatan preachers, Paul's self-support disarmed skeptics and demonstrated genuine love. The word "suffer" (stegō, στέγω) means to endure, bear up under hardship. Paul chooses poverty and labor over comfort and rights—modeling the very self-limitation he urged in chapter 8. Just as the "strong" should surrender idol-meat freedom for the "weak," Paul surrenders financial support for unbelievers' salvation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Corinth was rife with sophists who charged exorbitant fees and itinerant preachers who exploited followers. Cynics begged; magicians sold spells; mystery religions demanded initiation payments. In this environment, Paul's refusal of payment was radical and disarming. It removed accusations of greed and demonstrated that his motive was love, not money. This apologetic strategy was especially important in a commercial city obsessed with wealth and status.

Reflection Questions

  1. What "hindrances" might financial support have created for Paul's gospel ministry in Corinth?
  2. How does Paul model surrendering legitimate rights for the gospel's advance?
  3. When might accepting support hinder ministry, and when might refusing it dishonor the church (2 Cor 11:7-9)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
εἰ1 of 27

If

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ἄλλοι2 of 27

others

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

τῆς3 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐξουσίᾳ4 of 27

of this power

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

ὑμῶν5 of 27

over you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

μετέχουσιν6 of 27

be partakers

G3348

to share or participate; by implication, belong to, eat (or drink)

οὐκ7 of 27

are not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μᾶλλον8 of 27

rather

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

ἡμεῖς9 of 27

we

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

ἀλλὰ10 of 27

Nevertheless

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

οὐκ11 of 27

are not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐχρησάμεθα12 of 27

used

G5530

to furnish what is needed; (give an oracle, "graze" (touch slightly), light upon, etc.), i.e., (by implication) to employ or (by extension) to act tow

τῇ13 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐξουσίᾳ14 of 27

of this power

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

ταύτῃ15 of 27
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἀλλὰ16 of 27

Nevertheless

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

πάντα17 of 27

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

στέγομεν18 of 27

suffer

G4722

to roof over, i.e., (figuratively) to cover with silence (endure patiently)

ἵνα19 of 27
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ20 of 27
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐγκοπήν21 of 27

hinder

G1464

a hindrance

τινα22 of 27
G5100

some or any person or object

δῶμεν23 of 27

we should

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

τῷ24 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εὐαγγελίῳ25 of 27

the gospel

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

τοῦ26 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Χριστοῦ27 of 27

of Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 9:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 9:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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