King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 9:13 Mean?

1 Corinthians 9:13 in the King James Version says “Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the a... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 9:13 · KJV


Context

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.

15

But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die , than that any man should make my glorying void.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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? Paul shifts from secular analogies (soldier, farmer, shepherd) and Torah principle (ox) to Levitical practice. Old Testament priests received portions of sacrifices and temple offerings (Lev 6:16-18; 7:6-10; Num 18:8-32). Those who served at the altar ate from the altar—God instituted material support for sacred service.

The Greek hierourgeo (ἱερουργέω, "minister about holy things") and prothusiasterion (προθυσιαστήριον, "wait at the altar") emphasize cultic service. Paul argues by analogy: if God provided for Old Covenant priests, He certainly intends provision for New Covenant ministers who proclaim a superior gospel. This is not legalism but continuity—God's character remains consistent across covenants. He honors those who serve Him by ensuring their needs are met through those they serve.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Levitical priesthood had no land inheritance (Num 18:20); God was their portion. They lived from tithes, firstfruits, and sacrificial portions. This created a reciprocal system: the people supported priests, and priests mediated worship and taught Torah. Paul draws on this familiar model to argue that New Covenant ministers—who offer spiritual sacrifices (Rom 12:1) and teach God's Word—deserve similar provision.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Levitical system of priestly support establish a theological precedent for ministerial provision?
  2. What is the relationship between Old Covenant priests and New Covenant gospel ministers (1 Pet 2:9)?
  3. How does God's provision for priests reveal His character and priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
οὐκ1 of 18

not

G3756

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

οἴδατε2 of 18

Do ye

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι3 of 18

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οἱ4 of 18
G3588

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

τὰ5 of 18
G3588

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

ἱερὰ6 of 18

about holy things

G2413

sacred

ἐργαζόμενοι7 of 18

they which minister

G2038

to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc

ἐκ8 of 18

of the things of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ9 of 18
G3588

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

ἱεροῦ10 of 18

the temple

G2411

a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)

ἐσθίουσιν11 of 18

live

G2068

used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)

οἱ12 of 18
G3588

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

τῷ13 of 18
G3588

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

θυσιαστηρίῳ14 of 18

at the altar

G2379

a place of sacrifice, i.e., an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative)

προσεδρεύοντες15 of 18

and they which wait

G4332

to sit near, i.e., attend as a servant

τῷ16 of 18
G3588

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

θυσιαστηρίῳ17 of 18

at the altar

G2379

a place of sacrifice, i.e., an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative)

συμμερίζονται18 of 18

are partakers

G4829

to share jointly, i.e., participate in


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 9:13 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 9:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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