King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 9:14 Mean?

1 Corinthians 9:14 in the King James Version says “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 9:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

Read 1 Corinthians 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. Paul's climactic argument: Jesus Himself commanded that gospel preachers be supported by those who receive the gospel. The phrase "the Lord ordained" (Greek diatassō, διατάσσω, "appointed, decreed") indicates authoritative decree. Paul likely alludes to Luke 10:7 ("the laborer is worthy of his hire") and Matthew 10:10, where Jesus instructed missionaries to accept hospitality and provisions.

"Live of the gospel" means deriving sustenance from gospel ministry, not from secular work. This is divine ordinance, not human custom. God designed a system where spiritual service yields material support, reflecting covenantal reciprocity. Yet Paul will immediately refuse this right (v. 15), demonstrating that even dominical commands can be voluntarily surrendered for greater gospel advance. Paul obeys the spirit (ministers deserve support) while renouncing the letter (I won't take it) to remove obstacles and model Christlike sacrifice.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus sent out the Twelve and the Seventy with instructions to accept food and lodging from those who received their message (Matt 10:5-15; Luke 10:1-12). This established a pattern: gospel workers depend on gospel recipients for material needs. The early church continued this practice (Acts 6:1-6; Phil 4:10-20; 3 John 5-8). Paul affirms the principle even while personally declining its benefit.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' own teaching (Luke 10:7) establish ministerial support as divine ordinance, not optional?
  2. Why does Paul assert this command so strongly (v. 14) if he intends to refuse it (v. 15)?
  3. How does "living of the gospel" protect ministers from worldly entanglements (2 Tim 2:4)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
οὕτως1 of 13

“so”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

καὶ2 of 13

“Even”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὁ3 of 13
G3588

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

κύριος4 of 13

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

διέταξεν5 of 13

“hath”

G1299

to arrange thoroughly, i.e., (specially) institute, prescribe, etc

τοῖς6 of 13
G3588

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

τὸ7 of 13
G3588

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

εὐαγγελίου8 of 13

“the gospel”

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

καταγγέλλουσιν9 of 13

“that they which preach”

G2605

to proclaim, promulgate

ἐκ10 of 13

“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

τοῦ11 of 13
G3588

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

εὐαγγελίου12 of 13

“the gospel”

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

ζῆν13 of 13

“should live”

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

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 9:14 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 9:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 10:101 Timothy 5:17-181 Corinthians 9:4Galatians 6:6Luke 10:7

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