King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 9:5 Mean?

1 Corinthians 9:5 in the King James Version says “Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? wife: or, woman”

1 Corinthians 9:5 · KJV

Context

3

Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,

4

Have we not power to eat and to drink?

5

Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? wife: or, woman

6

Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?

7

Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?

Read 1 Corinthians 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? Paul asserts a second apostolic right: to be accompanied by a believing wife at the church's expense. The phrase "lead about" (Greek periagō, περιάγω) means to bring along on missionary journeys. Other apostles, Jesus' biological brothers (James, Jude, etc.), and Peter (Cephas) all traveled with their wives, who were supported by the churches they served.

This detail reveals early church practice: apostolic ministry was not isolated asceticism but often a family affair, with wives serving alongside husbands. The mention of Cephas (Peter's Aramaic name) is strategic—Paul references the most prominent apostle to underscore that his own authority is equal. If Peter has the right to material support and a traveling companion, so does Paul. Yet once again, Paul will refuse this privilege (he remained single, 1 Cor 7:7-8), subordinating personal comfort to gospel effectiveness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jewish and Christian missionaries often traveled in pairs or groups for safety, accountability, and mutual support. Women served as patrons, hosts, and ministers in the early church (Rom 16:1-2; Phil 4:2-3). The fact that apostles' wives accompanied them suggests they actively participated in ministry, not merely as dependents but as co-laborers. This also implies the churches provided housing, food, and travel expenses for missionary families.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's reference to Peter, Jesus' brothers, and other apostles establish his equal standing?
  2. What does this verse reveal about women's active roles in early apostolic ministry?
  3. Why might Paul have chosen celibacy (1 Cor 7:7) despite having the right to marry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
μὴ1 of 19
G3361

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

οὐκ2 of 19
G3756

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

ἔχομεν3 of 19

“Have we”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἐξουσίαν4 of 19

“power”

G1849

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

ἀδελφὴν5 of 19

“a sister”

G79

a sister (naturally or ecclesiastically)

γυναῖκα6 of 19

“a wife”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

περιάγειν7 of 19

“to lead about”

G4013

to take around (as a companion); reflexively, to walk around

ὡς8 of 19

“as well as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

καὶ9 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

οἱ10 of 19
G3588

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

λοιποὶ11 of 19

“other”

G3062

remaining ones

ἀπόστολοι12 of 19

“apostles”

G652

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

καὶ13 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

οἱ14 of 19
G3588

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

ἀδελφοὶ15 of 19

“as the brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

τοῦ16 of 19
G3588

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

κυρίου17 of 19

“of the Lord”

G2962

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

καὶ18 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

Κηφᾶς19 of 19

“Cephas”

G2786

the rock; cephas (i.e., kepha), a surname of peter

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 9:5 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 9:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 1:42Galatians 1:191 Corinthians 7:7Matthew 8:14Acts 1:141 Corinthians 7:39

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