1 Corinthians 9:10
New International Version
Surely he says this for us, doesn’t he? Yes, this was written for us, because whoever plows and threshes should be able to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest.

New Living Translation
Wasn’t he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest.

English Standard Version
Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop.

Berean Standard Bible
Isn’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.

Berean Literal Bible
Or is He speaking because of us entirely? For it was written for us, because in hope the one plowing ought to plow, and the one threshing, in hope to partake.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope.

New American Standard Bible
Or is He speaking entirely for our sake? Yes, it was written for our sake, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing in the crops.

NASB 1995
Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops.

NASB 1977
Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops.

Legacy Standard Bible
Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops.

Amplified Bible
Or does He speak entirely for our sake? Yes, it was written for our sake: The plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the harvest.

Christian Standard Bible
Isn’t he really saying it for our sake? Yes, this is written for our sake, because he who plows ought to plow in hope, and he who threshes should thresh in hope of sharing the crop.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Or isn’t He really saying it for us? Yes, this is written for us, because he who plows ought to plow in hope, and he who threshes should do so in hope of sharing the crop.

American Standard Version
or saith he it assuredly for our sake? Yea, for our sake it was written: because he that ploweth ought to plow in hope, and he that thresheth, to thresh in hope of partaking.

Contemporary English Version
No, he wasn't! He was talking about us. This was written in the Scriptures so that all who plow and all who grind the grain will look forward to sharing in the harvest.

English Revised Version
or saith he it altogether for our sake? Yea, for our sake it was written: because he that ploweth ought to plow in hope, and he that thresheth, to thresh in hope of partaking.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Isn't he speaking entirely for our benefit? This was written for our benefit so that the person who plows or threshes should expect to receive a share of the crop.

Good News Translation
Didn't he really mean us when he said that? Of course that was written for us. Anyone who plows and anyone who reaps should do their work in the hope of getting a share of the crop.

International Standard Version
Isn't he really speaking for our benefit? Yes, this was written for our benefit, because the one who plows should plow in hope, and the one who threshes should thresh in hope of sharing in the crop.

Majority Standard Bible
Isn’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.

NET Bible
Or is he not surely speaking for our benefit? It was written for us, because the one plowing and threshing ought to work in hope of enjoying the harvest.

New Heart English Bible
or does he say it assuredly for our sake? Yes, it was written for our sake, because he who plows ought to plow in hope, and he who threshes in the hope of having a share.

Webster's Bible Translation
Or saith he this 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.

Weymouth New Testament
Is God simply thinking about the oxen? Or is it really in our interest that He speaks? Of course, it was written in our interest, because it is His will that when a plough-man ploughs, and a thresher threshes, it should be in the hope of sharing that which comes as the result.

World English Bible
or does he say it assuredly for our sake? Yes, it was written for our sake, because he who plows ought to plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should partake of his hope.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Or by all means does He say [it] because of us? Yes, because of us it was written, because in hope ought the plower to plow, and he who is treading [ought] of his hope to partake in hope.

Berean Literal Bible
Or is He speaking because of us entirely? For it was written for us, because in hope the one plowing ought to plow, and the one threshing, in hope to partake.

Young's Literal Translation
or because of us by all means doth He say it? yes, because of us it was written, because in hope ought the plower to plow, and he who is treading ought of his hope to partake in hope.

Smith's Literal Translation
Or does he say altogether on account of us? For it was written on account of us: that he ploughing ought to plough upon hope; and he grinding upon hope, to participate with his hope.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Or doth he say this indeed for our sakes? For these things are written for our sakes: that he that plougheth, should plough in hope; and he that thrasheth, in hope to receive fruit.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Or is he saying this, indeed, for our sake? These things were written specifically for us, because he who plows, ought to plow in hope, and he who threshes, too, in hope of receiving the produce.

New American Bible
or is he not really speaking for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope, and the thresher in hope of receiving a share.

New Revised Standard Version
Or does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was indeed written for our sake, for whoever plows should plow in hope and whoever threshes should thresh in hope of a share in the crop.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
No. It is known that he said it for our sakes and it was written for our sakes because the ploughman must plough in hope, and he who threshes, threshes in hope of the crop.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But it is understood that he said it for our sake and for our sake it was written, because it is incumbent upon the plower to plow for hope, and whoever threshes, for the hope of a crop.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
or does he say it wholly for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, it was written: that he that plows should plow in hope, and that he that thrashes should thrash in hope of partaking.

Godbey New Testament
or does he speak it altogether on account of us? For it was written on account of us, That the one plowing ought to plow in hope, and the one threshing in hope of partaking.

Haweis New Testament
or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes doubtless it was written; because he who ploweth ought to plow in hope, and he who soweth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

Mace New Testament
or is it said, no doubt, for our sakes? for our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he who plows should plow in hope; and that he who thresheth should expect the advantage.

Weymouth New Testament
Is God simply thinking about the oxen? Or is it really in our interest that He speaks? Of course, it was written in our interest, because it is His will that when a plough-man ploughs, and a thresher threshes, it should be in the hope of sharing that which comes as the result.

Worrell New Testament
Or doth He say it assuredly for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written; because he that plows ought to plow in hope; and he that threshes ought to thresh in hope of partaking.

Worsley New Testament
or doth He say this indeed for our sakes? For it is certainly written for our sakes, that he, who ploweth, might plow in hope; and that he, who thresheth in hope, should partake of his hope.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Rights of an Apostle
9For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned? 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?…

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

1 Timothy 5:18
For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”

Romans 15:4
For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.

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

2 Timothy 2:6
The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake of the crops.

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.

Romans 4:23-24
Now the words “it was credited to him” were written not only for Abraham, / but also for us, to whom righteousness will be credited—for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. / Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.

Philippians 4:17
Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.

Hebrews 3:15
As it has been said: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion.”

James 5:4
Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts.

Genesis 3:19
By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground—because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”

Proverbs 3:9-10
Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops; / then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.

Ecclesiastes 11:6
Sow your seed in the morning, and do not rest your hands in the evening, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or if both will equally prosper.


Treasury of Scripture

Or said he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that plows should plow in hope; and that he that threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope.

For.

Matthew 24:22
And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

Romans 15:4
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

2 Corinthians 4:15
For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

that ploweth.

1 Corinthians 3:9
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

Luke 17:7,8
But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? …

John 4:35-38
Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest…

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Altogether Assuredly Course Crop Crops Crushing Doubt Entirely Fruits Grain Harvest Hope Hoping Interest Mind Ought Oxen Part Partake Partaker Partaking Ploughing Ploughman Ploughs Plow Ploweth Plows Really Result Right Sake Sakes Share Sharing Simply Speak Speaking Speaks Surely Thinking Thresh Work Written
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Altogether Assuredly Course Crop Crops Crushing Doubt Entirely Fruits Grain Harvest Hope Hoping Interest Mind Ought Oxen Part Partake Partaker Partaking Ploughing Ploughman Ploughs Plow Ploweth Plows Really Result Right Sake Sakes Share Sharing Simply Speak Speaking Speaks Surely Thinking Thresh Work Written
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.














Isn’t He actually speaking on our behalf?
This phrase suggests divine advocacy and care for believers. The Greek word for "speaking" (λαλεῖ) implies a continuous action, indicating that God's communication is ongoing and relevant. Historically, this reflects the understanding that God's laws and principles, such as those found in the Old Testament, were not just for ancient Israel but have enduring significance for all believers. The phrase underscores the personal nature of God's word, emphasizing that His instructions are meant to guide and benefit His people throughout all generations.

Indeed, this was written for us
The use of "Indeed" (Greek: γάρ) serves as a strong affirmation, reinforcing the certainty that the Scriptures have a direct application to the lives of believers. The phrase "was written" (ἐγράφη) points to the divine inspiration and timeless relevance of the Scriptures. Historically, this reflects the early Christian understanding that the Old Testament was not obsolete but fulfilled and given new depth in Christ. The phrase "for us" personalizes the message, indicating that the teachings of the Bible are intended to instruct, encourage, and edify the church.

because whoever plows ought to plow in hope
The imagery of plowing is rich with agricultural significance, symbolizing preparation and hard work. The Greek word for "plows" (ἀροτριᾷ) conveys the idea of diligent labor. In the historical context, agriculture was a common occupation, and the metaphor would resonate deeply with Paul's audience. The phrase "in hope" (ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι) suggests that labor in God's service is not in vain but is undergirded by the expectation of divine reward and blessing. This reflects a broader biblical principle that faithful service to God is always accompanied by the hope of spiritual and sometimes material harvest.

and whoever threshes should thresh in the hope of sharing in the harvest
Threshing, like plowing, is an agricultural metaphor that signifies the process of separating grain from chaff, representing the culmination of hard work. The Greek word for "threshes" (ἀλοᾷ) implies a continuation of effort. The phrase "in the hope of sharing" (ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι τοῦ μετέχειν) emphasizes the expectation of participation in the fruits of one's labor. Historically, this reflects the communal nature of ancient agricultural practices, where laborers shared in the produce. Scripturally, it points to the principle that those who labor in the ministry of the Gospel should anticipate sharing in the spiritual and material blessings that result from their work. This serves as an encouragement to believers to remain steadfast in their efforts, trusting that God will provide a bountiful harvest.

(10) That he that ploweth should plow in hope.--There is considerable variation in the MSS. here. The best rendering of the text is, that the plougher is bound to plough in hope, and the thresher (to thresh) in the hope of having his share. It has been much discussed whether this passage is to be taken literally as referring to actual ploughing and threshing, or whether we are to give them a spiritual significance. I think it is, perhaps, best to take them literally, as expressing the sanction given by God in the legal provision previously mentioned to the divine principle which unites earthly labour and reward; and the argument, of course, is that this principle applies a fortiori to the higher work of a spiritual nature; and this application is brought out clearly in the next verse.

Verse 10. - Altogether. It is probable that St. Paul only meant the word to be taken argumentatively, and not au pied de la lettre. This application (he says) is so obviously the right application, that the other may be set aside as far as our purpose is concerned. In the margin of the Revised Version it is rendered "Saith he it, as he doubtless doth, for our sake?" In hope. St. Paul's large experience of life, and his insight into character, sufficed to show him that despairing work must be ineffectual work. The spring and elasticity of cheerful spirits is indispensable to success in any arduous undertaking.

"Life without hope draws nectar in a sieve,
And hope without an object cannot live."


Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Isn’t
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

He actually speaking
λέγει (legei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

on our behalf?
δι’ (di’)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

Indeed,
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

this was written
ἐγράφη (egraphē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1125: A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.

for
δι’ (di’)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

us,
ἡμᾶς (hēmas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

[when] the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

plowman
ἀροτριῶν (arotriōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 722: To plow. From arotron; to plow.

plows
ἀροτριᾶν (arotrian)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 722: To plow. From arotron; to plow.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

thresher [ threshes ],
ἀλοῶν (aloōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 248: To thresh (wheat). From the same as halon; to tread out grain.

[they] should
ὀφείλει (opheilei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3784: Or, its prolonged form opheileo probably from the base of ophelos; to owe; figuratively, to be under obligation; morally, to fail in duty.

[also] expect
ἐλπίδι (elpidi)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1680: Hope, expectation, trust, confidence. From a primary elpo; expectation or confidence.

to share in the harvest.
μετέχειν (metechein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 3348: From meta and echo; to share or participate; by implication, belong to, eat.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 9:10 Or does he say it assuredly (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 9:9
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