1 Corinthians 9:11
If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
Original Language Analysis
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνευματικὰ
spiritual things
G4152
πνευματικὰ
spiritual things
Strong's:
G4152
Word #:
5 of 13
non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou
ἐσπείραμεν
have sown
G4687
ἐσπείραμεν
have sown
Strong's:
G4687
Word #:
6 of 13
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
μέγα
is it a great thing
G3173
μέγα
is it a great thing
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
7 of 13
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 15:27It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.Galatians 6:6Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.2 Corinthians 11:15Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.Matthew 10:10Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.2 Kings 5:13And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?
Historical Context
Greco-Roman patronage systems involved reciprocal exchange: benefactors gave money, clients gave honor and service. Paul reframes this cultural norm theologically: the exchange is not patron-client but spiritual-material. Churches do not hire apostles as employees; they provide for those who have given them the gospel. This protects ministry from commercialization while ensuring ministers are sustained.
Questions for Reflection
- How does contrasting "spiritual things" with "carnal things" highlight the value disparity?
- Why is it appropriate for those who benefit spiritually to support ministers materially (Gal 6:6)?
- How does Paul's willingness to sow without reaping (v. 12) challenge prosperity gospel theology?
Analysis & Commentary
If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? Paul applies the agricultural metaphor directly to his relationship with the Corinthians. He "sowed" (Greek speirō, σπείρω) spiritual seed—the gospel, teaching, discipleship—resulting in their conversion and growth. The Greek pneumatika (πνευματικά, "spiritual things") denotes eternal, heavenly realities; sarkika (σαρκικά, "carnal things") refers to material, earthly provisions like food and money.
Paul argues from greater to lesser: if apostles give the invaluable (eternal life, divine truth), is it unreasonable to receive the temporal (daily bread)? The word "reap" (therizō, θερίζω) continues the harvest imagery—ministers gather material support as fruit of their spiritual labor. This is not mercenary; it is divinely ordained reciprocity. Paul echoes Jesus' teaching: "The laborer is worthy of his hire" (Luke 10:7). Yet Paul will refuse this harvest (v. 12), modeling sacrificial ministry.