1 Corinthians 9:12
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.
Original Language Analysis
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξουσίᾳ
of this power
G1849
ἐξουσίᾳ
of this power
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
4 of 27
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
μετέχουσιν
be partakers
G3348
μετέχουσιν
be partakers
Strong's:
G3348
Word #:
6 of 27
to share or participate; by implication, belong to, eat (or drink)
ἀλλὰ
Nevertheless
G235
ἀλλὰ
Nevertheless
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
10 of 27
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
οὐκ
are not
G3756
οὐκ
are not
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
11 of 27
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἐχρησάμεθα
used
G5530
ἐχρησάμεθα
used
Strong's:
G5530
Word #:
12 of 27
to furnish what is needed; (give an oracle, "graze" (touch slightly), light upon, etc.), i.e., (by implication) to employ or (by extension) to act tow
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξουσίᾳ
of this power
G1849
ἐξουσίᾳ
of this power
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
14 of 27
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
ταύτῃ
G3778
ταύτῃ
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
15 of 27
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἀλλὰ
Nevertheless
G235
ἀλλὰ
Nevertheless
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
16 of 27
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
στέγομεν
suffer
G4722
στέγομεν
suffer
Strong's:
G4722
Word #:
18 of 27
to roof over, i.e., (figuratively) to cover with silence (endure patiently)
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
20 of 27
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
δῶμεν
we should
G1325
δῶμεν
we should
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
23 of 27
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 9:15But 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.1 Corinthians 9:18What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.2 Corinthians 11:12But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.Acts 18:3And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.Nehemiah 4:8And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it.Romans 15:22For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.1 Corinthians 9:2If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.1 Corinthians 6:7Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?2 Corinthians 6:3Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:2 Corinthians 11:20For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.
Historical Context
Corinth was rife with sophists who charged exorbitant fees and itinerant preachers who exploited followers. Cynics begged; magicians sold spells; mystery religions demanded initiation payments. In this environment, Paul's refusal of payment was radical and disarming. It removed accusations of greed and demonstrated that his motive was love, not money. This apologetic strategy was especially important in a commercial city obsessed with wealth and status.
Questions for Reflection
- What "hindrances" might financial support have created for Paul's gospel ministry in Corinth?
- How does Paul model surrendering legitimate rights for the gospel's advance?
- When might accepting support hinder ministry, and when might refusing it dishonor the church (2 Cor 11:7-9)?
Analysis & Commentary
If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Paul concedes that other teachers in Corinth received support; his own claim is even stronger given that he founded the church. Yet he immediately pivots: Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. The Greek egkopē (ἐγκοπή, "hindrance, obstacle") was a military term for roadblocks impeding troop movement.
Here is the chapter's climax: Paul refuses his rights to avoid placing any barrier before the gospel. In a culture suspicious of greedy philosophers and charlatan preachers, Paul's self-support disarmed skeptics and demonstrated genuine love. The word "suffer" (stegō, στέγω) means to endure, bear up under hardship. Paul chooses poverty and labor over comfort and rights—modeling the very self-limitation he urged in chapter 8. Just as the "strong" should surrender idol-meat freedom for the "weak," Paul surrenders financial support for unbelievers' salvation.