1 Corinthians 9:14
Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
Even
G2532
καὶ
Even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
the Lord
G2962
κύριος
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
4 of 13
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
διέταξεν
hath
G1299
διέταξεν
hath
Strong's:
G1299
Word #:
5 of 13
to arrange thoroughly, i.e., (specially) institute, prescribe, etc
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 13
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 10:10Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.1 Corinthians 9:4Have we not power to eat and to drink?Galatians 6:6Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.Luke 10:7And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' own teaching (Luke 10:7) establish ministerial support as divine ordinance, not optional?
- Why does Paul assert this command so strongly (v. 14) if he intends to refuse it (v. 15)?
- How does "living of the gospel" protect ministers from worldly entanglements (2 Tim 2:4)?
Analysis & 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.