1 Corinthians 9:5

Authorized King James Version

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?

Word-by-Word Analysis

μὴ

G3361

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

οὐκ

G3756

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

ἔχομεν

G2192

Have we

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

ἐξουσίαν

G1849

power

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

ἀδελφὴν

G79

a sister

a sister (naturally or ecclesiastically)

γυναῖκα

G1135

a wife

a woman; specially, a wife

περιάγειν

G4013

to lead about

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

ὡς

G5613

as well as

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

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#10

οἱ

G3588

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

#11

λοιποὶ

G3062

other

remaining ones

#12

ἀπόστολοι

G652

apostles

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

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#14

οἱ

G3588

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

#15

ἀδελφοὶ

G80

as the brethren

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

#16

τοῦ

G3588

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

#17

κυρίου

G2962

of the Lord

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

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#19

Κηφᾶς

G2786

Cephas

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Corinthians. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within pastoral letter addressing practical Christian living issues to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Corinthians chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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