1 Corinthians 9:7

Authorized King James Version

Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?

Word-by-Word Analysis

τίς

G5101

Who

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

στρατεύεται

G4754

goeth a warfare

to serve in a military campaign; figuratively, to execute the apostolate (with its arduous duties and functions), to contend with carnal inclinations

ἰδίοις

G2398

his own

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

ὀψωνίοις

G3800

charges

rations for a soldier, i.e., (by extension) his stipend or pay

ποτέ

G4218

any time at

indefinite adverb, at some time, ever

τίς

G5101

Who

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

φυτεύει

G5452

planteth

to set out in the earth, i.e., implant; figuratively, to instil doctrine

ἀμπελῶνα

G290

a vineyard

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#10

ἐκ

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#11

τοῦ

G3588

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

#12

καρποῦ

G2590

the fruit

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

#13

αὐτοῦ

G846

thereof

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#14

οὐκ

G3756

not

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

#15

ἐσθίει

G2068

eateth

used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)

#16

ἢ

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

#17

τίς

G5101

Who

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

#18

ποιμαίνει

G4165

feedeth

to tend as a shepherd of (figuratively, superviser)

#19

ποίμνης

G4167

a flock

a flock (literally or figuratively)

#20

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#21

ἐκ

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#22

τοῦ

G3588

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

#23

γάλακτος

G1051

the milk

milk (figuratively)

#24

τῆς

G3588

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

#25

ποίμνης

G4167

a flock

a flock (literally or figuratively)

#26

οὐκ

G3756

not

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

#27

ἐσθίει

G2068

eateth

used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Corinthians.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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