1 Corinthians 9:8
Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?
Original Language Analysis
Μὴ
as
G3361
Μὴ
as
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 12
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
κατὰ
G2596
κατὰ
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
2 of 12
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 12
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 #:
9 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
In rabbinic argumentation, appealing to Torah carried ultimate authority. Greek rhetoric valued logos (reasoned argument), but for Jews—and for Paul, trained under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3)—Scripture was the final court of appeal. By citing Deuteronomy 25:4 (v. 9), Paul places ministerial support on the same level as divinely revealed moral law, not merely human convention.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Paul need to ground his argument in Scripture rather than leaving it at common sense?
- How does the phrase "according to man" function as an objection Paul preemptively answers?
- What is the relationship between natural law (observable in creation) and revealed law (Scripture)?
Analysis & Commentary
Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? Having argued from natural reason (v. 7), Paul now anticipates an objection: "These are merely human arguments (Greek kata anthrōpon, κατὰ ἄνθρωπον, "according to man")." Paul counters that divine law confirms what nature teaches. He is not imposing human wisdom but expounding God's revealed will.
The phrase "saith not the law" refers to the Torah, specifically the command Paul will quote in verse 9. By anchoring his argument in Scripture, Paul elevates ministerial support from pragmatic custom to theological principle. This rhetorical strategy is crucial: the Corinthians must see that supporting gospel workers is not Paul's personal preference but God's design woven into creation and codified in Mosaic law.