1 Corinthians 9:13

Authorized King James Version

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Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?

Original Language Analysis

οὐκ not G3756
οὐκ not
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 1 of 18
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
οἴδατε Do ye G1492
οἴδατε Do ye
Strong's: G1492
Word #: 2 of 18
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι that G3754
ὅτι that
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 3 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οἱ G3588
οἱ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὰ G3588
τὰ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱερὰ about holy things G2413
ἱερὰ about holy things
Strong's: G2413
Word #: 6 of 18
sacred
ἐργαζόμενοι they which minister G2038
ἐργαζόμενοι they which minister
Strong's: G2038
Word #: 7 of 18
to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc
ἐκ of the things of G1537
ἐκ of the things of
Strong's: G1537
Word #: 8 of 18
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 #: 9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱεροῦ the temple G2411
ἱεροῦ the temple
Strong's: G2411
Word #: 10 of 18
a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)
ἐσθίουσιν live G2068
ἐσθίουσιν live
Strong's: G2068
Word #: 11 of 18
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
οἱ G3588
οἱ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ G3588
τῷ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θυσιαστηρίῳ at the altar G2379
θυσιαστηρίῳ at the altar
Strong's: G2379
Word #: 14 of 18
a place of sacrifice, i.e., an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative)
προσεδρεύοντες and they which wait G4332
προσεδρεύοντες and they which wait
Strong's: G4332
Word #: 15 of 18
to sit near, i.e., attend as a servant
τῷ G3588
τῷ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 16 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θυσιαστηρίῳ at the altar G2379
θυσιαστηρίῳ at the altar
Strong's: G2379
Word #: 17 of 18
a place of sacrifice, i.e., an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative)
συμμερίζονται are partakers G4829
συμμερίζονται are partakers
Strong's: G4829
Word #: 18 of 18
to share jointly, i.e., participate in

Analysis & Commentary

Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Paul shifts from secular analogies (soldier, farmer, shepherd) and Torah principle (ox) to Levitical practice. Old Testament priests received portions of sacrifices and temple offerings (Lev 6:16-18; 7:6-10; Num 18:8-32). Those who served at the altar ate from the altar—God instituted material support for sacred service.

The Greek hierourgeo (ἱερουργέω, "minister about holy things") and prothusiasterion (προθυσιαστήριον, "wait at the altar") emphasize cultic service. Paul argues by analogy: if God provided for Old Covenant priests, He certainly intends provision for New Covenant ministers who proclaim a superior gospel. This is not legalism but continuity—God's character remains consistent across covenants. He honors those who serve Him by ensuring their needs are met through those they serve.

Historical Context

The Levitical priesthood had no land inheritance (Num 18:20); God was their portion. They lived from tithes, firstfruits, and sacrificial portions. This created a reciprocal system: the people supported priests, and priests mediated worship and taught Torah. Paul draws on this familiar model to argue that New Covenant ministers—who offer spiritual sacrifices (Rom 12:1) and teach God's Word—deserve similar provision.

Questions for Reflection