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1 Corinthians 9:13

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 9:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Know ye not that they that minister about sacred things eat [of] the things of the temple, [and] they that wait upon the altar have their portion with the altar?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Know ye not that they that minister about sacred things eat [of] the things of the temple, [and] they that wait upon the altar have their portion with the altar?
1 Corinthians 9:13 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10or saith he it assuredly for our sake? Yea, for our sake it was written: because he that ploweth ought to plow in hope, and he that thresheth, [to thresh] in hope of partaking.
11If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things?
12If others partake of [this] right over you, do not we yet more? Nevertheless we did not use this right; but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.
13Know ye not that they that minister about sacred things eat [of] the things of the temple, [and] they that wait upon the altar have their portion with the altar?
14Even so did the Lord ordain that they that proclaim the gospel should live of the gospel.
15But I have used none of these things: and I write not these things that it may be so done in my case; for [it were] good for me rather to die, than that any man should make my glorifying void.
16For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of; for necessity is laid upon me; for woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel.
← 1 Corinthians 9:121 Corinthians 9:14 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Do ye not know, that they which minister about holy things, etc.] Not the priests in the temples of the Heathen deities, as the Ethiopic version suggests; but the priests in the temple at Jerusalem, who were employed in slaying the sacrifices, taking off their skins, cutting them into pieces, laying them in order with the wood upon the altar, and burning them, with other services they there performed, which were well known to the Corinthians, many of this church being Jews: live of the things of the temple; the tithes and firstfruits, and other oblations, and presents in money or goods, thither brought; nor had they any other way of living and supporting their families; for the priests and…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“minister about holy things--the Jewish priests and Levites. The Greek especially applies to the former, the priests offering sacrifices. partakers with the altar--a part of the victims going to the service of the altar, and the rest being shared by the priests (Lev 7:6; Num 18:6, &c.; Deu 18:1, &c.).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Do ye not know ... - In this verse Paul illustrates the doctrine that the ministers of religion were, entitled to a support from the fact that those who were appointed to offer sacrifice receive a maintenance in their work. They which minister about holy things - Probably the “Levites.” Their office was to render assistance to the priests, to keep guard around the tabernacle, and subsequently around the temple. It was also their duty to see that the temple was kept clean, and to prepare supplies for the sanctuary, such as oil, wine, incense, etc. They had the care of the revenues, and after the time of David were required to sing in the temple, and to play upon instruments. Numbers 3:1-36;…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“9:13 Paul might be referring to Levites and priests at God’s temple in Jerusalem (see Deut 18:1-4; cp. Lev 6:16-17, 26; Num 18:8-32), but the pagan priests in temples around Corinth would have done similarly.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“they: Co1 10:18; Lev 6:16-18, Lev 6:26, Lev 7:6-8; Num 5:9, Num 5:10, Num 18:8-20; Deu 10:9, Deu 18:1-5; Sa1 2:28 live: or, feed 1 Corinthians 9:14”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Corinthians 9 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification