“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?”
The full verse · 1 Corinthians 9:13 · KJV
Do they which about holy of the things the ? and they which at the are with the ?
Asked by
Paul: the apostle who founded the church at Corinth, defending the right of gospel preachers to be supported (1 Corinthians 9:11-14)
Asked to
Corinthians: the church at Corinth, "the seal of mine apostleship" (1 Corinthians 9:2)
The Scene
Having said he and his companions "have not used this power" (1 Corinthians 9:12), Paul returns once more to show that the right is real.
Why It Was Asked
The purpose behind the questionPaul turns to an example the Corinthians knew from Scripture: the temple. Those who served there did not live off farms of their own; they were fed from what was brought to God. Barnes explains that those who served in the temple were supported from the various offerings brought there. The first question speaks of those who serve about holy things; the second, of those who wait at the altar and share in its sacrifices. Barnes notes that "A part of the animal offered in sacrifice is burned as an offering to God, and a part becomes the property of the priest for his support." Paul asks "Do ye not know" because this was common knowledge.
The Response
What Scripture recordsPaul draws the conclusion in his next words: "Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel" (1 Corinthians 9:14). Barnes says "The word 'Lord' here doubtless refers to the Lord Jesus," and both Barnes and Gill point to Christ's words when He sent out the twelve: "the workman is worthy of his meat" (Matthew 10:10).
Historical Context
The world behind the wordsGod gave the tribe of Levi no land: "the LORD is his inheritance" (Deuteronomy 10:9). Instead, the Levites received "all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service" (Numbers 18:21), and the priests received set portions of the holy offerings (Numbers 18:8). The whole tribe of Levi "shall eat the offerings of the LORD made by fire" (Deuteronomy 18:1). Gill lists the tithes, firstfruits, and other offerings brought to the temple as their living. Barnes cites Numbers 18:8-19 and Deuteronomy 18:1.
The Bigger Picture
Where this fits in God's storyGod has always cared for those who serve Him. In Israel He made Himself the inheritance of the Levites and fed them through the gifts of His people. Paul shows that the same Lord has set the same pattern for those who preach the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14).
Paul uses the same picture in the next chapter for a different purpose: "are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?" (1 Corinthians 10:18). There it warns against sharing in idol feasts. Here it shows that God honors service at His altar with provision.
Look Closer
How were priests and Levites supported under the law of Moses?
Carry the question into prayer and conversation.
Lord, You provided for those who served at Your altar; how are You inviting me to share in caring for those who serve Your people now?
A prayer to carry into the day.
- Paul says the Corinthians already knew this. What truths about caring for others do you know well but find easy to overlook?
- Tell about a time you saw a church or group care well for someone who served them.
For you, a small group, a friend, or the dinner table.
Serving God is real work, and God has always provided for those who give themselves to it. In Israel He did it through tithes and offerings. In the church, Paul says, the Lord ordained that those who preach the gospel should live of the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14).
That gives you a way to take part in ministry even if you're not the one preaching. Your support is part of how God cares for His workers.
This doesn't mean preachers should demand payment. Paul, who wrote these words, refused support at Corinth so that the gospel would not be hindered (1 Corinthians 9:12, 15).
Built from the biblical text and checked against trusted commentaries and lexicons. References & Sources
Keep questioning
“Say I these things as a man? Or saith not the law the same also?”
“If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?”
“If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather?”
“Are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?”