1 Corinthians 9:8

8 I do not say this by human authority; God's law also says the same thing.

1 Corinthians 9:8 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 9:8

Say I these things as a man?
&c.] After the manner of men, reasoning from things common among men, and obvious to everyone's observation:

or saith not the law the same also?
As the subject the apostle is upon was capable of being illustrated and confirmed by instances common unto, and easy of observation among men; so it might be supported by divine authority; it was not only a clear point from the reason of things, but was certain by the law of God.

1 Corinthians 9:8 In-Context

6 Are Barnabas and I the only ones who must work to earn our living?

7 No soldier ever serves in the army and pays his own salary. No one ever plants a vineyard without eating some of the grapes. No person takes care of a flock without drinking some of the milk.

8 I do not say this by human authority; God's law also says the same thing.

9 It is written in the law of Moses: "When an ox is working in the grain, do not cover its mouth to keep it from eating." When God said this, was he thinking only about oxen? No.

10 He was really talking about us. Yes, that Scripture was written for us, because it goes on to say: "The one who plows and the one who works in the grain should hope to get some of the grain for their work."