1 Corinthians 9:8

8 Do I say this merely on human authority? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing?

1 Corinthians 9:8 in Other Translations

KJV
8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?
ESV
8 Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same?
NLT
8 Am I expressing merely a human opinion, or does the law say the same thing?
MSG
8 I'm not just sounding off because I'm irritated. This is all written in the scriptural law.
CSB
8 Am I saying this from a human perspective? Doesn't the law also say 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 Or is it only I and Barnabas who lack the right to not work for a living?
7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink the milk?
8 Do I say this merely on human authority? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing?
9 For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned?
10 Surely he says this for us, doesn’t he? Yes, this was written for us, because whoever plows and threshes should be able to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest.
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