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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

1 Corinthians 9:14–18

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.
For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
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PASSAGE SELECTION

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Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

25 Essential passages are open for comparison.

Reference depth

From verse 14

  1. Matthew 10:10Rank 1 from verse 14
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    10Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

  2. 1 Timothy 5:17–18Rank 2 from verse 14
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    17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

    18For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

  3. 1 Corinthians 9:4Rank 3 from verse 14
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    4Have we not power to eat and to drink?

  4. Galatians 6:6Rank 4 from verse 14
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    6Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

  5. Luke 10:7Rank 5 from verse 14
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    7And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

From verse 15

  1. 1 Thessalonians 2:9Rank 1 from verse 15
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    9For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

  2. 2 Thessalonians 3:8Rank 2 from verse 15
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    8Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

  3. 1 Corinthians 9:12Rank 3 from verse 15
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    12If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.

  4. 2 Corinthians 11:9–12Rank 4 from verse 15
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    9And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

    10As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.

    11Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.

    12But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

  5. Acts 18:3Rank 5 from verse 15
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    3And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

From verse 16

  1. Romans 1:14Rank 1 from verse 16
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    14I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

  2. Jeremiah 20:9Rank 2 from verse 16
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    9Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

  3. Colossians 4:17Rank 3 from verse 16
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    17And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

  4. Luke 9:62Rank 4 from verse 16
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    62And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

  5. Acts 26:16–20Rank 5 from verse 16
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    16But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

    17Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

    18To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

    19Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

    20But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judæa, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

From verse 17

  1. Galatians 2:7Rank 1 from verse 17
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    7But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;

  2. 1 Corinthians 3:8Rank 2 from verse 17
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    8Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

  3. 1 Chronicles 28:9Rank 3 from verse 17
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    9¶ And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

  4. Colossians 1:25Rank 4 from verse 17
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    25Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

  5. Matthew 10:41Rank 5 from verse 17
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    41He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.

From verse 18

  1. 2 Corinthians 11:7–9Rank 1 from verse 18
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    7Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?

    8I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.

    9And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

  2. 1 Corinthians 10:33Rank 2 from verse 18
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    33Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

  3. 1 Corinthians 8:9Rank 3 from verse 18
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    9But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

  4. 1 Thessalonians 2:6Rank 4 from verse 18
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    6Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

  5. 2 Thessalonians 3:8–9Rank 5 from verse 18
    Open

    8Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

    9Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 9:14

COMBINED MEANING

even

↗

1. Used to emphasize, include, or precisely identify what is meant: indeed, precisely, or namely. 2. Used to mark a boundary, endpoint, or full reach in place, time, or degree: up to, as far as, or through. 3. In ‘even as,’ ‘even so,’ and like constructions, just as, exactly so, or in the same manner. 4. The evening, or close of day. 5. Equal, level, identical, balanced, or uniform.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

Lord

↗

1. A title of God or Jesus Christ acknowledging authority and rule. 2. A respectful title or address for one in authority.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

ordained

↗

Sense 1: Appointed or set apart to an office, work, purpose, or end. Sense 2: Established, decreed, ordered, prescribed, prepared, arranged, or settled.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

which

↗

1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

gospel

↗

Good news or glad tidings; especially the proclaimed word of God concerning Jesus Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation, including that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the scriptures.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

should

↗

A verb expressing duty, propriety, expectation, intention, purpose, condition, appointed outcome, or a future event viewed from another time or statement.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

live

↗

Sense 1: As a verb, to have or continue in life; to remain alive, be restored to life, or not die. Sense 2: To dwell, abide, or continue in a place, state, relation, or manner of life. Sense 3: To subsist or be sustained by or upon what is named. Sense 4: As an adjective, alive rather than dead; or containing fire and not extinguished.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 9:15

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

used

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of use, meaning to employ or be accustomed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

neither

↗

1. Also not; nor, introducing or joining a further negative statement or prohibition. 2. Not either, or none, of the alternatives named, commonly in a neither ... nor construction.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

written

↗

Past-tense or past-participial form of write (to set down, record, or communicate in letters or writing).

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

should

↗

A verb expressing duty, propriety, expectation, intention, purpose, condition, appointed outcome, or a future event viewed from another time or statement.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

better

↗

Sense 1: More excellent, more fitting, or to a greater degree. Sense 2: To improve or make better.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

man

↗

1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

make

↗

To form, create, produce, cause, appoint, perform, or render into a stated condition.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

glorying

↗

Present-participial or verbal-noun form of glory, meaning to boast, exult, take pride, or rejoice in a person or thing.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

void

↗

Empty, unfilled, unoccupied, lacking something, invalid, cancelled, or without effect.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 9:16

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

gospel

↗

Good news or glad tidings; especially the proclaimed word of God concerning Jesus Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation, including that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the scriptures.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

glory

↗

Sense 1: Splendour, honour, praise, majesty, or a ground of rejoicing or boasting. Sense 2: To boast, exult, take pride, or rejoice in a person or thing.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

necessity

↗

That which must be and cannot be otherwise, or the cause of that which cannot be otherwise.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

laid

↗

Sense 1: Placed, set, put down, deposited, arranged, established, founded, imposed, applied, stored, buried, or overlaid. Sense 2: Reclined or brought to rest.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

upon

↗

1. Marks the person, place, thing, or basis to which something is related: on or onto; above or over; toward or against as the target of action, speech, thought, attention, or force; resting on, assigned to, or affecting as a state, gift, burden, duty, guilt, or judgment; supported by or based on; or one placed, added, or repeated on or after another. 2. With a stated time or occasion, or a preceding event, at that time or point, or at or after that event: on, at, when, then, or following it.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

yea

↗

1. Indeed, marking confirmation, emphasis, addition, continuation, or heightening of what is said; it may also emphasize a question. 2. Yes, expressing an affirmative answer or declaration.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 9:17

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

willingly

↗

By one's own choice or consent; not by constraint.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

reward

↗

Sense 1: A benefit, payment, honour, punishment, or recompense given or received. Sense 2: As a verb, to give such a return.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

against

↗

Opposed to, contrary to, facing, toward, or in contact with; in some settings, exposed to or ready for a stated time.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

dispensation

↗

Sense 1: An administration, arrangement, or ordering. Sense 2: A stewardship or responsibility committed or given to someone.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

gospel

↗

Good news or glad tidings; especially the proclaimed word of God concerning Jesus Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation, including that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the scriptures.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

committed

↗

1. Performed or did an act, offence, trespass, or sin. 2. Entrusted, delivered, or placed a person or thing in another’s charge, custody, care, or keeping, or gave it over to a place or course.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

1 Corinthians 9:18

COMBINED MEANING

reward

↗

Sense 1: A benefit, payment, honour, punishment, or recompense given or received. Sense 2: As a verb, to give such a return.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

gospel

↗

Good news or glad tidings; especially the proclaimed word of God concerning Jesus Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation, including that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the scriptures.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

make

↗

To form, create, produce, cause, appoint, perform, or render into a stated condition.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

Christ

↗

The Anointed One; the same title as Messias.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Cawdrey 1604 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

without

↗

Outside or on the exterior; beyond a boundary; lacking, absent, free from, not accompanied by, or apart from the person, thing, condition, means, or relation named.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

charge

↗

Sense 1: To command, enjoin, or solemnly require; a command or injunction. Sense 2: A duty, trust, care, oversight, or a person or thing entrusted. Sense 3: To impute or accuse; an accusation or liability imputed. Sense 4: To impose a burden, payment, or obligation; a cost or expense. Sense 5: To entrust with or make responsible for a person, duty, or burden.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

power

↗

Sense 1: Ability, strength, force, or effective capacity to act, prevail, or produce an effect. Sense 2: Authority, right, permission, rule, dominion, or control. Sense 3: A person, authority, host, spiritual being, or other agent possessing or manifesting power.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

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Surrounding Verses

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13Do 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?

14Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

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15But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.

Selected passage

16For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

Selected passage

17For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

Selected passage

18What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

Selected passage

19For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

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