1 Corinthians 9:13 Meaning and Explanation
“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?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Paul reminds his readers that those who serve in the temple are sustained from its offerings, and those who serve at the altar share in what is sacrificed there.
What Does 1 Corinthians 9:13 Mean?
Paul turns to the example of the temple. Those who carried out sacred service were provided for from the offerings brought to God; the priests who ministered at the altar received a portion of the sacrifices. This was the long-established pattern by divine arrangement.
By citing the temple, Paul shows that God Himself ordained provision for those who give their lives to holy service. Sacred labor and material support were never opposed; the one who serves at the altar partakes of the altar. The principle dignifies ministry as worthy of sustenance and reflects a God who provides for those set apart to His work. Paul lays this groundwork to declare, in the next verse, how it applies to preachers of the gospel.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Corinthians 9:13
What does 1 Corinthians 9:13 mean?
Paul reminds his readers that those who serve in the temple are sustained from its offerings, and those who serve at the altar share in what is sacrificed there.