The Meaning of 1 Corinthians 9:11 Explained

1 Corinthians 9:11

KJV: If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

YLT: If we to you the spiritual things did sow -- great is it if we your fleshly things do reap?

Darby: If we have sown to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

ASV: If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things?

KJV Reverse Interlinear

If  we  have sown  unto you  spiritual things,  [is it] a great thing  if  we  shall reap  your  carnal things? 

What does 1 Corinthians 9:11 Mean?

Study Notes

carnel
i.e. things for the body.

Verse Meaning

Third, the basic principle of community reciprocity supports Paul"s point. Spiritual things are intrinsically more important than physical things. The former will last forever whereas the latter are only temporary. How much more then should those who benefit from spiritual ministry support physically those who minister to them (cf. Galatians 6:6). "Is it too much" reveals that Paul was contending with the Corinthians, not just exhorting them.

Context Summary

1 Corinthians 9:1-15 - Rights And Their Surrender
Paul's claim to an equality with Peter and the other Apostles was violently disputed by his enemies at Corinth, because in several matters he differed from them. Unlike Peter, he had no wife to support, and he worked for his livelihood, instead of being supported by the churches. In this chapter he strongly asserts his rights in this particular; but he is equally strong in saying that he had refused to avail himself of his right, that he might influence a wider circle of men. He was a soldier, a vineyard-keeper, a shepherd, and could claim his maintenance. But he desired to be free from the slightest imputation of self-seeking. He knew that jealous critics were watching his every action and seeking to weigh his secret motives. These were the very men he desired to win, and for their sakes he voluntarily surrendered his undoubted rights.
What a lesson for all of us and especially for those who are called to be ministers of Christ's gospel! We must be above suspicion. If we do or permit anything that might prove a hindrance to the acceptance of Christ by others, we must forego it, though reasonable in itself, that we may win them to our Savior. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1 Corinthians 9

1  He shows his liberty;
7  and that the minister ought to receive a living by the Gospel;
15  yet that himself has of his own accord abstained,
18  to be neither chargeable unto them,
22  nor offensive unto any, in matters indifferent
24  Our life is like unto a race

Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 9:11

Is it a great matter? [μεγα]
The copula εστιν — estin has to be supplied. Note two conditions of first class with ει — ei both assumed to be true. On πνευματικα — pneumatika and σαρκικα — sarkika see note on 1 Corinthians 2:14 note on 1 Corinthians 3:3. This point comes out sharply also in Galatians 6:6. [source]

What do the individual words in 1 Corinthians 9:11 mean?

If we among you - spiritual things have sown [is it] a great thing from you material things will reap
Εἰ ἡμεῖς ὑμῖν τὰ πνευματικὰ ἐσπείραμεν μέγα ὑμῶν σαρκικὰ θερίσομεν

ὑμῖν  among  you 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative 2nd Person Plural
Root: σύ  
Sense: you.
τὰ  - 
Parse: Article, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
πνευματικὰ  spiritual  things 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root: πνευματικός  
Sense: relating to the human spirit, or rational soul, as part of the man which is akin to God and serves as his instrument or organ.
ἐσπείραμεν  have  sown 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 1st Person Plural
Root: ἐπισπείρω 
Sense: to sow, scatter, seed.
μέγα  [is  it]  a  great  thing 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: μέγας  
Sense: great.
ὑμῶν  from  you 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Root: σύ  
Sense: you.
σαρκικὰ  material  things 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root: σαρκικός  
Sense: fleshly, carnal.
θερίσομεν  will  reap 
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Active, 1st Person Plural
Root: θερίζω  
Sense: to reap, harvest.