1 Corinthians 9:15 · KJV
“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.”
— 1 Corinthians 9:15
Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
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!
1 Corinthians 9 — Context
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? {live: or, feed}
14Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
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.
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!
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.
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 2:9
For 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 Thessalonians 3:8
Neither 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:
1 Corinthians 9:12
If 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.
Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 18:3
And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
Acts 20:34
Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
2 Corinthians 11:9-12
And 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}.
Matthew 18:6
But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and {that} he were drowned in the depth of the sea.