4 Don't we have the right to food and drink? 5 Don't we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord's brothers and Cephas[1] ? 6 Or is it only I and Barnabas who lack the right to not work for a living?

Other Translations of 1 Corinthians 9:4-6

King James Version

4 Have we not power to eat and to drink? 5 Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, wife: or, woman as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? 6 Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?

English Standard Version

4 Do we not have the right to eat and drink? 5 Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife,Greek a sister as wife as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living?

The Message

4 We who are on missionary assignments for God have a right to decent accommodations, 5 and we have a right to support for us and our families. You don't seem to have raised questions with the other apostles and our Master's brothers and Peter in these matters. 6 So, why me? Is it just Barnabas and I who have to go it alone and pay our own way?

New King James Version

4 Do we have no right to eat and drink? 5 Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working?

New Living Translation

4 Don't we have the right to live in your homes and share your meals? 5 Don't we have the right to bring a believing wife with us as the other apostles and the Lord's brothers do, and as Peter does? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have to work to support ourselves?

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:4-6

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:1-14

(Read 1 Corinthians 9:1-14)

It is not new for a minister to meet with unkind returns for good-will to a people, and diligent and successful services among them. To the cavils of some, the apostle answers, so as to set forth himself as an example of self-denial, for the good of others. He had a right to marry as well as other apostles, and to claim what was needful for his wife, and his children if he had any, from the churches, without labouring with his own hands to get it. Those who seek to do our souls good, should have food provided for them. But he renounced his right, rather than hinder his success by claiming it. It is the people's duty to maintain their minister. He may wave his right, as Paul did; but those transgress a precept of Christ, who deny or withhold due support.

6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.

Other Translations of Galatians 6:6

King James Version

6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

English Standard Version

6 One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches.

The Message

6 Be very sure now, you who have been trained to a self-sufficient maturity, that you enter into a generous common life with those who have trained you, sharing all the good things that you have and experience.

New King James Version

6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.

New Living Translation

6 Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Galatians 6:6

Commentary on Galatians 6:6-11

(Read Galatians 6:6-11)

Many excuse themselves from the work of religion, though they may make a show, and profess it. They may impose upon others, yet they deceive themselves if they think to impose upon God, who knows their hearts as well as actions; and as he cannot be deceived, so he will not be mocked. Our present time is seed time; in the other world we shall reap as we sow now. As there are two sorts of sowing, one to the flesh, and the other to the Spirit, so will the reckoning be hereafter. Those who live a carnal, sensual life, must expect no other fruit from such a course than misery and ruin. But those who, under the guidance and influences of the Holy Spirit, live a life of faith in Christ, and abound in Christian graces, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. We are all very apt to tire in duty, particularly in doing good. This we should carefully watch and guard against. Only to perseverance in well-doing is the reward promised. Here is an exhortation to all to do good in their places. We should take care to do good in our life-time, and make this the business of our lives. Especially when fresh occasions offer, and as far as our power reaches.