1 Corinthians 9:11

θερίσομεν אABD. θερίσωμεν CDEFG Vetus Lat. Vulg.

11. εἰ ἡμεῖς ὑμῖν. St Paul’s third argument is drawn from the principles of natural gratitude. If we have conferred on you such inestimable benefits, it is surely no very burdensome return to give us our maintenance. Not, says Estius, that the one is in any sense the price paid for the other, for the two are too unequal: but that he who receives gifts so invaluable certainly lies under an obligation to him who imparts them—an obligation which he may well requite by ministering to his benefactor in such trifles (see Acts 6:2-4) as food and drink. Cf. Romans 15:27; Galatians 6:6.

τὰ πνευματικά. Cf. ch. 1 Corinthians 2:10-15; 1 Corinthians 3:1. The revelation of God through the Spirit, conveyed to the Corinthians by the agency of St Paul.

ἐσπείραμεν. Sowed, i.e. when we were with you.

τὰ σαρκικά. The things that serve to the nourishment of the flesh.

θερίσομεν. If this be the correct reading, it implies that the Apostle will actually partake of these things. But many important MSS. read θερίσωμεν. See Critical Note.