1 Corinthians 3:10
What does 1 Corinthians 3:10 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 3:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 3:10 means
Paul explains his role “according to the grace of God”: as a skilled master builder he laid a foundation in Corinth by preaching Christ and establishing the church. Others now build upon that foundation. The command, “let each man take heed how he buildeth thereon,” warns that method and material matter. Ministry is not a casual enterprise; it is accountable craft under God’s gaze. Grace, not self-importance, made Paul a wise builder; the same grace must guide all who teach, shepherd, and serve. This verse urges careful doctrine, holy motives, and loving practice. What is erected on the church must suit the foundation’s character, because it will be inspected by the Owner.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000According to the grace of God which was given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder I laid a foundation; and another buildeth thereon. But let each man take heed how he buildeth thereon.
KJV
King James Version · 1611According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901According to the grace of God which was given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder I laid a foundation; and another buildeth thereon. But let each man take heed how he buildeth thereon.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949In the measure of the grace given to me, I, as a wise master-builder, have put the base in position, and another goes on building on it. But let every man take care what he puts on it.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862According to the grace of God that was given to me, as a wise master-builder, a foundation I have laid, and another doth build on <FI>it<Fi> ,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752According to the grace of God that is given to me, as a wise architect, I have laid the foundation: and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890According to the grace ofGod which has been given to me, as a wise architect, I have laid the foundation, but another builds upon it. But let each see how he builds upon it.
Context
Verse 9 declared the church God’s building. Now Paul details his part in its construction and warns others who add to it. The flow moves from identity (God’s building) to responsibility (build carefully). In the next verse he will name the foundation: Jesus Christ alone. Then he will contrast building materials (verse 12) and announce a future test by fire (verse 13). The sequence shows that correct foundation is first, then conscientious construction, then divine evaluation and reward or loss.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 2:20
being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone;
- 1 Timothy 1:11
according to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
- Romans 1:5
through whom we received grace and apostleship, unto obedience of faith among all the nations, for his name’s sake;
- Matthew 24:45
Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath set over his household, to give them their food in due season?
- Zechariah 4:9
The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that Jehovah of hosts hath sent me unto you.
- Revelation 21:19
The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald;
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