1 Corinthians 3:12
What does 1 Corinthians 3:12 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 3:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 3:12 means
Paul lists two sets of materials: lasting and precious (gold, silver, costly stones) and perishable and common (wood, hay, stubble). Builders on Christ’s foundation may use either. The imagery speaks to the quality of doctrine, ministry methods, motives, and lives fashioned within the church. Some work reflects Christ’s worth and endures; some is shoddy, superficial, or self-serving and will not last. The contrast is not between true and false foundation here—that was settled in verse 11—but between worthy and unworthy building on the true foundation. This verse calls for integrity, depth, and alignment with Christ’s character, because the durability of ministry will be tested.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But if any man buildeth on the foundation gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But if any man buildeth on the foundation gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But on the base a man may put gold, silver, stones of great price, wood, dry grass, cut stems;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and if any one doth build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw--
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now, if any man build upon this foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Now if any one build upon [this] foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, grass, straw,
Context
Having established Christ as the only foundation, Paul turns to what people add to it. The materials list prepares for the next verse’s announcement of divine testing. The chapter’s momentum now moves from present building choices to future revelation (verse 13) and outcomes (verses 14–15). The Corinthians, tempted by flashy wisdom and personalities, need to hear that not everything impressive is durable. God will distinguish work of substance from work of show.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 16:16
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver.
- 1 Timothy 4:1
But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,
- Hebrews 13:9
Be not carried away by divers and strange teachings: for it is good that the heart be established by grace; not by meats, wherein they that occupied themselves were not profited.
- Jeremiah 23:28
The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the straw to the wheat? saith Jehovah.
- Acts 20:30
and from among your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
- 2 Timothy 4:3
For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts;
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