1 Corinthians 3:15
What does 1 Corinthians 3:15 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 3:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 3:15 means
If someone’s work is burned up, “he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as through fire.” The builder’s salvation is secure because it rests on Christ the foundation, not on the quality of his works. Yet there is real loss—what was done poorly, with wrong motives or methods, will not endure or be rewarded. The picture is of escaping with life but losing possessions in the blaze. This sobers careless ministry without denying grace. It warns teachers and leaders in particular, but applies to all service. Build with what fits Christ, because God’s day will strip away what is flimsy, self-centered, or contrary to His truth.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as through fire.
KJV
King James Version · 1611If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as through fire.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If the fire puts an end to any man's work, it will be his loss: but he will get salvation himself, though as by fire.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862if of any the work is burned up, he shall suffer loss; and himself shall be saved, but so as through fire.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752If any mans work burn, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890If the work of any one shall be consumed, he shall suffer loss, but he shall be saved, but so as through [the] fire.
Context
Paired with verse 14, this verse presents the negative outcome of the testing. The balanced teaching—reward without boasting, loss without condemnation—keeps the focus on Christ’s foundation and God’s evaluation. With this sober scene in view, Paul will soon ground the church’s holiness in another image: the temple of God (verses 16–17). The shift broadens the warning from leaders’ building work to anyone who would harm the church’s holiness and unity.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Zechariah 3:2
And Jehovah said unto Satan, Jehovah rebuke thee, O Satan; yea, Jehovah that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?
- Psalms 66:12
Thou didst cause men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.
- 2 John 1:8
Look to yourselves, that ye lose not the things which we have wrought, but that ye receive a full reward.
- 1 Corinthians 3:12
But if any man buildeth on the foundation gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble;
- Revelation 3:18
I counsel thee to buy of me gold refined by fire, that thou mayest become rich; and white garments, that thou mayest clothe thyself, and that the shame of thy nakedness be not made manifest; and eyesalve to anoint thine eyes, that thou mayest see.
- Amos 4:11
I have overthrown cities among you, as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a brand plucked out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith Jehovah.
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