1 Corinthians 3:7
What does 1 Corinthians 3:7 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 3:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 3:7 means
Paul draws the conclusion: the planter and the waterer are “not anything” in the sense of being the ultimate source. God, who gives the increase, is everything in producing life. This does not deny the value of human labor; it denies its independence and supremacy. The verse dismantles pride in giftedness and results. Ministers are honored as servants, but they are not saviors or creators of faith. The implication for the church is plain: do not exalt instruments, and do not measure spirituality by attachment to a human name. Give glory to God for every conversion and growth. This keeps the church humble, united, and expectant of God’s ongoing work.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
KJV
King James Version · 1611So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So then the planter is nothing, and the waterer is nothing; but God who gives the increase.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862so that neither is he who is planting anything, nor he who is watering, but He who is giving growth--God;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Therefore, neither he that planteth is any thing, nor he that watereth: but God that giveth the increase.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890So that neither the planter is anything, nor the waterer; butGod the giver of the increase.
Context
After describing different roles in verse 6, Paul clarifies their relative weight: God alone causes growth. This sets a foundation for the next statement (verse 8) about unity among ministers and personal reward according to labor. The argument now turns from God’s sole authorship of increase to the solidarity of His servants. This keeps the Corinthians from both despising leaders and idolizing them. The transition will soon broaden from the farm to the building site, showing that not only growth but also construction quality matters before God.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 41:29
Behold, all of them, their works are vanity and nought; their molten images are wind and confusion.
- 1 Corinthians 13:2
And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
- Daniel 4:35
and all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
- Galatians 6:3
For if a man thinketh himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
- John 15:5
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for apart from me ye can do nothing.
- Psalms 115:1
Not unto us, O Jehovah, not unto us, But unto thy name give glory, For thy lovingkindness, and for thy truth’s sake.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Corinthians 3
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Corinthians 3.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Envy
Envy is a powerful emotion, often leading to discontent and harmful actions. The Bible warns against its dangers and encourages a godly perspective.
Topic
Bible Verses About Jealousy
Jealousy, a powerful human emotion, is often viewed negatively in the Bible as it can lead to sin and division.
Topic
Bible Verses About Body Image
Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, and these scriptures help us to see ourselves through His eyes.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Your Marriage Is Falling Apart
When the silence at home is louder than the words — verses to pray for your marriage.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You're Struggling With Addiction
When the cycle won't break — verses for the long road home.