1 Corinthians 3:8
What does 1 Corinthians 3:8 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 3:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 3:8 means
Paul affirms that the one who plants and the one who waters are “one”—they are on the same team, serving the same Lord with a shared goal. At the same time, “each shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.” God’s evaluation is personal and just, measured by faithfulness to the task assigned rather than by outward comparisons. This protects unity among workers and dignity of each role. The planter is not superior to the waterer, nor the waterer to the planter; God sees and will reward. For the church, this discourages rivalry and encourages perseverance. What matters is not human applause but God’s promised recognition of faithful labor.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: but each shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: but each shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now the planter and the waterer are working for the same end: but they will have their separate rewards in the measure of their work.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and he who is planting and he who is watering are one, and each his own reward shall receive, according to his own labour,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now he that planteth and he that watereth, are one. And every man shall receive his own reward, according to his own labour.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But the planter and the waterer are one; but each shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
Context
Verse 7 insisted God alone gives increase. Now verse 8 balances unity and accountability among ministers. This thought prepares the way for verse 9’s summary: God owns the work and the people. Then Paul will shift metaphors from field to building, pressing the accountability theme further. In the building image (verses 10–15), he will warn that the quality of materials and methods will be tested. Thus, unity of purpose does not remove responsibility; it heightens it under God’s eye.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 John 1:8
Look to yourselves, that ye lose not the things which we have wrought, but that ye receive a full reward.
- Revelation 2:23
And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works.
- Revelation 22:12
Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to render to each man according as his work is.
- Galatians 6:7
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
- 1 Corinthians 15:58
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord.
- Daniel 12:3
And they that are wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
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