1 Corinthians 3:10
According 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.
Original Language Analysis
Κατὰ
According
G2596
Κατὰ
According
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
1 of 21
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὴν
which
G3588
τὴν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάριν
to the grace
G5485
χάριν
to the grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
3 of 21
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
τὴν
which
G3588
τὴν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
5 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τὴν
which
G3588
τὴν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοθεῖσάν
is given
G1325
δοθεῖσάν
is given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
7 of 21
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
9 of 21
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
θεμέλιον
the foundation
G2310
θεμέλιον
the foundation
Strong's:
G2310
Word #:
12 of 21
something put down, i.e., a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively)
τέθεικα,
I have laid
G5087
τέθεικα,
I have laid
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
13 of 21
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
ἐποικοδομεῖ
buildeth thereon
G2026
ἐποικοδομεῖ
buildeth thereon
Strong's:
G2026
Word #:
16 of 21
to build upon, i.e., (figuratively) to rear up
Cross References
1 Corinthians 3:11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.Romans 15:20Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:Ephesians 2:20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;1 Corinthians 9:2If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.Daniel 12:3And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.Ecclesiastes 12:9And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.Romans 12:3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.Matthew 24:45Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?Matthew 7:24Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:Luke 11:35Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.
Historical Context
Ancient construction required master builders who understood architecture, engineering, and materials. Foundations were especially critical—buildings erected on inadequate foundations collapsed. Paul's metaphor would resonate in a city that, after destruction in 146 BC, was rebuilt under Roman engineering standards emphasizing strong foundations for earthquake resistance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's claim to have 'laid the foundation' as God's grace, not personal achievement, model proper understanding of ministerial calling?
- What does it mean to 'take heed how you build' on the foundation others have laid—in your family, church, or sphere of influence?
- What building materials (doctrines, methods, emphases) are you adding to the church's structure—gold or stubble?
Analysis & Commentary
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation (ὡς σοφὸς ἀρχιτέκτων θεμέλιον ἔθηκα, hōs sophos architektōn themelion ethēka)—architektōn (architect/master builder) denotes the chief contractor who designs and oversees construction. Paul founded the Corinthian church (Acts 18), establishing the themelion (foundation). Yet he attributes this role to charis (χάρις, grace), not personal skill.
And another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon (βλεπέτω πῶς ἐποικοδομεῖ, blepetō pōs epoikodomei)—the present imperative blepetō ('let him watch carefully') introduces solemn warning. Apollos and subsequent teachers build on Paul's foundation, but the quality of their work matters eternally. Pōs ('how,' 'in what manner') emphasizes method and material, not just activity. Careless building on a true foundation still invites judgment (verse 15).