1 Corinthians 3:10

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Κατὰ
According
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#2
τὴν
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
χάριν
to the grace
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
#4
τὴν
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
θεοῦ
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#6
τὴν
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
δοθεῖσάν
is given
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#8
μοι
unto me
to me
#9
ὡς
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#10
σοφὸς
a wise
wise (in a most general application)
#11
ἀρχιτέκτων
masterbuilder
a chief constructor, i.e., "architect"
#12
θεμέλιον
the foundation
something put down, i.e., a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively)
#13
τέθεικα,
I have laid
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
#14
ἄλλος
another
"else," i.e., different (in many applications)
#15
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#16
ἐποικοδομεῖ
buildeth thereon
to build upon, i.e., (figuratively) to rear up
#17
ἕκαστος
every man
each or every
#18
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#19
βλεπέτω
let
to look at (literally or figuratively)
#20
πῶς
how
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
#21
ἐποικοδομεῖ
buildeth thereon
to build upon, i.e., (figuratively) to rear up

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing grace relates to the doctrine of soteriology and God's unmerited favor in salvation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood grace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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