1 Corinthians 3:12

Authorized King James Version

Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἰ
if, whether, that, etc
#2
δέ
Now
but, and, etc
#3
τις
some or any person or object
#4
ἐποικοδομεῖ
build
to build upon, i.e., (figuratively) to rear up
#5
ἐπὶ
upon
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#6
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
θεμέλιον
foundation
something put down, i.e., a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively)
#8
τοῦτον
this
this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)
#9
χρυσόν
gold
gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin
#10
ἄργυρον
silver
silver (the metal, in the articles or coin)
#11
λίθους
stones
a stone (literally or figuratively)
#12
τιμίους
precious
valuable, i.e., (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved
#13
ξύλα
wood
timber (as fuel or material); by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance
#14
χόρτον
hay
a "court" or "garden", i.e., (by implication, of pasture) herbage or vegetation
#15
καλάμην
stubble
a stalk of grain, i.e., (collectively) stubble

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Corinthians. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to pastoral letter addressing practical Christian living issues, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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