1 Corinthians 3:13

Authorized King James Version

Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἑκάστου

G1538

Every man's

each or every

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔργον

G2041

work

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

φανερὸν

G5318

manifest

shining, i.e., apparent (literally or figuratively); neuter (as adverb) publicly, externally

γενήσεται

G1096

shall be made

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γὰρ

G1063

for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἡμέρα

G2250

the day

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

δηλώσει

G1213

shall declare it

to make plain (by words)

#10

ὅτι

G3754

because

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#11

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#12

πῦρ

G4442

fire

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

#13

ἀποκαλύπτεται·

G601

it shall be revealed

to take off the cover, i.e., disclose

#14

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#15

ἑκάστου

G1538

Every man's

each or every

#16

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

ἔργον

G2041

work

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

#18

ὁποῖόν

G3697

of what sort

of what kind that, i.e., how (as) great (excellent) (specially, as an indefinite correlative to the definite antecedent g5108 of quality)

#19

ἐστιν

G2076

it is

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#20

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

πῦρ

G4442

fire

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

#22

δοκιμάσει

G1381

shall try

to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve

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 divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine 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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Corinthians chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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