1 Corinthians 3:13
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.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργον
work
G2041
ἔργον
work
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
3 of 22
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
φανερὸν
manifest
G5318
φανερὸν
manifest
Strong's:
G5318
Word #:
4 of 22
shining, i.e., apparent (literally or figuratively); neuter (as adverb) publicly, externally
γενήσεται
shall be made
G1096
γενήσεται
shall be made
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
5 of 22
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
7 of 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἡμέρα
the day
G2250
ἡμέρα
the day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
8 of 22
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
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
10 of 22
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἀποκαλύπτεται·
it shall be revealed
G601
ἀποκαλύπτεται·
it shall be revealed
Strong's:
G601
Word #:
13 of 22
to take off the cover, i.e., disclose
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργον
work
G2041
ἔργον
work
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
17 of 22
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
ὁποῖόν
of what sort
G3697
ὁποῖόν
of what sort
Strong's:
G3697
Word #:
18 of 22
of what kind that, i.e., how (as) great (excellent) (specially, as an indefinite correlative to the definite antecedent g5108 of quality)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 4:5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.Revelation 20:12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.1 Peter 1:7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:2 Peter 3:10But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.Zechariah 13:9And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.1 Peter 4:12Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:Romans 2:16In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.1 Corinthians 1:8Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.Malachi 3:17And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.2 Timothy 1:18The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
Historical Context
Fire was both feared and revered in antiquity—destructive to human habitations but purifying for precious metals. Refining gold and silver required intense heat to separate pure metal from dross. The eschatological 'day of the Lord' in OT prophecy often involved fire imagery (Malachi 4:1, Isaiah 66:15), representing God's holy presence consuming all impurity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the certainty that 'every man's work shall be made manifest' affect your present priorities in ministry, career, and relationships?
- What work are you doing that you hope will survive 'the Day'—and what might prove to be wood, hay, or stubble?
- How can you build now with eternity in view, ensuring quality ('what sort it is') rather than just quantity?
Analysis & Commentary
Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it (ἡ ἡμέρα δηλώσει, hē hēmera dēlōsei)—'the Day' (capitalized, with definite article) refers to the day of Christ's return and judgment (1 Corinthians 1:8, 5:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:4). Dēlōsei (shall reveal/make clear) promises exposure of all hidden things. Because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is (ποῖόν ἐστιν, poion estin—'of what quality').
The fire is not purgatorial but probative—it tests and reveals quality, not purges sin. This is not about salvation (believers are secure, verse 15) but reward for faithful service. The phrase poion estin ('what sort it is') emphasizes qualitative evaluation, not quantitative measurement. God judges motives, methods, and fruit, not just activity level. The Refiner's fire (Malachi 3:2-3) purifies gold but consumes dross. This eschatological judgment should produce present carefulness: knowing our work will be tested should motivate excellence, humility, and dependence on God's strength rather than human ingenuity.