1 Corinthians 3:14
If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μενεῖ
abide
G3306
μενεῖ
abide
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
5 of 9
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
ὃ
which
G3739
ὃ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 9
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐπωκοδόμησεν
he hath built thereupon
G2026
ἐπωκοδόμησεν
he hath built thereupon
Strong's:
G2026
Word #:
7 of 9
to build upon, i.e., (figuratively) to rear up
Cross References
1 Corinthians 3:8Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.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.
Historical Context
The concept of eschatological rewards permeated Jewish thought (Daniel 12:3, 'they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament') and Jesus's teaching (Beatitudes, parables of talents/minas). Paul builds on this theology, applying it specifically to Christian ministry. Rewards were well-understood in Greco-Roman culture—crowns for athletes, laurels for poets, triumphs for generals.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the promise of future reward affect your present perseverance in apparently fruitless or underappreciated service?
- What balance should you strike between serving for love of Christ versus anticipation of reward—are these motivations compatible or contradictory?
- What 'work' are you building that you believe will 'abide' through fire—and how can you ensure its permanence?
Analysis & Commentary
If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward (μισθὸν λήμψεται, misthon lēmpsetai)—lēmpsetai (future middle: 'shall receive for himself') promises personal, certain recompense. The condition 'if... abide' (εἰ... μενεῖ, ei... menei) means 'if it remains after fire-testing,' implying some work will survive. Misthos (reward/wages) suggests proportional justice—faithful labor receives corresponding recompense.
Scripture nowhere specifies what these rewards entail, maintaining holy reticence about eternal details. Jesus spoke of 'treasures in heaven' (Matthew 6:20), varying capacities for ruling (Luke 19:17-19), and degrees of greatness in the kingdom (Matthew 5:19). The prospect of reward should motivate diligence without breeding mercenary motives—we serve from love, but God graciously adds blessing beyond our deserving. This parallels justification (free grace) and judgment (according to works): salvation is unearned gift; rewards recognize faithful stewardship of grace already received. The reward ultimately is Christ himself, known and enjoyed in proportion to our faithfulness.