1 Corinthians 3:14

Authorized King James Version

If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἴ
if, whether, that, etc
#2
τινος
some or any person or object
#3
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἔργον
work
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#5
μενεῖ
abide
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
#6
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#7
ἐπωκοδόμησεν
he hath built thereupon
to build upon, i.e., (figuratively) to rear up
#8
μισθὸν
a reward
pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
#9
λήψεται
he shall receive
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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