1 Corinthians 3:5

Authorized King James Version

Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

Word-by-Word Analysis

τίς

G5101

Who

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

οὖν

G3767

then

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἐστιν

G2076

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

Παῦλος

G3972

Paul

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

τίς

G5101

Who

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

δέ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

Ἀπολλῶς

G625

is Apollos

apollos, an israelite

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἢ

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

#10

διάκονοι

G1249

ministers

an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)

#11

δι'

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#12

ὧν

G3739

whom

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#13

ἐπιστεύσατε

G4100

ye believed

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

#14

καὶ

G2532

even

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

#15

ἑκάστῳ

G1538

to every man

each or every

#16

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

#17

ὁ

G3588

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

#18

κύριος

G2962

the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#19

ἔδωκεν

G1325

gave

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Corinthians.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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