1 Corinthians 3:6
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
Original Language Analysis
ἐφύτευσα
have planted
G5452
ἐφύτευσα
have planted
Strong's:
G5452
Word #:
2 of 8
to set out in the earth, i.e., implant; figuratively, to instil doctrine
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Proverbs 11:25The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.1 Corinthians 1:30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:1 Corinthians 9:1Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?Isaiah 61:11For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.Acts 11:18When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.Acts 19:1And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
Historical Context
Paul's metaphor drew on agrarian imagery universally understood in the ancient world. Yet it also reflected biblical precedent—Isaiah's vineyard (Isaiah 5), Jesus's parables of sowers and seeds (Mark 4). The Corinthians, living in a major commercial port, would have known agriculture secondhand; Paul's point was that whether planting or watering, human effort is meaningless without divine blessing.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of Christian service are you tempted to take credit for 'growth' that only God can give?
- How does recognizing God as the sole source of spiritual increase free you from both pride in success and despair in apparent failure?
- What does this verse teach about the necessity and limits of human effort in evangelism and discipleship?
Analysis & Commentary
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase (ηὔξανεν ὁ θεός, ēuxanen ho theos)—Paul introduces the agricultural metaphor that dominates verses 6-9. Ephyteusa (ἐφύτευσα, 'I planted') describes Paul's founding evangelism; epotisen (ἐπότισεν, 'watered') represents Apollos's follow-up teaching. Yet ēuxanen (imperfect tense: 'was giving growth') attributes all spiritual increase to God's continuous agency.
This three-part division—planter, waterer, life-giver—appears throughout Scripture. Isaiah 55:10-11 promises God's word will accomplish its purpose; Jesus describes himself as the true vine sustained by the Father's care (John 15:1). Human instrumentality is real but derivative; divine causality is ultimate and effectual. The Reformed doctrine of effectual calling rests here: preachers sow and water, but only God's Spirit regenerates dead hearts (John 3:8, 6:44). Any fruitfulness in ministry is grace from start to finish, leaving no room for ministerial pride or partisan loyalties based on human effectiveness.