1 Corinthians 3:7
So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
Original Language Analysis
ὥστε
So
G5620
ὥστε
So
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
1 of 13
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φυτεύων
he that planteth
G5452
φυτεύων
he that planteth
Strong's:
G5452
Word #:
4 of 13
to set out in the earth, i.e., implant; figuratively, to instil doctrine
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 15:5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.Galatians 6:3For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.Psalms 115:1Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.2 Corinthians 12:9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Historical Context
In a culture that glorified rhetorical power and personal charisma (the sophist tradition), Paul's assertion that planters and waterers are 'nothing' was countercultural and offensive. Greek and Roman society honored great orators as culture-shapers; Paul insists preachers are disposable instruments whose only value derives from God's sovereign use of them.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's 'nothing' verdict on human ministers challenge contemporary celebrity pastor culture?
- In what ways are you tempted to evaluate ministry by human skill (eloquence, charisma) rather than divine blessing?
- What freedom comes from recognizing you are 'nothing' in yourself but may be used by the God who 'gives the increase'?
Analysis & Commentary
So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth—Paul draws the radical conclusion from verse 6: human laborers are nothing (οὐδέν ἐστιν, ouden estin). This is not false humility but theological precision. But God that giveth the increase (ἀλλ' ὁ αὐξάνων θεός, all' ho auxanōn theos)—the present participle emphasizes God's ongoing, active causation of growth. He alone is 'something,' the sole source of life and fruitfulness.
This assertion demolishes all ministerial pride and partisan devotion to leaders. Planting and watering are necessary activities, but they possess no inherent power to generate life. Only God quickens dead souls (Ephesians 2:1), opens blind eyes (2 Corinthians 4:6), and grants repentance (2 Timothy 2:25). The preacher's role is indispensable as instrument but utterly impotent as cause. This theology protects against two errors: despising faithful ministers (they are God's chosen means) and idolizing gifted ministers (they are merely means, not causes). Paul's 'nothing' echoes Jesus: 'Without me ye can do nothing' (John 15:5).