1 Corinthians 3:8

Authorized King James Version

Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
φυτεύων
he that planteth
to set out in the earth, i.e., implant; figuratively, to instil doctrine
#3
δὲ
Now
but, and, etc
#4
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#5
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ποτίζων
he that watereth
to furnish drink, irrigate
#7
ἕν
one
one
#8
εἰσιν
are
they are
#9
ἕκαστος
every man
each or every
#10
δὲ
Now
but, and, etc
#11
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἴδιον
his own
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
#13
μισθὸν
reward
pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
#14
λήψεται
shall receive
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
#15
κατὰ
according
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#16
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
ἴδιον
his own
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
#18
κόπον·
labour
a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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