1 Corinthians 3:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 3:6
6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 3 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, hope, covenant. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 3:6
6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: 1 Corinthians 1:30, Isaiah 61:11, Acts 11:18
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 9:1, Proverbs 11:25, Acts 19:1