1 Corinthians 3:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 3:7
7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 3 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of obedience, salvation, prayer. 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 illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 3:7
7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
Analysis
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).
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.
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'?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 115:1, John 15:5, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Galatians 6:3