TRV
Translation
King James Version
If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
Complete Jewish Bible
If the work someone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward;
American Standard Version
If any man’s work shall abide which he built thereon, he shall receive a reward.
World English Bible Messianic
If any man’s work remains which he built on it, he will receive a reward.
Young's Literal Translation
if of any one the work doth remain that he built on it , a wage he shall receive;
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In the KJVVerse 28,425 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3 verses 11–15
11 ¶ For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Here the apostle informs us what foundation he had laid at the bottom of all his labours among them - even Jesus Christ, the chief corner-stone, Eph 2:20. Upon this foundation all the faithful ministers of Christ build. Upon this rock all the Christians found their hopes. Those that build their hopes of heaven on any other foundation build upon the sand. Other foundation can no man lay besides what is laid - even Jesus Christ. Note, The doctrine of our Saviour and his mediation is the principal doctrine of Christianity. It lies at the bottom, and is the foundation, of all the rest. Leave out this, and you lay waste all our comforts, and leave no foundation for our hopes as sinners. It is in Christ only that God is reconciling a sinful world to himself, Co2 5:19. But of those that hold the foundation, and embrace the general doctrine of Christ's being the mediator between God and man, there are two sorts: -
I. Some build upon this foundation gold, silver, and precious stones (Co1 3:12), namely, those who receive and propagate the pure truths of the gospel, who hold nothing but the truth as it is in Jesus, and preach nothing else. This is building well upon a good foundation, making all of apiece, when ministers not only depend upon Christ as the great prophet of the church, and take him for their guide and infallible teacher, but receive and spread the doctrines he taught, in their purity, without any corrupt mixtures, without adding or diminishing.
II. Others build wood, hay, and stubble, on this foundation; that is, though they adhere to the foundation, they depart from the mind of Christ in many particulars, substitute their own fancies and inventions in the room of his doctrines and institutions, and build upon the good foundation what will not abide the test when the day of trial shall come, and the fire must make it manifest, as wood, hay, and stubble, will not bear the trial by fire, but must be consumed in it. There is a time coming when a discovery will be made of what men have built on this foundation: Every man's work shall be made manifest, shall be laid open to view, to his own view and that of others. Some may, in the simplicity of their hearts, build wood and stubble on the good foundation, and know not, all the while, what they have been doing; but in the day of the Lord their own conduct shall appear to them in its proper light. Every man's work shall be made manifest to himself, and made manifest to others, both those that have been misled by him and those that have escaped his errors. Now we may be mistaken in ourselves and others; but there is a day coming that will cure all our mistakes, and show us ourselves, and show us our actions in the true light, without covering or disguise: For the day shall declare it (that is, every man's work), because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work, of what sort it is, Co1 3:13. The day shall declare and make it manifest, the last day, the great day of trial; see Co1 4:5. Though some understand it of the time when the Jewish nation was destroyed and their constitution thereby abolished, when the superstructure which judaizing teachers would have raised on the Christian foundation was manifested to be no better than hay and stubble, that would not bear the trial. The expression carries in it a plain allusion to the refiner's art, in which the fire separates and distinguishes the dross from the gold and silver; as it also will silver and gold and precious stones, that will endure the fire, from wood and hay and stubble, that will be consumed in it. Note, There is a day coming that will as nicely distinguish one man from another, and one man's work from another's, as the fire distinguishes gold from dross, or metal that will bear the fire from other materials that will be consumed in it. In that day, 1. Some men's works will abide the trial - will be found standard. It will appear that they not only held the foundation, but that they built regularly and well upon it - that they laid on proper materials, and in due form and order. The foundation and the superstructure were all of a piece. The foundation-truths, and those that had a manifest connection with them, were taught together. It may not be so easy to discern this connection now, nor know what works will abide the trial then; but that day will make a full discovery. And such a builder shall not, cannot fail of a reward. He will have praise and honour in that day, and eternal recompence after it. Note, Fidelity in the ministers of Christ will meet with a full and ample reward in a future life. Those who spread true and pure religion in all the branches of it, and whose work will abide in the great day, shall receive a reward. And, Lord, how great! how much exceeding their deserts! 2. There are others whose works shall be burnt (Co1 3:15), whose corrupt opinions and doctrines, or vain inventions and usages in the worship of God, shall be discovered, disowned, and rejected, in that day - shall be first manifested to be corrupt, and then disapproved of God and rejected. Note, The great day will pluck off all disguises, and make things appear as they are: He whose work shall be burnt will suffer loss. If he have built upon the right foundation wood and hay and stubble, he will suffer loss. His weakness and corruption will be the lessening of his glory, though he may in the general have been an honest and an upright Christian. This part of his work will be lost, turning no way to his advantage, though he himself may be saved. Observe, Those who hold the foundation of Christianity, though they build hay, wood, and stubble, upon it, may be saved. This may help to enlarge our charity. We should not reprobate men for their weakness: for nothing will damn men but wickedness. He shall be saved, yet so as by fire, saved out of the fire. He himself shall be snatched out of that flame which will consume his work. This intimates that it will be difficult for those that corrupt and deprave Christianity to be saved. God will have no mercy on their works, though he may pluck them as brands out of the burning. On this passage of scripture the papists found their doctrine of purgatory, which is certainly hay and stubble: a doctrine never originally fetched from scripture, but invented in barbarous ages, to feed the avarice and ambition of the clergy, at the cost of those who would rather part with their money than their lusts, for the salvation of their souls. It can have no countenance from this text, (1.) Because this is plainly meant of a figurative fire, not of a real one: for what real fire can consume religious rites or doctrines? (2.) Because this fire is to try men's works, of what sort they are; but purgatory-fire is not for trial, not to bring men's actions to the test, but to punish for them. They are supposed to be venial sins, not satisfied for in this life, for which satisfaction must be made by suffering the fire of purgatory. (3.) Because this fire is to try every man's works, those of Paul and Apollos, as well as those of others. Now, no papists will have the front to say apostles must have passed through purgatory fires.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 11–15. Public domain.
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AmbrosiasterAD 384
COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES
If anyone’s work proves lasting, he will receive his wage. He will be just like the three brothers in the fiery furnace, destined to receive as his wage heavenly life with glory.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on 1 Corinthians 9
This is no small subject of enquiry which we propose, but rather about things which are of the first necessity and which all men enquire about; namely, whether hell fire have any end. For that it hath no end Christ indeed declared when he said, "Their fire shall not be quenched, and their worm shall not die."
But since Paul's saying appears to some to tell the other way, come let us bring it forward also and search it out thoroughly. For having said, "If any man's work abide which he hath built thereon, he shall receive a reward; and if any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss," he adds, "but himself shall be saved, yet so as through fire." What shall we say then to this? Let us consider first what is "the Foundation," and what "the gold," and what "the precious stones," and what "the hay," and what the "stubble."
"The Foundation," then, he hath himself plainly signified to be Christ, saying, "For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which," he saith "is Jesus Christ."
Next, the building seems to me to be actions. Although some maintain that this also is spoken concerning teachers and disciples and concerning corrupt heresies: but the reasoning doth not admit it. For if this be it, in what sense, while "the work is destroyed," is the "builder" to be "saved," though it be "through fire?" Of right, the author ought rather of the two to perish; but now it will be found that the severer penalty is assigned to him who hath been built into the work. For if the teacher was the cause of the wickedness, he is worthy to suffer severer punishment: how then shall he be "saved?" If, on the contrary, he was not the cause but the disciples became such through their own perverseness, he is no whit deserving of punishment, no, nor yet of sustaining loss: he, I say, who builded so well. In what sense then doth he say, "he shall suffer loss?"
From this it is plain that the discourse is about actions. For since he means next in course to put out his strength against the man who had committed fornication, he begins high up and long beforehand to lay down the preliminaries.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 3:14 stands as a profound declaration within Paul's architectural metaphor for the church, asserting that if a believer's labor—built upon the singular foundation of Jesus Christ—endures the divine scrutiny of fire, that individual will assuredly receive a commendation and recompense from God. This verse underscores the eternal significance of faithful service, distinguishing between work that possesses lasting value and that which proves ephemeral, all in anticipation of a future divine evaluation.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs Metaphor throughout 1 Corinthians 3. The church is depicted as a building, and believers are builders constructing upon the foundation of Christ. This extended metaphor provides a tangible and relatable framework for understanding spiritual growth, service, and divine judgment. The "work" itself is metaphorically represented by various building materials (gold, silver, precious stones vs. wood, hay, stubble), symbolizing the varying quality and durability of spiritual labor. The fire is another powerful metaphor, representing the divine scrutiny or testing that will reveal the true nature of each person's work. Furthermore, the concept of "work abiding" can be seen as a form of Personification, as the abstract concept of work is given the human-like quality of enduring or perishing. This vivid imagery helps the Corinthian believers, and us, grasp the profound and eternal implications of their actions and motives in ministry.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 3:14 stands as a cornerstone for understanding the doctrine of rewards in Christian eschatology, particularly in relation to the Bema Seat judgment of believers. It clarifies that while salvation is entirely by grace through faith in Christ and cannot be earned by works, there is a distinct future evaluation of the quality and faithfulness of a believer's service to God. This assessment is not for condemnation but for commendation, revealing what has eternal value versus what is temporal. It underscores God's justice in acknowledging and honoring faithful stewardship, motivating believers to live with an eternal perspective, investing their time, talents, and resources into endeavors that will endure divine scrutiny and bring glory to God. The "reward" is not a claim to merit, but a gracious recognition of God's enabling work through His servants, confirming the profound truth that our labor for the Lord is never in vain.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 3:14 serves as a profound call to intentionality and integrity in every aspect of our Christian walk and service. It compels us to examine not just what we are doing for God, but how and why we are doing it. Are our efforts motivated by genuine love for Christ and a desire for His glory, or by a craving for human recognition, personal gain, or fleeting success? The metaphor of building materials—gold, silver, precious stones versus wood, hay, stubble—challenges us to consider the quality and durability of our spiritual contributions. Are we investing in eternal values, cultivating spiritual disciplines, nurturing genuine relationships, and serving with purity of heart, or are we engaged in activities that, while perhaps outwardly impressive, lack eternal substance? This verse reminds us that our earthly actions, particularly our service within the church and for the Kingdom, have eternal implications. It fosters a healthy, sober perspective, encouraging perseverance in well-doing even when unseen or unappreciated by others, knowing that God Himself will test and reward faithful labor. It is a powerful motivator to live a life of lasting impact, built on the solid foundation of Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What kind of "work" is Paul referring to in this verse?
Answer: Paul is referring to the spiritual labor and service that believers undertake after they have been saved and placed on the foundation of Christ. This "work" encompasses all their deeds, ministries, efforts, and contributions to building up the church and advancing God's kingdom. It includes teaching, evangelism, acts of service, stewardship of resources, and living a life of obedience and faithfulness. The quality of this work is determined by its motive, its alignment with God's will, and its ultimate purpose in glorifying Christ, rather than merely human effort or outward appearance.
Is this "reward" related to salvation, or is it something different?
Answer: The "reward" in 1 Corinthians 3:14 is distinctly separate from salvation. Salvation is a free gift received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by works (as clearly stated in Ephesians 2:8-9). This passage in 1 Corinthians 3 deals with the evaluation of a believer's service after salvation. The "fire" tests the quality of the work, not the validity of one's salvation. A believer whose work is consumed will "suffer loss" of reward, but "he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire" (1 Corinthians 3:15). The reward is a divine commendation and recognition for faithful stewardship and enduring service, not a payment for eternal life.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 3:14, while speaking of the believer's work and reward, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. First and foremost, Jesus Christ Himself is the singular and unshakeable "foundation" upon which all true and enduring work is built (1 Corinthians 3:11). Without Him, no work has eternal value or can withstand divine scrutiny. Our ability to build with "gold, silver, precious stones" comes not from our own strength or wisdom, but from our union with Christ and the power of His indwelling Spirit, who enables us to bear lasting fruit (John 15:5). Furthermore, Christ is the perfect example of enduring work; His entire life and ministry culminated in the ultimate act of obedience on the cross, a work that perfectly "abides" and secured our salvation (Hebrews 10:12-14). Finally, it is Christ who will be the Judge at the Bema Seat, evaluating each believer's work (2 Corinthians 5:10), and it is from His hand that the "reward" will be graciously bestowed. Thus, 1 Corinthians 3:14 compels us to build our lives and ministries in Christ, through Christ, and for the glory of Christ, knowing that our eternal commendation flows entirely from His finished work and His sovereign assessment.