1 Corinthians 3:14

KJV

If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

KJV (with Strong's)

If any man's {G1536} work {G2041} abide {G3306} which {G3739} he hath built {G2026} thereupon, he shall receive {G2983} a reward {G3408}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If the work someone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward;

Berean Standard Bible

If what he has built 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.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's extended metaphor of the church as God's building and believers as co-laborers. Beginning in [1 Corinthians 3:9](/1-corinthians/3-9 "1 Corinthians 3:9 - God's Building"), Paul establishes that believers are "God's fellow workers" and "God's building." He then identifies himself as a "wise master builder" who laid the only true and unshakeable foundation: [Jesus Christ](/1-corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Only Foundation"). Following this, Paul warns that various individuals will build upon this foundation, using different "materials"—gold, silver, precious stones, or wood, hay, stubble—representing the quality and enduring nature of their work. [1 Corinthians 3:13](/1-corinthians/3-13 "1 Corinthians 3:13 - The Fire Will Test Each Work") explicitly states that "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." Verse 14 then presents the positive outcome for those whose work withstands this fiery test, while [1 Corinthians 3:15](/1-corinthians/3-15 "1 Corinthians 3:15 - Loss of Reward, but Salvation") details the consequence for work that is consumed. The immediate flow is a logical progression from foundation to construction, to testing, and finally to the resulting reward or loss.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was plagued by divisions, with factions aligning themselves with different leaders like Paul, Apollos, or Cephas. Paul's architectural metaphor directly addresses this disunity by emphasizing the singular foundation of Christ and the collective nature of building the church. In the Greco-Roman world, building practices were well-understood, with foundations being paramount for stability. The concept of "fire" as a testing agent was also common, used to refine metals or destroy inferior materials. Furthermore, the idea of "reward" (Greek: _misthós_) would resonate with the Corinthian understanding of wages or payment for services rendered, often seen in the context of patron-client relationships or skilled labor. This cultural backdrop helps the audience grasp the seriousness of their spiritual labor and the divine accountability associated with it, particularly in a city known for its diverse philosophical schools and competitive public life.
* **Key Themes:** A central theme is the **quality and enduring nature of Christian service**. Paul is not merely concerned with the quantity of work, but its intrinsic value and whether it is performed with pure motives and according to God's will. This leads to the theme of **divine scrutiny and judgment of works**, distinct from the judgment for salvation. This future evaluation, often referred to as the Bema Seat judgment (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:10](/2-corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Bema Seat Judgment")), is not about determining one's eternal destiny (which is secured by faith in Christ), but about assessing the fidelity and fruitfulness of a believer's life and ministry. Consequently, the theme of **eternal reward** emerges, signifying God's just and gracious recognition of faithful stewardship. This reward is not earned merit in a salvific sense, but a divine commendation and potentially increased capacity for service or enjoyment in God's eternal kingdom, as foreshadowed in passages like [Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Christ's Return with Rewards"). These themes collectively call believers to a life of intentional, God-honoring service with an eternal perspective.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **work (Greek, _érgon'_):** From a primary (but obsolete) verb meaning "to work," _érgon_ refers to toil as an effort or occupation, and by implication, an act or deed. In this context, it encompasses all the activities, ministries, and services a believer undertakes in their Christian life, particularly those aimed at building up the church or advancing God's kingdom. It signifies the tangible output of one's spiritual labor.
* **abide (Greek, _ménō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)," _ménō_ conveys the idea of permanence, endurance, or continuation. Here, it describes the quality of work that withstands the test of divine scrutiny, remaining intact and proving its lasting value. It implies resilience and intrinsic worth that is not consumed by the refining fire.
* **reward (Greek, _misthós'_):** Apparently a primary word, _misthós_ refers to pay for service, wages, or recompense, whether good or bad. In 1 Corinthians 3:14, it specifically denotes the positive acknowledgment and compensation from God for work that has endured the test. It signifies divine approval and a just return for faithful, enduring labor, emphasizing God's faithfulness to honor His servants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If any man's work abide":** This opening clause introduces the conditional premise. It refers to the spiritual labor, service, and deeds performed by any believer ("man's work"). The crucial element is whether this work "abides" (Greek: _ménō_), meaning it endures, remains, or withstands a test. This implies a future evaluation where the true quality and lasting value of one's service will be revealed.
* **"which he hath built thereupon":** This phrase clarifies the context of the work: it is specifically the construction activity undertaken "upon" the foundation. The "thereupon" refers directly back to the singular foundation of Jesus Christ, established in [1 Corinthians 3:11](/1-corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Only Foundation"). This emphasizes that all legitimate Christian service must be rooted in and built upon Christ, rather than human wisdom or self-glory.
* **"he shall receive a reward":** This is the positive consequence for work that endures. The believer whose work stands the test will "receive" (Greek: _lambánō_) a "reward" (Greek: _misthós_). This signifies a divine commendation, recognition, and recompense for faithful service. It is not a payment for salvation, but an acknowledgment of diligent and God-honoring labor, demonstrating God's justice and generosity towards His faithful servants.

#### 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.

* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")
* [2 Corinthians 5:10](/2-corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Bema Seat of Christ")
* [Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Christ's Return with Rewards")

### 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
* **What "materials" am I primarily using to build upon the foundation of Christ in my life and service?**
* **What are my primary motivations for the Christian service and ministry I am involved in? Do they align with God's glory or personal gain?**
* **If my "work" were to be tested by fire today, what aspects do I believe would "abide" and what might be consumed?**
* **How does the promise of a future divine reward impact my daily decisions and long-term priorities as a believer?**

### 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](/1-corinthians/3-14 "1 Corinthians 3:14 - Enduring Work, Eternal Reward") 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](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). 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](/1-corinthians/3-15 "1 Corinthians 3:15 - Loss of Reward, but Salvation")). 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](/1-corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Only Foundation")). 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](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abide in Me")). 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](/hebrews/10-12-14 "Hebrews 10:12-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Finally, it is Christ who will be the Judge at the Bema Seat, evaluating each believer's work ([2 Corinthians 5:10](/2-corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Bema Seat of Christ")), 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 3:8

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

Matthew 25:21

His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Matthew 25:23

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

1 Corinthians 4:5

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Matthew 24:45

Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

Matthew 24:47

Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

Revelation 2:8

¶ And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;