I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
I {G1473} have planted {G5452}, Apollos {G625} watered {G4222}; but {G235} God {G2316} gave the increase {G837}.
I planted the seed, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.
I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.
I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
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1 Corinthians 3:9
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, [ye are] God's building. -
1 Corinthians 3:10
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. -
Proverbs 11:25
¶ The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. -
1 Corinthians 1:30
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: -
2 Corinthians 10:14
For we stretch not ourselves beyond [our measure], as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in [preaching] the gospel of Christ: -
2 Corinthians 10:15
Not boasting of things without [our] measure, [that is], of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, -
Acts 18:4
And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
1 Corinthians 3:6 provides a profound insight into the nature of Christian ministry and spiritual growth, highlighting that while human effort is involved, it is God alone who brings true increase and transformation. Paul uses a simple yet powerful agricultural metaphor to explain the roles of different ministers within the early church in Corinth.
Context
This verse is part of Paul's earnest appeal to the Corinthian believers to overcome their carnal divisions and factions. The church was experiencing strife as members were aligning themselves with different leaders, saying, "I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas" (1 Corinthians 1:12). Paul challenges their spiritual immaturity, stating that they are still "carnal" and "babes in Christ" (1 Corinthians 3:1). He reminds them that ministers are merely servants chosen by God, each with a specific task, and none should be exalted above the divine source of all growth.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "increase" is auxēsin (αὔξησιν), which conveys the idea of growth, augmentation, or development. It implies an organic, living process that is divinely enabled. This term doesn't just refer to numerical growth, but also to the spiritual maturity and depth of believers. The verse underscores God's active and essential involvement in providing the vital life force necessary for any genuine spiritual flourishing, much like a farmer depends on divine elements like rain and sun for crop growth.
Practical Application
This verse offers profound encouragement and guidance for believers and those in ministry today: