TRV
Translation
Complete Jewish Bible
I planted the seed, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.
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In the KJVVerse 28,417 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3 verses 5–10
5 ¶ Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
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.
Here the apostle instructs them how to cure this humour, and rectify what was amiss among them upon this head,
I. By reminding them that the ministers about whom they contended were but ministers: Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom you believed? Even as the Lord gave to every man, Co1 3:5. They are but ministers, mere instruments used by the God of all grace. Some of the factious people in Corinth seem to have made more of them, as if they were lords of their faith, authors of their religion. Note, We should take care not to deify ministers, nor put them into the place of God. Apostles were not the authors of our faith and religion, though they were authorized and qualified to reveal and propagate it. They acted in this office as God gave to every man. Observe, All the gifts and powers that even apostles discovered and exerted in the work of the ministry were from God. They were intended to manifest their mission and doctrine to be divine. It was perfectly wrong, upon their account, to transfer that regard to the apostles which was solely to be paid to the divine authority by which they acted, and to God, from whom they had their authority. Paul had planted and Apollos had watered, Co1 3:6. Both were useful, one for one purpose, the other for another. Note, God makes use of variety of instruments, and fits them to their several uses and intentions. Paul was fitted for planting work, and Apollos for watering work, but God gave the increase. Note, The success of the ministry must be derived from the divine blessing: Neither he that planteth is any thing, nor he that watereth, but God who giveth the increase, Co1 3:7. Even apostolical ministers are nothing of themselves, can do nothing with efficacy and success unless God give the increase. Note, The best qualified and most faithful ministers have a just sense of their own insufficiency, and are very desirous that God should have all the glory of their success. Paul and Apollos are nothing at all in their own account, but God is all in all.
II. By representing to them the unanimity of Christ's ministers: He that planteth and he that watereth are one (Co1 3:8), employed by one Master, entrusted with the same revelation, busied in one work, and engaged in one design - in harmony with one another, however they may be set in opposition to each other by factious party-makers. They have their different gifts from one and the same Spirit, for the very same purposes; and they heartily carry on the same design. Planters and waterers are but fellow-labourers in the same work. Note, All the faithful ministers of Christ are one in the great business and intention of their ministry. They may have differences of sentiment in minor things; they may have their debates and contests; but they heartily concur in the great design of honouring God and saving souls, by promoting true Christianity in the world. All such may expect a glorious recompence of their fidelity, and in proportion to it: Every man shall receive his own reward, according to his own labour. Their business is one, but some may mind it more than others: their end or design is one, but some may pursue it more closely than others: their Master also is one, and yet this good and gracious Master may make a difference in the rewards he gives, according to the different service they do: Every one's own work shall have its own reward. Those that work hardest shall fare best. Those that are most faithful shall have the greatest reward; and glorious work it is in which all faithful ministers are employed. They are labourers with God, sunergoi - co-workers, fellow-labourers (Co1 3:9), not indeed in the same order and degree, but in subordination to him, as instruments in his hand. They are engaged in his business. They are working together with God, in promoting the purposes of his glory, and the salvation of precious souls; and he who knows their work will take care they do not labour in vain. Men may neglect and vilify one minister while they cry up another, and have no reason for either: they may condemn when they should commend, and applaud what they should neglect and avoid; but the judgment of God is according to truth. He never rewards but upon just reason, and he ever rewards in proportion to the diligence and faithfulness of his servants. Note, Faithful ministers, when they are ill used by men, should encourage themselves in God. And it is to God, the chief agent and director of the great work of the gospel, to whom those that labour with him should endeavour to approve themselves. They are always under his eye, employed in his husbandry and building; and therefore, to be sure, he will carefully look over them: "You are God's husbandry, you are God's building; and therefore are neither of Paul nor of Apollos; neither belong to one nor the other, but to God: they only plant and water you, but it is the divine blessing on his own husbandry that alone can make it yield fruit. You are not our husbandry, but God's. We work under him, and with him, and for him. It is all for God that we have been doing among you. You are God's husbandry and building." He had employed the former metaphor before, and now he goes on to the other of a building: According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master-builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. Paul here calls himself a wise master-builder, a character doubly reflecting honour on him. It was honourable to be a master-builder in the edifice of God; but it added to his character to be a wise one. Persons may be in an office for which they are not qualified, or not so thoroughly qualified as this expression implies Paul was. But, though he gives himself such a character, it is not to gratify his own pride, but to magnify divine grace. He was a wise master-builder, but the grace of God made him such. Note, It is no crime in a Christian, but much to his commendation, to take notice of the good that is in him, to the praise of divine grace. Spiritual pride is abominable: it is making use of the greatest favours of God to feed our own vanity, and make idols of ourselves. But to take notice of the favours of God to promote our gratitude to him, and to speak of them to his honour (be they of what sort they will), is but a proper expression of the duty and regard we own him. Note, Ministers should not be proud of their gifts or graces; but the better qualified they are for their work, and the more success they have in it, the more thankful should they be to God for his distinguishing goodness: I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. As before he had said, I have planted, Apollos watered. It was Paul that laid the foundation of a church among them. He had begotten them through the gospel, Co1 4:15. Whatever instructors they had besides, they had not many fathers. He would derogate from none that had done service among them, nor would he be robbed of his own honour and respect. Note, Faithful ministers may and ought to have a concern for their own reputation. Their usefulness depends much upon it. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereon. This is a proper caution; there may be very indifferent building on a good foundation. It is easy to err here; and great care should be used, not only to lay a sure and right foundation, but to erect a regular building upon it. Nothing must be laid upon it but what the foundation will bear, and what is of a piece with it. Gold and dirt must not be mingled together. Note, Ministers of Christ should take great care that they do not build their own fancies or false reasonings on the foundation of divine revelation. What they preach should be the plain doctrine of their Master, or what is perfectly agreeable with it.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 5–10. Public domain.
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TertullianAD 220
An Answer to the Jews
But the new law's wont was to point to clemency, and to convert to tranquillity the pristine ferocity of "glaives" and "lances," and to remodel the pristine execution of "war" upon the rivals and foes of the law into the pacific actions of "ploughing" and "tilling" the land. Therefore as we have shown above that the coming cessation of the old law and of the carnal circumcision was declared, so, too, the observance of the new law and the spiritual circumcision has shone out into the voluntary obediences of peace.
AmbrosiasterAD 384
COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES
To plant is to evangelize and to bring to faith, to water is to baptize with the approved form of words. To forgive sins, however, and to give the Spirit belongs to God alone. We know that the Holy Spirit is given by God without the laying on of hands, and it has happened that an unbaptized person has received the forgiveness of his sins. Was such a person invisibly baptized, considering that he received the gift which belongs to baptism?
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on 1 Corinthians 8
"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase."
That is, I first cast the word into the ground; but, in order that the seeds might not wither away through temptations, Apollos added his own part. But the whole was of God.
JeromeAD 420
HOMILY 21
I have been planted in the house of the Lord, I mean in the church; not in the walls but in its doctrines. Everyone who has been planted in the house of the Lord, who has put down roots there, brings forth flowers.
Gregory the DialogistAD 604
And there is a divinity present according to nature in the Spirit into wit, what subsists as the Spirit of God-according to Paul's statement, "Ye are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwelleth in you."
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
First Corinthians 3:6 succinctly articulates a fundamental principle of Christian ministry and spiritual growth: while human agents faithfully sow the seeds of the Gospel and nurture the budding faith of believers, it is the sovereign power of God alone that grants the increase, bringing about conversion, maturity, and fruitfulness. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that all true spiritual progress is a divine work, diminishing human pride and fostering a humble reliance on God's sustaining power.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The dominant literary device in 1 Corinthians 3:6 is a vivid Metaphor, where the spiritual work of evangelism and discipleship is compared to the agricultural process of planting and cultivating crops. Paul is the "planter," Apollos is the "waterer," and the spiritual growth of believers is the "increase." This metaphor effectively illustrates the complementary roles of different ministers and highlights the ultimate dependence on God for fruitfulness. There is also an element of Synecdoche, where Paul and Apollos stand in for all ministers, demonstrating that no single individual is solely responsible for spiritual growth. Furthermore, the verse employs Contrast ("I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase"), sharply distinguishing between human effort and divine power, emphasizing that while human actions are necessary, they are insufficient without God's sovereign intervention.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly shapes our understanding of divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the work of the Kingdom. It asserts that while God calls and equips individuals to participate in His mission, their efforts are merely instruments in His hands. The ultimate power to transform hearts, to grant spiritual understanding, and to bring about genuine growth rests solely with God. This truth humbles human pride, dismantles the basis for sectarianism, and redirects all glory to the divine source. It underscores that the church is not built on the charisma or wisdom of human leaders, but on the living power of God working through His chosen servants, fostering a deep reliance on Him for all spiritual fruit.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 3:6 offers profound liberation and a call to humility for every believer, whether in formal ministry or everyday life. For those who "plant" by sharing the Gospel or "water" by discipling others, it alleviates the immense pressure to produce results, reminding us that our faithfulness is in the effort, not the outcome. The "increase" is God's domain. This truth guards against burnout and discouragement, shifting our focus from our limited capabilities to God's unlimited power. For all believers, it fosters a vital sense of unity, recognizing that we are all co-laborers in God's field, each contributing uniquely but ultimately dependent on the same divine source for life. It challenges us to celebrate God's work through others, rather than competing or comparing, and to give Him all the glory for any spiritual fruit we witness. This verse calls us to faithful stewardship of our gifts and opportunities, while resting in the assurance that God is the one who truly makes things grow.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does the agricultural metaphor of planting and watering signify in this verse?
Answer: The agricultural metaphor in 1 Corinthians 3:6 signifies the distinct but complementary roles of ministers in the process of spiritual growth. "Planting" refers to the initial work of evangelism, where the Gospel message is first sown into the hearts of unbelievers, leading to conversion and the establishment of a new faith community, as Paul did in Corinth. "Watering" refers to the ongoing work of discipleship, teaching, and nurturing, which helps new believers mature in their faith and grow in their understanding of Christ, a role exemplified by Apollos. Both are essential human efforts, but neither can produce life on its own.
Why does Paul emphasize that "God gave the increase" rather than attributing it to human effort?
Answer: Paul emphasizes God's role in giving the increase to correct the Corinthian church's carnal divisions and their tendency to elevate human leaders. By stating that "God gave the increase," Paul powerfully asserts divine sovereignty in spiritual matters. Human ministers are merely servants, instruments in God's hands (1 Corinthians 3:5), and any true spiritual growth, whether in conversion or sanctification, originates from God's life-giving power. This truth deflates human pride, removes any basis for rivalry among ministers, and ensures that all glory for spiritual fruitfulness is directed to God alone, as He is the one who provides the life, nourishment, and power.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 3:6 primarily addresses the roles of ministers and the sovereignty of God in spiritual growth, its Christ-centered fulfillment is profound. Jesus Himself is the ultimate "planter" and "waterer" of the Kingdom, the one who sows the "seed" of the Word (Matthew 13:3-9) and nurtures His disciples. More significantly, He is the very source of the "increase" that God gives. It is through Christ's atoning work on the cross and His resurrection that new life is made possible (John 3:16). The spiritual growth of believers is a direct result of their union with Him, for He is the "true vine," and believers are the branches that bear fruit only by abiding in Him (John 15:1-5). The "increase" is not merely numerical growth but the transformation into Christlikeness, a process empowered by the Holy Spirit whom Christ sent (John 16:7-8). Thus, any planting or watering done by human hands is effective only because it participates in Christ's ongoing work of building His church, and all spiritual fruit ultimately testifies to His life-giving power and glory (Ephesians 4:15-16).