1 Corinthians 3:6

KJV

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

KJV (with Strong's)

I {G1473} have planted {G5452}, Apollos {G625} watered {G4222}; but {G235} God {G2316} gave the increase {G837}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I planted the seed, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.

Berean Standard Bible

I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.

American Standard Version

I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's impassioned address to the Corinthian church concerning their divisive factions. In [1 Corinthians 1:10-17](/1_corinthians/1-10-17 "1 Corinthians 1:10-17 - Divisions in the Church"), Paul confronts the believers for aligning themselves with different leaders ("I am of Paul," "I am of Apollos," "I am of Cephas"). He then transitions in [1 Corinthians 3:1-4](/1_corinthians/3-1-4 "1 Corinthians 3:1-4 - Spiritual Immaturity") to explain that their divisions reveal spiritual immaturity, describing them as "carnal" and "babes in Christ." Verse 6, therefore, provides the theological rationale for why such divisions are misguided: human ministers are merely servants, and the true source of growth is God. The agricultural metaphor continues through [1 Corinthians 3:7-9](/1_corinthians/3-7-9 "1 Corinthians 3:7-9 - God's Fellow Workers"), emphasizing that all workers are united in God's service and that the church is "God's husbandry" and "God's building."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub in the Roman province of Achaia, known for its wealth, trade, and diverse religious practices. Its strategic location on an isthmus connecting two seas made it a melting pot of cultures and philosophies. This environment likely contributed to the Corinthians' tendency to elevate human wisdom and charismatic leaders, leading to the formation of cliques around prominent figures like Paul (who founded the church) and Apollos (who followed Paul, teaching and nurturing the believers). The agricultural metaphor used by Paul would have been readily understood by his audience, as farming was a foundational aspect of life in the ancient world, with a clear understanding that human effort in planting and watering was dependent on natural forces (like rain and sunshine) for growth, which were often attributed to divine provision.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme in this section of 1 Corinthians is **unity in the body of Christ**, particularly as it relates to the proper understanding of **Christian leadership and ministry**. Paul systematically dismantles the basis for factionalism by asserting that ministers are merely servants, instruments through whom God works, as articulated in [1 Corinthians 3:5](/1_corinthians/3-5 "1 Corinthians 3:5 - Ministers as Servants"). This leads to the overarching theme of **divine sovereignty in spiritual growth**, where God alone is the source of life and increase, a truth that humbles human pride and redirects all glory to Him. The passage also subtly introduces the theme of **complementary roles in ministry**, illustrating how different individuals contribute distinct but equally valuable efforts to the overall work of God, much like Paul's initial planting and Apollos's subsequent watering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **planted (Greek, _phyteúō'_):** This verb signifies "to set out in the earth," "to implant," or "to instil doctrine." In this context, Paul uses it metaphorically to describe his foundational work of evangelism in Corinth, where he first preached the Gospel and established the church, effectively "planting" the seeds of faith.
* **watered (Greek, _potízō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to furnish drink" or "to irrigate," this term denotes the act of nurturing and sustaining growth. Apollos's role, as described by Paul, was to follow up on the initial planting, providing further instruction, discipleship, and encouragement to the nascent believers, thus "watering" the seeds Paul had sown.
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** This refers to the supreme Divinity, the ultimate source of all being and power. Paul's emphatic declaration that "God gave the increase" underscores the divine agency behind all spiritual fruitfulness, asserting that human effort, while necessary, is entirely dependent on God's life-giving power.
* **increase (Greek, _auxánō'_):** This prolonged form of a primary verb means "to grow," "to wax," or "to enlarge," encompassing both literal and figurative growth, active or passive. In this verse, it specifically refers to the spiritual growth, development, and multiplication of believers and the church, which Paul attributes solely to God's work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have planted,"**: Paul refers to his initial ministry in Corinth, where he was instrumental in bringing the Gospel to the city and establishing the first community of believers. This "planting" represents the foundational work of evangelism and conversion.
* **"Apollos watered;"**: This clause describes Apollos's subsequent ministry. After Paul's departure, Apollos came to Corinth and continued to teach and nurture the young church, providing further instruction and strengthening the believers in their faith, much like a gardener waters newly planted seeds to ensure their growth.
* **"but God gave the increase."**: This is the pivotal statement of the verse, introducing a strong **contrast** with the preceding clauses. Despite the essential human efforts of planting and watering, Paul asserts that the actual growth, the spiritual fruit, the transformation of lives, and the expansion of the church, is solely the work of God. Human labor prepares the ground, but divine power brings forth the life.

#### Literary Devices
The dominant literary device in [1 Corinthians 3:6](/1_corinthians/3-6 "1 Corinthians 3:6 - Paul and Apollos as God's Servants") 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.

* [Psalm 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the Lord Builds the House")
* [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abide in Me")
* [Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Working in You")

### 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
* **How does understanding that "God gave the increase" change your perspective on your own efforts in ministry or evangelism?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to take credit for spiritual growth, either our own or that of others, rather than attributing it to God?**
* **How can this verse promote greater unity and collaboration within your church or Christian community?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper reliance on God for spiritual fruitfulness in your life and in the lives of those you influence?**

### FAQ

**What does the agricultural metaphor of planting and watering signify in this verse?**

Answer: The agricultural metaphor in [1 Corinthians 3:6](/1_corinthians/3-6 "1 Corinthians 3:6 - Paul and Apollos as God's Servants") 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](/1_corinthians/3-5 "1 Corinthians 3:5 - Ministers as Servants")), 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](/matthew/13-3-9 "Matthew 13:3-9 - Parable of the Sower")) 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](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). 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](/john/15-1-5 "John 15:1-5 - The True Vine")). 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](/john/16-7-8 "John 16:7-8 - The Coming of the Holy Spirit")). 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](/ephesians/4-15-16 "Ephesians 4:15-16 - Growing in Christ")).

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 3:9

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.