1 Corinthians 3:7

So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

So {G5620} then neither {G3777} is {G2076} he that planteth {G5452} any thing {G5100}, neither {G3777} he that watereth {G4222}; but {G235} God {G2316} that giveth the increase {G837}.

So neither the planter nor the waterer is anything, only God who makes things grow β€”

So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

Commentary

1 Corinthians 3:7 (KJV) delivers a profound message about the nature of Christian service and the source of spiritual growth. It asserts that human efforts in ministry, while essential, are ultimately secondary to God's sovereign power in bringing about spiritual results. This verse serves as a crucial reminder to maintain humility and to acknowledge God as the true orchestrator of all increase.

Context

This verse is situated within Paul's early arguments in his first letter to the Corinthian church, where he addresses significant issues of division and immaturity. The Corinthians were aligning themselves with different leaders, saying, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," creating factions. Paul uses an agricultural metaphor to correct this worldly thinking. In the immediately preceding verse, 1 Corinthians 3:6, he explains, "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." Verse 7 then draws the logical conclusion: the human instruments, whether the planter or the waterer, are insignificant in themselves compared to God, who alone provides the growth.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty in Growth: The central message is that God is the ultimate source of all spiritual fruit and transformation. While believers are called to participate through planting and watering, the power to produce life and growth belongs solely to Him.
  • Humility in Ministry: This verse underscores the need for humility among those who serve in the church. It reminds ministers, evangelists, teachers, and all believers that their efforts are merely tools in God's hands, preventing pride in human accomplishments.
  • Unity of Purpose: By deemphasizing the individual contributions of the planter or waterer, Paul fosters a sense of unity. All Christian workers are laborers together with God, serving a common Master and working towards His glory, not their own.
  • The Insignificance of Human Effort Alone: Without God's active involvement, human labor in spiritual matters is fruitless. This highlights the supernatural nature of conversion and spiritual development, which cannot be achieved through human wisdom or strength alone.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "increase" is auxΔ“sis, which means "growth," "enlargement," or "augmentation." It refers to the process of becoming greater in size, extent, or intensity. In this context, it powerfully conveys that spiritual growth is not a natural or automatic outcome of human effort but a divinely enabled process. God provides the life, the energy, and the power for the seed of the Gospel to sprout, flourish, and bear fruit in the hearts of individuals.

Practical Application

1 Corinthians 3:7 offers profound encouragement and a vital perspective for believers today. It frees us from the burden of feeling solely responsible for spiritual outcomes, reminding us that our role is faithfulness in planting and watering, while God is responsible for the increase. This truth fosters humility in our service, whether in evangelism, discipleship, or daily Christian living. It also promotes unity within the body of Christ, as we recognize that every person's contribution, no matter how seemingly small, is valued by God, and all glory for the harvest belongs to Him who "giveth the increase." We are called to work diligently, but always in humble reliance on His power.

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Cross-References

  • John 15:5 (17 votes)

    I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

  • Galatians 6:3 (11 votes)

    For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

  • Psalms 115:1 (7 votes)

    ΒΆ Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, [and] for thy truth's sake.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9 (7 votes)

    And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:2 (4 votes)

    And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

  • Daniel 4:35 (2 votes)

    And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

  • Isaiah 41:29 (2 votes)

    Behold, they [are] all vanity; their works [are] nothing: their molten images [are] wind and confusion.