TRV
However, each will be rewarded according to his work.
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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Corinthians 3:5–10.
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.
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
5 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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"But every one shall receive his own reward, according to his own work. For we are God's husbandmen, God's husbandry. Ye are God's building"
Else how shall we sing thanks to God to eternity, if there shall remain in us no sense and memory of this debt; if we shall be reformed in substance, not in consciousness? Consequently, we who shall be with God shall be together; since we shall all be with the one God-albeit the wages be various, albeit there be "many mansions", in the house of the same Father having laboured for the "one penny " of the self-same hire, that is, of eternal life; in which (eternal life) God will still less separate them whom He has conjoined, than in this lesser life He forbids them to be separated.
Even though they are equal, the one who preaches the gospel is still greater than the one who baptizes and will receive a greater reward.
"He that planteth and he that watereth, are one."
For by means of this he establishes another point also, viz. that they should not be exalted one against another. His assertion, that they are one, refers to their inability to do any thing without "God that giveth the increase." And thus saying, he permitted not either those who labored much to lift themselves up against those who had contributed less; nor these again to envy the former. In the next place, since this had a tendency to make men more indolent, I mean, all being esteemed as one, whether they have labored much or little; observe how he sets this right, saying, "But each shall receive his own reward according to his own labor." As if he said, "Fear not, because I said, Ye are one; for, compared with the work of God, they are one; howbeit, in regard to labors, they are not so, but "each shall receive his own reward."
Then he smooths it still more, having succeeded in what he wished; and gratifies them, where it is allowed, with liberality.
Paul points out that he and Apollos are merely hired hands on someone else’s farm. They have nothing apart from the payment they get for their labor.
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Summary
First Corinthians 3:8 concludes Paul's argument against division within the Corinthian church by emphasizing the unified purpose of all who serve God in ministry, whether planting the initial seed of faith or nurturing its growth. It asserts that despite differing roles, all ministers are "one" in their shared mission as God's co-laborers, and each will ultimately receive a just reward from God, not based on human recognition or perceived success, but on the faithfulness and diligence of their individual labor.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is deeply embedded in Paul's broader exhortation to unity within the Corinthian church, which began in 1 Corinthians 1. The immediate context is Paul's response to the divisive factions forming around different spiritual leaders (e.g., Paul, Apollos, Cephas), as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:12. Paul uses the agricultural metaphor of planting and watering in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 to illustrate that while human agents perform different tasks, it is God alone who provides the growth. Verse 8 builds directly on this, declaring the fundamental unity of these agents and introducing the principle of individual divine recompense for their service, setting the stage for the subsequent discussion about the quality of one's work being tested by fire in 1 Corinthians 3:12-15.
Historical & Cultural Context
The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub known for its wealth, diverse population, and a strong emphasis on rhetoric, philosophy, and personal charisma. This cultural backdrop likely contributed to the Corinthians' tendency to elevate human leaders and form intellectual or spiritual cliques, mirroring the philosophical schools of the day. Paul, a Roman citizen and a Jew by birth, was writing to a church composed of both Jews and Gentiles, many of whom were new converts from paganism. The agricultural imagery of "planting" and "watering" would have been universally understood in an agrarian society, making the metaphor accessible and powerful for conveying the spiritual truth of ministry. The concept of "reward" (misthos) was also familiar, referring to wages or payment for work, which Paul recontextualizes within a divine economy where God is the ultimate employer and judge.
Key Themes
First Corinthians 3:8 contributes significantly to several major themes within the epistle and Pauline theology. It reinforces the theme of Unity in the Body of Christ, directly countering the sectarianism prevalent in Corinth by asserting that all ministers, despite their distinct functions, are fundamentally "one" in their service to God. It highlights God's Sovereignty and the Dependence on Him for Growth, emphasizing that human effort is merely instrumental, and spiritual increase is solely God's prerogative, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:7. Furthermore, the verse introduces the theme of Individual Accountability and Divine Recompense, underscoring that each believer's labor will be evaluated by God, not by human standards or visible results, but by the faithfulness and quality of their work, a concept further developed in 1 Corinthians 4:5. This shifts the focus from human praise or competition to diligent service motivated by God's approval.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word, here in its neuter singular form (hen), signifies a profound unity of purpose, essence, and identity, rather than mere numerical sameness. It implies that the planter and waterer are not rivals or separate entities, but are inextricably linked in a common, divine mission, serving the same God and working towards the same goal of spiritual growth. Their individual efforts coalesce into a singular, unified work.
This term refers to pay for service, wages, or recompense, which can be good or bad. In this context, it speaks of the divine remuneration or acknowledgment that God will bestow upon His faithful servants. This "reward" is not a payment for salvation (which is by grace through faith), but a recognition of faithful stewardship and diligent labor in His kingdom. It underscores God's justice and His commitment to honoring those who serve Him.
Derived from a word meaning "to cut," this term denotes strenuous toil, effort, and hard work, often to the point of weariness or exhaustion. It highlights that Christian service is not always easy or glamorous but frequently demands diligent, persistent, and sometimes physically or emotionally taxing exertion. The promise of reward is specifically tied to this dedicated and often sacrificial effort put forth for the Lord.
Verse Breakdown
"Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one:"
This clause serves as a direct counter to the factionalism in Corinth. Paul asserts that despite their distinct functions (planting the gospel seed, nurturing new believers), those who serve in ministry are fundamentally united. They are not in competition, nor should their followers create divisions based on their preferred leader. Their unity stems from their shared divine commission and their common allegiance to God, who is the true source of all spiritual growth. This "oneness" emphasizes a shared purpose and a collaborative spirit in advancing God's kingdom.
"and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour."
This second clause shifts focus from the unity of purpose to individual accountability. While ministers are "one" in their mission, each individual will be personally assessed and recompensed by God. The reward is not based on the results (which God alone produces) or on human popularity, but on the quality and diligence of the "labour" (strenuous effort) expended. This principle ensures divine justice and encourages faithful, persistent service, regardless of immediate visible outcomes or human recognition.
Literary Devices
Paul employs several effective literary devices in this verse. The primary device is Metaphor, continuing the agricultural imagery from the preceding verses. "He that planteth" and "he that watereth" are metaphors for different aspects of Christian ministry—evangelism and discipleship/nurturing, respectively. This vivid imagery makes the abstract concept of spiritual growth and ministerial roles tangible and relatable. There is also a strong sense of Parallelism in the structure, contrasting the unified nature of the workers ("planteth and watereth are one") with the individual nature of their recompense ("every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour"). This creates a balanced theological statement. Furthermore, the use of Synecdoche is present, where "he that planteth" and "he that watereth" represent not just Paul and Apollos, but all ministers and believers engaged in the work of God's kingdom.
Theological and Thematic Connections
First Corinthians 3:8 profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian ministry and divine justice. It dismantles human-centric views of ministry by asserting that all workers are fundamentally unified in their service to God, the true source of growth. This challenges any tendency towards competition, jealousy, or the formation of personality cults within the church. Instead, it directs our focus to God's ultimate assessment, reminding us that our reward is not based on visible success or human applause, but on the faithfulness and diligence of our "labour" for His glory. This truth encourages humble, consistent, and tireless service, knowing that God sees and values every effort.
Reflection and Application
This verse offers timeless wisdom for every believer, regardless of their specific role in God's kingdom. It calls us to examine our motivations for service: Are we seeking human praise, or are we laboring with an eye towards God's approval? It reminds us that every act of faithful service, no matter how small or unseen by others, is valued by God. This should free us from comparison and competition, fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration within the body of Christ. Whether we are "planting" the gospel seed in new hearts, "watering" through discipleship and encouragement, or serving in countless other ways, our diligence and faithfulness are what truly matter. Let us therefore labor with perseverance, knowing that our ultimate reward comes from the Lord, who sees our hearts and our efforts.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "one" mean in the context of ministers, and how does it relate to their individual reward?
In 1 Corinthians 3:8, when Paul states that "he that planteth and he that watereth are one," the Greek word for "one" (hen) signifies a unity of purpose, essence, and identity, rather than mere numerical sameness. It means that despite having different functions (like planting and watering in a garden), all ministers are united in their shared mission of serving God and building His kingdom. They are not rivals but co-laborers under the same Master. This unity, however, does not negate individual accountability. The second part of the verse, "and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour," clarifies that while they are unified in purpose, God will individually assess and recompense each person based on the faithfulness and diligence of their specific efforts. The unity speaks to their collective mission, while the individual reward speaks to their personal stewardship and dedication to that mission.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
First Corinthians 3:8, while speaking of human ministers, ultimately points to Christ as the true source and fulfillment of all ministry. He is the ultimate Planter and Waterer, the one who sows the seed of the Word and brings forth spiritual life and growth. Our labor, whether planting or watering, is merely an extension of His ongoing work in the world. The "oneness" of ministers finds its ultimate expression in the unity of the body of Christ, of which He is the head (Ephesians 4:15-16). Every act of faithful labor, from the grandest evangelistic endeavor to the humblest act of service, is done "as to the Lord" (Colossians 3:23). The "reward" mentioned is not earned merit that justifies us, but a gracious recognition from Christ, who Himself perfectly fulfilled all labor, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). Our future reward is intrinsically linked to our union with Him and our participation in His suffering and glory (Romans 8:17). He is the one who will ultimately say, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21), not based on our perfection, but on our faithfulness to the calling He has given us, empowered by His Spirit.