TRV
Translation
King James Version
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
American Standard Version
For we are God’s fellow-workers: ye are God’s husbandry, God’s building.
World English Bible Messianic
For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s farming, God’s building.
Geneva Bible (1599)
For we together are Gods labourers: yee are Gods husbandrie, and Gods building.
Young's Literal Translation
for of God we are fellow-workmen; God's tillage, God's building ye are.
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In the KJVVerse 28,420 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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Shepherd of HermasAD 160
Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3
I answered and said to her, "When, then, will they be useful for the building, Lady?" "When," she replied, "the riches that now seduce them have been circumscribed, then will they be of use to God. For as a round stone cannot become square unless portions be cut off and cast away, so also those who are rich in this world cannot be useful to the Lord unless their riches be cut down."
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on 1 Corinthians 8
"For we are God's fellow-workers: ye are God's husbandry, God's building."
Seest thou how to them also he hath assigned no small work, having before laid it down that the whole is of God? For since he is always persuading them to obey those that have the rule over them, on this account he abstains from making very light of their teachers.
"Ye are God's husbandry."
For because he had said, "I planted," he kept to the metaphor. Now if ye be God's husbandry, it is right that you should be called not from those who cultivate you, but from God. For the field is not called the husbandman's, but the householder's.
"Ye are God's building."
Again, the building is not the workman's, but the master's. Now if ye be a building, ye must not be forced asunder: since this were no building. If ye be a farm, ye must not be divided, but be walled in with a single fence, namely, unanimity.
Theodore of MopsuestiaAD 428
PAULINE COMMENTARY FROM THE GREEK CHURCH
Paul calls us God’s fellow workers, not his servants or slaves.
Caesarius of ArlesAD 542
SERMON 233.6
Coworkers of God are those who, when once they see the poison of pride creeping into the heart of a brother, with all haste try to destroy it with the medicine of true humility.
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 3:9 profoundly articulates the nature of the Christian community and its ministry, presenting believers as both divine collaborators and the recipients of God's ongoing work. Paul employs two powerful metaphors—agriculture and architecture—to illustrate that the church is God's cultivated field and His actively constructed building, emphasizing divine ownership, purposeful growth, and the essential partnership between God and His human servants in the advancement of His kingdom.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse serves as a climactic summary within Paul's broader argument against factionalism and human-centered pride in the Corinthian church. In 1 Corinthians 1, Paul addresses the divisions directly, challenging the Corinthians' boasting in human wisdom and leaders. Chapter 3 specifically debunks the idea that human ministers are the source of spiritual growth or the ultimate authority. Paul first establishes that he and Apollos are merely "servants through whom you believed" (1 Corinthians 3:5), then uses the agricultural metaphor of planting and watering to assert that "God gave the growth" (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Verse 9 seamlessly transitions from this agricultural imagery to an architectural one, reinforcing the singular divine agency behind all spiritual progress and the unity of purpose among those who serve.
Historical & Cultural Context: The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub, known for its diverse population, trade, and philosophical schools. This environment fostered a culture of intellectual pride and a tendency to align with specific teachers or rhetoricians, which unfortunately spilled over into the nascent Christian community. The Corinthians were prone to forming cliques based on preferred spiritual leaders, much like philosophical schools had their adherents. Paul's use of agricultural and architectural metaphors would have resonated deeply with a society familiar with farming practices and the extensive building projects common in Roman cities. The concept of "co-laborers" (synergoi) was also understood in the context of various trades and partnerships, making Paul's analogy of working "with God" particularly impactful in conveying a shared endeavor under a divine master.
Key Themes: 1 Corinthians 3:9 encapsulates several major themes prevalent in the book and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores the sovereignty of God in salvation and spiritual growth, reinforcing that all true increase comes from Him, not human effort or charisma, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:7. Secondly, it promotes unity in ministry, dismantling the competitive spirit among believers by presenting all ministers as "laborers together with God" and working on the same divine project. Thirdly, it defines the identity of the church not as a human institution, but as God's possession and ongoing work—His "husbandry" and "building." This theme of the church as a spiritual edifice is further developed in passages like Ephesians 2:19-22 where believers are described as "living stones." Finally, the verse implicitly highlights the dignity and humility of Christian service, recognizing the privilege of partnering with God while acknowledging that effectiveness is solely derived from His power.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs Metaphor throughout this verse, using two distinct but complementary images: agriculture and architecture. The church is first presented as "God's husbandry," a cultivated field, which evokes ideas of growth, nurturing, and fruitfulness. This agricultural imagery connects directly to the preceding verses where Paul discusses planting and watering. Immediately following, the church is described as "God's building," an architectural structure, which conveys stability, design, unity, and ongoing construction. The juxtaposition of these two metaphors provides a rich, multi-faceted understanding of the church's nature and God's relationship with it. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates Parallelism through the repeated phrase "God's husbandry, God's building," which emphasizes divine ownership and agency in both metaphors. This repetition creates a rhythmic and memorable assertion of God's proprietorship over His people. Finally, there is an implicit Personification of God as the active Farmer and Master Builder, highlighting His personal and intentional involvement in the spiritual development of individuals and the collective church.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 3:9 is a cornerstone for understanding the nature of the church and Christian ministry, asserting that all true spiritual growth and construction are ultimately God's work. It challenges human pride and factionalism by placing God squarely at the center of all spiritual endeavors, whether in the "planting" and "watering" of the gospel or the "building" of the community. The dual metaphors emphasize both the organic, living aspect of the church (husbandry) and its structured, unified aspect (building), revealing God's comprehensive care and design. This verse calls believers to humility in service, recognizing themselves as mere instruments, and to unity in purpose, as all are working on God's singular project.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound insights for every believer, reshaping our understanding of our role in God's kingdom. It reminds us that our efforts, no matter how fervent or well-intentioned, are always secondary to God's sovereign work. This perspective fosters a deep sense of humility, prompting us to give God all the glory for any spiritual fruit or growth we witness, whether in our own lives or in the lives of others we minister to. It also cultivates unity, as the recognition that we are all "laborers together with God" on "God's husbandry" and "God's building" dissolves rivalries and promotes a shared vision. We are not competing for human accolades but collaborating for divine purposes. Furthermore, the metaphors of "husbandry" and "building" encourage us to be receptive to God's ongoing work in our lives, allowing Him to cultivate, prune, and construct us into the people and community He desires. Our growth and transformation are not solely our responsibility but are primarily His gracious and powerful activity within us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean that "we are labourers together with God"?
Answer: This phrase means that believers, particularly those in ministry, are co-workers or partners with God in His redemptive work. It does not imply that God needs human help to accomplish His purposes, but rather that He graciously chooses to involve His people in the advancement of His kingdom. Our efforts are empowered and directed by Him, and any success is ultimately attributed to His power and presence, not our own. It highlights a divine-human partnership where God is the ultimate orchestrator and source of growth, and we are His willing instruments.
How do the metaphors of "husbandry" and "building" relate to the church?
Answer: The metaphor of "husbandry" (or cultivated field) portrays the church as God's spiritual garden, where He plants, waters, and brings forth growth. This emphasizes the organic, living, and developing nature of the church and individual believers, who are nurtured by God for fruitfulness. The metaphor of "building" depicts the church as a spiritual structure that God is actively constructing. This emphasizes the church's stability, unity, and purposeful design, with believers as "living stones" (1 Peter 2:5) being built together into a holy dwelling place for God. Both metaphors underscore God's ownership, active involvement, and the ongoing process of shaping His people and community.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 3:9, while speaking of the church's identity and ministry, finds its ultimate fulfillment and foundation in Christ. He is the preeminent "laborer together with God," perfectly executing the Father's will and bringing about the new creation. As the "true vine" (John 15:1), Jesus is the source of life and fruitfulness for God's "husbandry," making Him the very ground upon which the field flourishes. Believers are branches in Him, drawing sustenance to bear fruit for the Father's glory. Furthermore, Christ is the foundational "cornerstone" of God's "building" (Ephesians 2:20), the essential element upon which the entire spiritual edifice is constructed. Without Him, there is no foundation, no unity, and no growth. The church, as God's building, is being "built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit" (Ephesians 2:22), a dwelling made possible and perfected through Christ's atoning work and His ongoing headship over the church. Thus, all ministry, all growth, and all construction of God's people are entirely dependent on and flow from the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is both the means and the end of God's divine project.