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

1 CORINTHIANS 3:7KJV
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1 Corinthians 3:7 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 3:7 mean?

1 Corinthians 3:7 teaches that the real growth and results in spiritual matters come from God, not from human leaders or their efforts. The verse says that those who plant or water—meaning those who serve or teach—are not the source of spiritual growth; only God gives the increase.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing divisions among believers who were choosing sides between different Christian leaders. By saying that neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is “anything,” Paul is reminding the Corinthians that human leaders are just servants. The true credit for any spiritual growth belongs to God alone, not to the people doing the work.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 3:7

  • θεός (theos): This is the Greek word for “God.” Paul singles out God as the one who truly matters in the process of spiritual growth, shifting attention away from human leaders.
  • αὐξάνων (auxanōn, from G837): This word means “the one giving the increase” or “causing growth.” The Greek here emphasizes that growth is not automatic or from human effort, but is something God actively brings about.
  • φυτεύων (phuteuōn, from G5452): This means “the one who plants.” Paul uses this word to describe those who begin the work, but stresses that their role is limited without God’s action.
  • ποτίζων (potizōn, from G4222): This means “the one who waters.” Like the planter, the one who waters helps, but cannot make growth happen on their own.

Why 1 Corinthians 3:7 matters

  • This verse corrects the common mistake of giving too much credit to human leaders or teachers for spiritual results, reminding readers that only God produces real growth.
  • It helps explain the larger argument in 1 Corinthians 3, where Paul addresses jealousy and division in the church by showing that all Christian workers are simply servants under God.
  • By focusing on God’s role, the verse encourages humility among leaders and unity among believers, since all are dependent on God for any true progress.