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.

Where else these words appear

“planteth” Greek G5452 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 15:13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
  • Luke 13:6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
  • Luke 20:9 Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.

“watereth” Greek G4222 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
  • Matthew 27:48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

“increase” Greek G837 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
  • 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,

“neither” Greek G3777 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
  • John 9:3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
  • Galatians 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.