Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
1 CORINTHIANS 3:8KJVWhat does 1 Corinthians 3:8 mean?
1 Corinthians 3:8 teaches that those who do different kinds of work for God—like planting and watering—are united in purpose, and each person will be rewarded by God based on their own effort. The verse emphasizes that while people may have different roles, everyone’s work is valued and individually recognized by God.
Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing divisions among believers who were aligning themselves with different leaders. Paul uses the image of planting and watering to show that he and Apollos, though doing different tasks, are working together for the same goal. The verse reassures the Corinthians that God sees and rewards each person’s faithful service, regardless of their specific role.
The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 3:8
- ἕν (hen, "one"): This word means "one" or "united." Paul is stressing that those who plant and those who water are not rivals but share a single purpose in God’s work.
- μισθός (misthos, "reward"): This Greek word refers to wages or payment. Paul’s use of it highlights that God personally recognizes and rewards the labor of each worker, not just the results.
- κόπος (kopos, "labour"): This word means hard work or toil. The verse points out that it is the effort and faithfulness in the work, not just visible success, that God values.
Why 1 Corinthians 3:8 matters
- 1 Corinthians 3:8 clears up the idea that one kind of ministry or service is more important than another, showing that all roles are needed and honored by God.
- The verse shifts the focus from human leaders to God, reminding believers that it is God who gives the reward, not people.
- This teaching fits into Paul’s larger argument against division in the church, encouraging unity and mutual respect among those serving in different ways.