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But each one should build with care. <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> According to the grace of God having been given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, but another is building upon it. But let each one take heed how he builds upon it. <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/3.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/3.htm">New King James Version</a> According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each person must be careful how he builds on it. <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But let each man be careful how he builds upon it. <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> According to the [remarkable] grace of God which was given to me [to prepare me for my task], like a skillful master builder I laid a foundation, and now another is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds on it, <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> According to God’s grace that was given to me, I have laid a foundation as a skilled master builder, and another builds on it. But each one is to be careful how he builds on it. <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> According to God&#8217s grace that was given to me, I have laid a foundation as a skilled master builder, and another builds on it. But each one must be careful how he builds on it. <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> According to the grace of God which was given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder I laid a foundation; and another buildeth thereon. But let each man take heed how he buildeth thereon. <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> God treated me with undeserved grace and let me become an expert builder. I laid a foundation on which others have built. But we must each be careful how we build, <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> According to the grace of God which was given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder I laid a foundation; and another buildeth thereon. But let each man take heed how he buildeth thereon. <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> As a skilled and experienced builder, I used the gift that God gave me to lay the foundation [for that building]. However, someone else is building on it. Each person must be careful how he builds on it. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> Using the gift that God gave me, I did the work of an expert builder and laid the foundation, and someone else is building on it. But each of you must be careful how you build. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> As an expert builder using the grace that God gave me, I laid the foundation, and someone else is building on it. But each person must be careful how he builds on it. <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. <a href="/net/1_corinthians/3.htm">NET Bible</a> According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master-builder I laid a foundation, but someone else builds on it. And each one must be careful how he builds. <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one be careful how he builds on it. <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> According to the grace of God which is given to me, as a wise master-builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth upon it. But let every man take heed how he buildeth upon it. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> In discharge of the task which God graciously entrusted to me, I--like a competent master-builder--have laid a foundation, and others are building upon it. But let every one be careful how and what he builds. <a href="/web/1_corinthians/3.htm">World English Bible</a> According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But let each man be careful how he builds on it. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> According to the grace of God that was given to me, as a wise master-builder, I have laid a foundation, and another builds on [it], <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> According to the grace of God having been given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, but another is building upon it. But let each one take heed how he builds upon it. <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> According to the grace of God that was given to me, as a wise master-builder, a foundation I have laid, and another doth build on it, <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> According to the grace of God given to me, as a wise chief-architect, I have laid the foundation, and another builds upon. And let each see how he builds upon.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> According to the grace of God that is given to me, as a wise architect, I have laid the foundation; and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> According to the grace of God, which has been given to me, I have laid the foundation like a wise architect. But another builds upon it. So then, let each one be careful how he builds upon it. <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/3.htm">New American Bible</a> According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But each one must be careful how he builds upon it, <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> According to the grace of God which is given to me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds upon it. But let every man be careful how he builds thereon. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And according to the grace of God given to me, I laid the foundation as a wise architect and another built upon it, and every person should pay attention to how he builds upon it.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> According to the grace of God that is given to me, as a wise master-builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds on this. But let every one take heed how he builds on this. <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> According to the grace of God which was given unto me, I as a wise architect, laid the foundation; and another builds on it. Let each one take heed how he builds. <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> According to the grace of God given unto me, as a skilful architect, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every one take heed how he buildeth upon it. <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> according to the free gift of God bestowed upon me, I, as a skilful architect, have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon, but let every man take heed how he builds thereupon. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> In discharge of the task which God graciously entrusted to me, I--like a competent master-builder--have laid a foundation, and others are building upon it. But let every one be careful how and what he builds. <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master-builder, I laid a foundation; and another builds thereon. But let each one take heed how he builds thereon; <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> According to the grace of God given to me, as a wise architect I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon: but let every one see to it how he buildeth thereon. <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=500" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Christ Our Foundation</a> 9For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. 10<a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: Kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">By</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5485.htm" title="5485: charin (N-AFS) -- From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.">grace</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: dotheisan (V-APP-AFS) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">has given</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: moi (PPro-D1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">me,</a> <a href="/greek/5087.htm" title="5087: ethēka (V-AIA-1S) -- To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.">I laid</a> <a href="/greek/2310.htm" title="2310: themelion (N-AMS) -- From a derivative of tithemi; something put down, i.e. A substruction.">a foundation</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as</a> <a href="/greek/4680.htm" title="4680: sophos (Adj-NMS) -- Wise, learned, cultivated, skilled, clever. Akin to saphes; wise.">an expert</a> <a href="/greek/753.htm" title="753: architektōn (N-NMS) -- Master-builder, architect. From arche and tekton; a chief constructor, i.e. architect.">builder,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">and</a> <a href="/greek/243.htm" title="243: allos (Adj-NMS) -- Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; else, i.e. Different.">someone else</a> <a href="/greek/2026.htm" title="2026: epoikodomei (V-PIA-3S) -- To build upon (above) a foundation. From epi and oikodomeo; to build upon, i.e. to rear up.">is building on it.</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/1538.htm" title="1538: hekastos (Adj-NMS) -- Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.">each one</a> <a href="/greek/991.htm" title="991: blepetō (V-PMA-3S) -- (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.">must be careful</a> <a href="/greek/4459.htm" title="4459: pōs (Adv) -- Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!">how</a> <a href="/greek/2026.htm" title="2026: epoikodomei (V-PIA-3S) -- To build upon (above) a foundation. From epi and oikodomeo; to build upon, i.e. to rear up.">he builds.</a> 11For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/ephesians/2-20.htm">Ephesians 2:20</a> built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. <a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a> Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ... <a href="/1_peter/2-4.htm">1 Peter 2:4-6</a> As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight, / you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. / For it stands in Scripture: “See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” <a href="/romans/15-20.htm">Romans 15:20</a> In this way I have aspired to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. <a href="/isaiah/28-16.htm">Isaiah 28:16</a> So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-11.htm">1 Corinthians 3:11</a> For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. <a href="/2_timothy/2-19.htm">2 Timothy 2:19</a> Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.” <a href="/zechariah/4-9.htm">Zechariah 4:9</a> “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will complete it. Then you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent me to you. <a href="/luke/6-47.htm">Luke 6:47-49</a> I will show you what he is like who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them: / He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid his foundation on the rock. When the flood came, the torrent crashed against that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. / But the one who hears My words and does not act on them is like a man who built his house on ground without a foundation. The torrent crashed against that house, and immediately it fell—and great was its destruction!” <a href="/acts/20-32.htm">Acts 20:32</a> And now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified. <a href="/hebrews/3-4.htm">Hebrews 3:4</a> And every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. <a href="/psalms/127-1.htm">Psalm 127:1</a> A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1-2</a> Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you yourselves not my workmanship in the Lord? / Even if I am not an apostle to others, surely I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. <a href="/colossians/2-7.htm">Colossians 2:7</a> rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. <a href="/proverbs/24-3.htm">Proverbs 24:3-4</a> By wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established; / through knowledge its rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>According to the grace of God which is given to me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon.to the.<a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm">1 Corinthians 3:5</a> Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?<a href="/1_corinthians/15-10.htm">1 Corinthians 15:10</a> But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.<a href="/romans/1-5.htm">Romans 1:5</a> By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:as a.<a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9-11</a> Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? … <a href="/2_chronicles/2-12.htm">2 Chronicles 2:12</a> Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.<a href="/daniel/12-3.htm">Daniel 12:3</a> And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.I have.<a href="/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">1 Corinthians 3:6,11</a> I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase… <a href="/1_corinthians/9-2.htm">1 Corinthians 9:2</a> If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.<a href="/zechariah/4-9.htm">Zechariah 4:9</a> The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you.and another.<a href="/1_corinthians/15-11.htm">1 Corinthians 15:11,12</a> Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed… <a href="/acts/18-27.htm">Acts 18:27</a> And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:<a href="/2_corinthians/10-15.htm">2 Corinthians 10:15</a> 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,But let every.<a href="/ecclesiastes/12-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:9</a> And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.<a href="/luke/11-35.htm">Luke 11:35</a> Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.<a href="/luke/21-8.htm">Luke 21:8</a> And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/7-47.htm">Builder</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-12.htm">Buildeth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">Building</a> <a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Builds</a> <a href="/romans/16-6.htm">Care</a> <a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/romans/15-14.htm">Competent</a> <a href="/acts/21-3.htm">Discharge</a> <a href="/romans/15-15.htm">Entrusted</a> <a href="/acts/26-3.htm">Expert</a> <a href="/romans/15-20.htm">Foundation</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-7.htm">Grace</a> <a href="/romans/15-15.htm">Graciously</a> <a href="/romans/11-21.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/acts/28-3.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/romans/14-4.htm">Master</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-8.htm">Measure</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-16.htm">Others</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">Position</a> <a href="/micah/7-3.htm">Skilled</a> <a href="/romans/15-28.htm">Task</a> <a href="/acts/23-24.htm">Thereon</a> <a href="/acts/15-22.htm">Thereupon</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/3-3.htm">Builder</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-12.htm">Buildeth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-11.htm">Building</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-12.htm">Builds</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-3.htm">Care</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-33.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-2.htm">Competent</a> <a href="/colossians/4-17.htm">Discharge</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-17.htm">Entrusted</a> <a href="/revelation/18-22.htm">Expert</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-11.htm">Foundation</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-30.htm">Grace</a> <a href="/galatians/2-9.htm">Graciously</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-16.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-13.htm">Master</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-2.htm">Measure</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-10.htm">Others</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-4.htm">Position</a> <a href="/genesis/25-27.htm">Skilled</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-16.htm">Task</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-14.htm">Thereon</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-14.htm">Thereupon</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 3</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-1.htm">Milk is fit for children.</a> 3. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm">Strife and division, arguments of a fleshly mind.</a> 7. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-7.htm">He who plants and He who waters are nothing.</a> 9. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">The ministers are God's fellow workmen.</a> 11. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-11.htm">Christ the only foundation.</a> 16. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-16.htm">You are the temples of God, which must be kept holy.</a> 19. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>By the grace God has given me This phrase emphasizes the divine enablement and unmerited favor that Paul acknowledges as the source of his apostolic authority and ability. In the broader biblical context, grace is a central theme, underscoring that all spiritual gifts and ministries are given by God (<a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a>). Paul's recognition of grace aligns with his teachings in <a href="/romans/12-3.htm">Romans 12:3</a>, where he advises believers to think of themselves with sober judgment according to the measure of faith God has distributed.I laid a foundation Paul refers to his role in establishing the church at Corinth. The foundation he laid is the teaching of Jesus Christ and the gospel message (<a href="/1_corinthians/3-11.htm">1 Corinthians 3:11</a>). This metaphor of laying a foundation is common in Scripture, symbolizing the initial and essential work of establishing faith (<a href="/ephesians/2-20.htm">Ephesians 2:20</a>). The foundation is crucial, as it determines the stability and integrity of the entire structure, much like the cornerstone in ancient architecture.as an expert builder Paul likens himself to a skilled architect or master builder, indicating his careful and intentional work in planting churches and teaching sound doctrine. This reflects the cultural context of the time, where builders were highly regarded for their expertise. The term suggests not only skill but also wisdom and responsibility, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/24-3.htm">Proverbs 24:3-4</a>, where wisdom and understanding are necessary to build a house.and someone else is building on it This acknowledges the collaborative nature of ministry and the continuation of work by others, such as Apollos, who followed Paul in ministering to the Corinthians (<a href="/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">1 Corinthians 3:6</a>). It reflects the early church's communal efforts and the importance of each person's contribution to the growth of the church. This concept is echoed in <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Ephesians 4:11-12</a>, where different roles are given to equip the saints for the work of ministry.But each one must be careful how he builds Paul warns of the responsibility that comes with building on the foundation of Christ. This cautionary note highlights the need for sound teaching and faithful ministry, as improper building can lead to spiritual ruin (<a href="/1_corinthians/3-12.htm">1 Corinthians 3:12-15</a>). The imagery of building with care is reminiscent of Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders in <a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a>, emphasizing the importance of obedience to His words.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who wrote the letter to the Corinthians. He describes himself as a "wise builder" who laid the foundation of the church in Corinth. 2. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> A major city in ancient Greece where Paul established a Christian community. Known for its diversity and moral challenges, it was a significant location for early Christian teaching. 3. <a href="/topical/g/god's_grace.htm">God's Grace</a> The divine favor and empowerment that Paul acknowledges as the source of his ability to lay the foundation of the church. 4. <a href="/topical/f/foundation.htm">Foundation</a> Refers to the initial teachings and establishment of the church, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. 5. <a href="/topical/b/builders.htm">Builders</a> Other leaders and teachers who continue to build upon the foundation laid by Paul, emphasizing the importance of careful and faithful teaching.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_grace_in_ministry.htm">The Role of Grace in Ministry</a> Recognize that any work we do for God is empowered by His grace. Like Paul, we should humbly acknowledge that our abilities and opportunities come from God. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_a_solid_foundation.htm">The Importance of a Solid Foundation</a> Ensure that our faith and teachings are rooted in the foundational truths of the Gospel. Jesus Christ is the cornerstone, and all teachings should align with His message. <a href="/topical/b/building_with_care.htm">Building with Care</a> Approach our roles in the church with diligence and responsibility. Whether teaching, serving, or leading, we must be careful to build in ways that honor God and edify others. <a href="/topical/c/collaboration_in_the_body_of_christ.htm">Collaboration in the Body of Christ</a> Understand that ministry is a collaborative effort. We build upon the work of others and should support and encourage one another in our shared mission. <a href="/topical/a/accountability_in_teaching.htm">Accountability in Teaching</a> Be aware that we are accountable for how we build upon the foundation. Our teachings and actions should reflect biblical truth and lead others closer to Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 3</a> <a href="/q/who_was_joan_of_arc.htm">Who was Joan of Arc?</a> <a href="/q/are_mormons_considered_christians.htm">Are Mormons considered Christians?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_your_spiritual_gifts.htm">What are your spiritual gifts?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_purgatory.htm">What is the Bible's stance on purgatory?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(10) According to the grace of God.--The Apostle being about to speak of himself as "a wise masterbuilder," takes care by commencing his statement with these words to show that he is not indulging in self-laudation, but merely pointing out what God had given him the grace to do. (See <a href="/romans/1-5.htm" title="By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:">Romans 1:5</a>; <a href="/romans/12-3.htm" title="For I say, through the grace given to me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.">Romans 12:3</a>.)Wise--i.e., skilful or judicious.Another buildeth thereon.--The sequence of the work here is the same as in the planting and watering of the previous illustration. The use of the indefinite word "another" avoids what might be considered the invidiously frequent repetition of the name of Apollos, and also indicates that there were others also who came after Paul, as is evident from <a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm" title="For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have you not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.">1Corinthians 4:15</a>. (See <a href="/romans/15-20.htm" title="Yes, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation:">Romans 15:20</a>.)But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.--Better, But let each one see in what manner he buildeth thereon. The argument in this and the following verse is that there can be only one foundation in the spiritual building--namely, the personal Jesus Christ. That foundation the Apostle has laid. None can alter it or add to it as a foundation; but there may be an immense variety in the materials with which those who come after the laying of the foundation may build up the superstructure. Therefore their own work and "how" they build (i.e., with what materials), and not the one foundation once for all and unalterably laid, should be the subject of their thought and care. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 10. - According to the grace of God which is given unto me; rather, which was given. Here, again, we have St. Paul's baptismal aorist - his habit of regarding his whole spiritual life as potentially summed up in the one crisis of conversion and baptism. This phrase is a favourite one with him (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-10.htm">1 Corinthians 15:10</a>; <a href="/romans/15-15.htm">Romans 15:15</a>; <a href="/galatians/2-9.htm">Galatians 2:9</a>; <a href="/ephesians/3-2.htm">Ephesians 3:2</a>). As a wise master builder. "Wise" only in the sense of subordinating every pretence of human wisdom to the will of God; and here the adjective only applies to the wisdom required by a builder. In other words, "wise" is here equivalent to "skilful." Since Paul had received the grace of God for this very purpose, he was made "wise" by the knowledge of Christ (for the metaphor of building, see <a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24</a>; <a href="/matthew/16-18.htm">Matthew 16:18</a>; <a href="/ephesians/2-21.htm">Ephesians 2:21</a>; <a href="/1_peter/2-5.htm">1 Peter 2:5</a>). The foundation; rather, a foundation. Though in truth there is but one foundation, as he proceeds to say, St. Paul always refused to build on the foundation laid by another (<a href="/romans/15-20.htm">Romans 15:20</a>). Another. Perhaps the special allusion is to Apollos. <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>By Κατὰ (Kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. grace χάριν (charin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5485.htm">Strong's 5485: </a> From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act. God Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. has given δοθεῖσάν (dotheisan) Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. me, μοι (moi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. I laid ἔθηκα (ethēka) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5087.htm">Strong's 5087: </a> To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place. [a] foundation θεμέλιον (themelion) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2310.htm">Strong's 2310: </a> From a derivative of tithemi; something put down, i.e. A substruction. as ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. an expert σοφὸς (sophos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4680.htm">Strong's 4680: </a> Wise, learned, cultivated, skilled, clever. Akin to saphes; wise. builder, ἀρχιτέκτων (architektōn) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_753.htm">Strong's 753: </a> Master-builder, architect. From arche and tekton; a chief constructor, i.e. 'architect'. and δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. someone else ἄλλος (allos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_243.htm">Strong's 243: </a> Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different. is building on [it]. ἐποικοδομεῖ (epoikodomei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2026.htm">Strong's 2026: </a> To build upon (above) a foundation. From epi and oikodomeo; to build upon, i.e. to rear up. But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. each one ἕκαστος (hekastos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1538.htm">Strong's 1538: </a> Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every. must be careful βλεπέτω (blepetō) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_991.htm">Strong's 991: </a> (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at. how πῶς (pōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_4459.htm">Strong's 4459: </a> Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much! he builds. ἐποικοδομεῖ (epoikodomei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2026.htm">Strong's 2026: </a> To build upon (above) a foundation. From epi and oikodomeo; to build upon, i.e. to rear up. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">1 Corinthians 3:10 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">1 Corinthians 3:10 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">1 Corinthians 3:10 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">1 Corinthians 3:10 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">1 Corinthians 3:10 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">1 Corinthians 3:10 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">1 Corinthians 3:10 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">1 Corinthians 3:10 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">1 Corinthians 3:10 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">1 Corinthians 3:10 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 3:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 3:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 3:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 3:11" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>