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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Corinthians 3:15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as if through the flames.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/3-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/46_1Co_03_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 3:15 - Christ Our Foundation" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If it is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as if through the flames." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_corinthians/3-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_corinthians/3-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/">1 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-14.htm" title="1 Corinthians 3:14">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 3:15 <a href="/1_corinthians/3-16.htm" title="1 Corinthians 3:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/3.htm">New International Version</a> If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> If it is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as if through the flames. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> If the work of anyone will be burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, but so as through fire. <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/3.htm">King James Bible</a> If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/3.htm">New King James Version</a> If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet only so as through fire. <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> If any man&#8217s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> If any man’s work is burned up, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as through fire. <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But if any person’s work is burned up [by the test], he will suffer the loss [of his reward]; yet he himself will be saved, but only as [one who has barely escaped] through fire. <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> If anyone’s work is burned up, he will experience loss, but he himself will be saved —but only as through fire. <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> If anyone&#8217s work is burned up, it will be lost, but he will be saved; yet it will be like an escape through fire. <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as through fire. <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But if it is destroyed by the fire, we will lose everything. Yet we ourselves will be saved, like someone escaping from flames. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as through fire. <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> If his work is burned up, he will suffer [the loss]. However, he will be saved, though it will be like going through a fire. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> But if your work is burnt up, then you will lose it; but you yourself will be saved, as if you had escaped through the fire. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> If his work is burned up, he will suffer loss. However, he himself will be saved, but it will be like going through fire. <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> If it is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as if through the flames. <a href="/net/1_corinthians/3.htm">NET Bible</a> If someone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as through fire. <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> If any man's work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, but as through fire. <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> If any man's work shall be burned, he will suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> If any one's work is burnt up, he will suffer the loss of it; yet he will himself be rescued, but only, as it were, by passing through the fire. <a href="/web/1_corinthians/3.htm">World English Bible</a> If any man’s work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, but as through fire. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> if the work of any is burned up, he will suffer loss, but himself will be saved, but so as through fire. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> If the work of anyone will be burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, but so as through fire. <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> if of any the work is burned up, he shall suffer loss; and himself shall be saved, but so as through fire. <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> If the work of any one shall be burned, he shall be caused damage: and he shall be saved; and so as by fire.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> If any man's work burn, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire. <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer its loss, but he himself will still be saved, but only as through fire. <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/3.htm">New American Bible</a> But if someone’s work is burned up, that one will suffer loss; the person will be saved, but only as through fire. <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> If the work is burned up, the builder will suffer loss; the builder will be saved, but only as through fire.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the one whose work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be rescued, even as one who has been saved from the fire. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And whosever work will burn up will suffer loss, but he shall escape, but as if by fire.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> if any man's work be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved, yet so, as through fire.<CM> <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But if the work of any one shall be burnt up, he shall suffer loss; but himself shall be saved, but as through the fire. <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> If any man?s work be burnt up, he shall suffer loss: but himself shall be saved; yet so as through the fire.<CM> <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> if that man's work should be burnt, he will suffer loss: but should he himself escape, it will be as out of the fire. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> If any one's work is burnt up, he will suffer the loss of it; yet he will himself be rescued, but only, as it were, by passing through the fire. <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> If any one's work shall be burned up, he will suffer loss, but he himself shall be saved; yet so as through fire. <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> but if any man's work be burnt, he will be damaged; though he himself shall be saved, but, as it were out of fire. <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/3-15.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=545" 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> …14If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward. 15<a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">If</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2041.htm" title="2041: ergon (N-NNS) -- From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act."></a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tinos (IPro-GMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">it</a> <a href="/greek/2618.htm" title="2618: katakaēsetai (V-FIP-3S) -- To burn up, consume entirely. From kata and kaio; to burn down, i.e. Consume wholly.">is burned up,</a> <a href="/greek/2210.htm" title="2210: zēmiōthēsetai (V-FIP-3S) -- From zemia; to injure, i.e. to experience detriment.">he will suffer loss.</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autos (PPro-NM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">He himself</a> <a href="/greek/4982.htm" title="4982: sōthēsetai (V-FIP-3S) -- To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect.">will be saved,</a> <a href="/greek/3779.htm" title="3779: houtōs (Adv) -- Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows)."></a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but only</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as if</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">through</a> <a href="/greek/4442.htm" title="4442: pyros (N-GNS) -- Fire; the heat of the sun, lightning; fig: strife, trials; the eternal fire. A primary word; fire.">the flames.</a> 16Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?…<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="/1_corinthians/3-13.htm">1 Corinthians 3:13-14</a> his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work. / If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-27.htm">1 Corinthians 9:27</a> No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-10.htm">2 Corinthians 5:10</a> For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad. <a href="/romans/14-10.htm">Romans 14:10-12</a> Why, then, do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. / It is written: “As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.” / So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. <a href="/1_peter/1-7.htm">1 Peter 1:7</a> so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. <a href="/matthew/16-27.htm">Matthew 16:27</a> For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done. <a href="/revelation/20-12.htm">Revelation 20:12-13</a> And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And books were opened, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books. / The sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead, and each one was judged according to his deeds. <a href="/hebrews/10-39.htm">Hebrews 10:39</a> But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. <a href="/jude/1-23.htm">Jude 1:23</a> save others by snatching them from the fire; and to still others show mercy tempered with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh. <a href="/1_corinthians/5-5.htm">1 Corinthians 5:5</a> hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the Day of the Lord. <a href="/2_timothy/2-20.htm">2 Timothy 2:20-21</a> A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use. / So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work. <a href="/1_john/2-28.htm">1 John 2:28</a> And now, little children, remain in Christ, so that when He appears, we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming. <a href="/philippians/3-8.htm">Philippians 3:8-9</a> More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ / and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith. <a href="/matthew/3-11.htm">Matthew 3:11-12</a> I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. / His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” <a href="/malachi/3-2.htm">Malachi 3:2-3</a> But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap. / And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.work.<a href="/1_corinthians/3-12.htm">1 Corinthians 3:12,13</a> Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; … <a href="/revelation/3-18.htm">Revelation 3:18</a> I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.he shall.<a href="/acts/27-21.htm">Acts 27:21,44</a> But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss… <a href="/2_john/1-8.htm">2 John 1:8</a> Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.yet.<a href="/amos/4-11.htm">Amos 4:11</a> I have overthrown some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.<a href="/zechariah/3-2.htm">Zechariah 3:2</a> And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?<a href="/1_peter/4-18.htm">1 Peter 4:18</a> And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/1-27.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/acts/19-19.htm">Burnt</a> <a href="/malachi/3-6.htm">Consumed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-8.htm">End</a> <a href="/hosea/13-3.htm">Escaping</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-13.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/acts/7-30.htm">Flames</a> <a href="/romans/11-12.htm">Loss</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-14.htm">One's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">Passing</a> <a href="/romans/14-5.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/romans/15-31.htm">Rescued</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">Saved</a> <a href="/romans/8-18.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-14.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/13-3.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-6.htm">Burnt</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-16.htm">Consumed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-9.htm">End</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-18.htm">Escaping</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-19.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-3.htm">Flames</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-7.htm">Loss</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-3.htm">One's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-31.htm">Passing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-7.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-10.htm">Rescued</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-16.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-5.htm">Saved</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">Work</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>If it is burned up This phrase refers to the works of a believer being tested by fire, a metaphor for divine judgment. In the context of <a href="/1_corinthians/3.htm">1 Corinthians 3</a>, Paul discusses the quality of each person's work in building upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. The imagery of fire is often used in Scripture to denote purification and judgment (<a href="/malachi/3-2.htm">Malachi 3:2-3</a>, <a href="/1_peter/1-7.htm">1 Peter 1:7</a>). The "burned up" aspect suggests that some works, though perhaps appearing valuable, lack eternal significance and will not withstand God's scrutiny.he will suffer loss The loss here is not of salvation but of reward. Paul emphasizes that while the believer's works may not endure, the individual will experience a loss of potential rewards in heaven. This aligns with the biblical principle of rewards for faithful service (<a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-20</a>, <a href="/2_corinthians/5-10.htm">2 Corinthians 5:10</a>). The concept of suffering loss underscores the seriousness of living a life that aligns with God's purposes and the eternal consequences of our earthly actions.He himself will be saved This assurance of salvation highlights the security of the believer's eternal state, despite the loss of rewards. It reflects the doctrine of perseverance of the saints, where true believers are preserved by God's grace (<a href="/john/10-28.htm">John 10:28-29</a>, <a href="/romans/8-38.htm">Romans 8:38-39</a>). Salvation is based on faith in Christ, not on the merit of works, reinforcing the foundational Christian belief in justification by faith alone (<a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a>).but only as if through the flames The imagery of escaping "through the flames" suggests a narrow escape, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. It evokes the idea of being saved from a burning building, where the person is safe but has lost everything else. This phrase serves as a warning to believers to build their lives with materials that will endure God's testing (gold, silver, precious stones) rather than those that will not (wood, hay, straw), as described earlier in the chapter (<a href="/1_corinthians/3-12.htm">1 Corinthians 3:12-13</a>). It also reflects the refining process believers undergo, where trials and tests purify faith (<a href="/zechariah/13-9.htm">Zechariah 13:9</a>, <a href="/james/1-2.htm">James 1:2-4</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth, providing guidance on spiritual maturity and the foundation of faith. 2. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and moral challenges, where the early Christian church faced issues of division and immaturity. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_corinth.htm">The Church in Corinth</a> The recipients of Paul's letter, struggling with divisions and needing instruction on building their faith on the foundation of Jesus Christ. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The foundation upon which believers are to build their lives, as emphasized by Paul in the surrounding context of this passage. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_day_of_judgment.htm">The Day of Judgment</a> An event implied in the passage, where the quality of each believer's work will be tested by fire.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_a_solid_foundation.htm">The Importance of a Solid Foundation</a> Jesus Christ is the only foundation for our faith. Building on anything else will not withstand the test of time or judgment. <a href="/topical/t/the_testing_of_works.htm">The Testing of Works</a> Our works will be tested by fire. This emphasizes the need for genuine, Christ-centered actions rather than superficial deeds. <a href="/topical/s/salvation_and_reward.htm">Salvation and Reward</a> Salvation is secure for believers, but rewards depend on the quality of our works. This distinction encourages us to live purposefully for Christ. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_loss_and_gain.htm">Understanding Loss and Gain</a> Suffering loss in this context refers to the loss of rewards, not salvation. This should motivate us to invest in eternal, lasting works. <a href="/topical/l/living_with_eternal_perspective.htm">Living with Eternal Perspective</a> Keeping an eternal perspective helps us prioritize our actions and decisions, focusing on what will endure beyond this life.<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/what's_the_bible's_view_on_purgatory.htm">What is the Bible's stance on purgatory?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_fires.htm">What is the biblical perspective on house fires?</a> <a href="/q/purpose_of_the_council_of_florence.htm">What was the purpose of the Council of Florence?</a> <a href="/q/who_comforts_those_with_broken_hearts.htm">What does quenching the Holy Spirit mean?</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>(15) So as.--These words remind us that the whole passage, and especially the reference to fire, is to be regarded as metaphorical, and not to be understood in a literal and physical sense. Forgetting this, Roman divines have evolved from these words the doctrine of purgatory.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - He shall suffer loss. He shall not receive the full reward to which he might otherwise look (<a href="/2_john/1-8.htm">2 John 1:8</a>). He himself shall be saved. It is an inexpressible source of comfort to us, amid the weakness and ignorance of our lives, to know that if we have only erred through human frailty and feebleness, while yet we desired to be sincere and faithful, the work will be burnt, yet the workman will be saved. Some of the Fathers gave to this beautiful verse the shockingly perverted meaning that "the workman would be preserved alive for endless torments," "salted with fire" in order to endure interminable agonies. The meaning is impossible, for it reverses the sense of the word "saved;" and makes it equivalent to "damned;" but the interpretation is an awful proof of the distortions to which a merciless human rigorism and a hard, self styled orthodoxy have sometimes subjected the Word of God. Yet so as by fire; rather, through or by means of fire (διὰ πυρός). We may be, as it were, "snatched as a brand from the burning" (<a href="/zechariah/3-2.htm">Zechariah 3:2</a>; <a href="/amos/4-11.htm">Amos 4:11</a>; <a href="/jude/1-23.htm">Jude 1:23</a>), and "scarcely" saved (<a href="/1_peter/4-18.htm">1 Peter 4:18</a>). Similarly it is said in <a href="/1_peter/3-20.htm">1 Peter 3:20</a> that Noah was saved "through water" (δι ὕδατος). The ship is lost, the sailor saved; the workman is saved, the work is burned. <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/3-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>If εἴ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. [it] τινος (tinos) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. is burned up, κατακαήσεται (katakaēsetai) Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2618.htm">Strong's 2618: </a> To burn up, consume entirely. From kata and kaio; to burn down, i.e. Consume wholly. he will suffer loss. ζημιωθήσεται (zēmiōthēsetai) Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2210.htm">Strong's 2210: </a> From zemia; to injure, i.e. to experience detriment. He himself αὐτὸς (autos) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. will be saved, σωθήσεται (sōthēsetai) Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4982.htm">Strong's 4982: </a> To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect. but only δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. as if 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. through διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. [the] flames. πυρός (pyros) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4442.htm">Strong's 4442: </a> Fire; the heat of the sun, lightning; fig: strife, trials; the eternal fire. A primary word; 'fire'. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/3-15.htm">1 Corinthians 3:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/3-15.htm">1 Corinthians 3:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/3-15.htm">1 Corinthians 3:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/3-15.htm">1 Corinthians 3:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/3-15.htm">1 Corinthians 3:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/3-15.htm">1 Corinthians 3:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/3-15.htm">1 Corinthians 3:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/3-15.htm">1 Corinthians 3:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/3-15.htm">1 Corinthians 3:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/3-15.htm">1 Corinthians 3:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-15.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 3:15 If any man's work is burned he (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 3:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 3:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 3:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 3:16" /></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>