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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 3:6 I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/3-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/46_1Co_03_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 3:6 - God's Fellow Workers" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." /><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'; 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but God gave the increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_corinthians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />I planted, Apollos watered, but God [all the while] was causing the growth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_corinthians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_corinthians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I planted the seeds, Apollos watered them, but God made them sprout and grow. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_corinthians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I planted, and Apollos watered, but God made it grow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plant, but it was God who made the plant grow. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_corinthians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I planted, Apollos watered, but God kept everything growing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_corinthians/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused it to grow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I planted. Apollos watered. But God made it grow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I have planted, Apollos watered: but God hath given the increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />I planted and Apollos watered; but it was God who was, all the time, giving the increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_corinthians/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I planted. Apollos watered. But God gave the increase. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I planted, Apollos watered, but God was giving growth;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />I planted, Apollos watered, but God kept <i>it</i> growing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> I planted, Apollos watered, but God was giving growth;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_corinthians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I have planted, Apollos watered; but God increased.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I have planted, Apollo watered, but God gave the increase. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I planted, Apollo watered, but God provided the growth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />I planted and Apollo watered but God made it grow.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />I planted, Apollos watered: but God made to grow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_corinthians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />I have planted, Apollos watered: but God gave the increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />I planted and Apollos watered; but it was God who was, all the time, giving the increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />I planted, Apollos watered; but God causeth it to grow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />I have planted, Apollos watered: but God gave the increase.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=472" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/3.htm">God's Fellow Workers</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/5452.htm" title="5452: ephyteusa (V-AIA-1S) -- To plant, set. From a derivative of phuo; to set out in the earth, i.e. Implant; figuratively, to instil doctrine.">planted the seed</a> <a href="/greek/625.htm" title="625: Apollōs (N-NMS) -- Apollos, a Jew of Alexandria. Probably from the same as Apollonia; Apollos, an Israelite.">and Apollos</a> <a href="/greek/4222.htm" title="4222: epotisen (V-AIA-3S) -- To cause to drink, give to drink; irrigate, water. From a derivative of the alternate of pino; to furnish drink, irrigate.">watered it,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- 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: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/837.htm" title="837: ēuxanen (V-IIA-3S) -- (a) I cause to increase, become greater (b) I increase, grow. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to grow, i.e. Enlarge.">made it grow.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">7</span>So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-5.htm">John 15:5</a></span><br />I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/4-26.htm">Mark 4:26-29</a></span><br />Jesus also said, “The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed on the ground. / Night and day he sleeps and wakes, and the seed sprouts and grows, though he knows not how. / All by itself the earth produces a crop—first the stalk, then the head, then grain that ripens within. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-3.htm">Matthew 13:3-9</a></span><br />And He told them many things in parables, saying, “A farmer went out to sow his seed. / And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. / Some fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-10.htm">Isaiah 55:10-11</a></span><br />For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, / so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/127-1.htm">Psalm 127:1</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/18-4.htm">Acts 18:4-11</a></span><br />Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks alike. / And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself fully to the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. / But when they opposed and insulted him, he shook out his garments and told them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">1 Corinthians 1:12-13</a></span><br />What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” / Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-7.htm">1 Corinthians 4:7</a></span><br />For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-10.htm">1 Corinthians 15:10</a></span><br />But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/3-5.htm">2 Corinthians 3:5</a></span><br />Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/9-10.htm">2 Corinthians 9:10</a></span><br />Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-3.htm">Galatians 6:3-5</a></span><br />If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. / Each one should test his own work. Then he will have reason to boast in himself alone, and not in someone else. / For each one should carry his own load.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-10</a></span><br />For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, / not by works, so that no one can boast. / For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-13.htm">Philippians 2:13</a></span><br />For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.</p><p class="hdg">I.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">1 Corinthians 3:9,10</a></b></br> For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, <i>ye are</i> God's building… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/4-14.htm">1 Corinthians 4:14,15</a></b></br> I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn <i>you</i>… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1,7-11</a></b></br> Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? … </p><p class="hdg">Apollos.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/11-25.htm">Proverbs 11:25</a></b></br> The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/18-24.htm">Acts 18:24,26,27</a></b></br> And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, <i>and</i> mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/19-1.htm">Acts 19:1</a></b></br> And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,</p><p class="hdg">God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/1-30.htm">1 Corinthians 1:30</a></b></br> But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/15-10.htm">1 Corinthians 15:10</a></b></br> But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which <i>was bestowed</i> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/62-9.htm">Psalm 62:9,11</a></b></br> Surely men of low degree <i>are</i> vanity, <i>and</i> men of high degree <i>are</i> a lie: to be laid in the balance, they <i>are</i> altogether <i>lighter</i> than vanity… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm">Apollos</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm">Apol'los</a> <a href="/romans/16-17.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/acts/12-24.htm">Grow</a> <a href="/luke/8-7.htm">Growth</a> <a href="/romans/6-1.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/romans/6-5.htm">Planted</a> <a href="/john/4-38.htm">Planting</a> <a href="/romans/11-1.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-7.htm">Time</a> <a href="/ezekiel/32-6.htm">Watered</a> <a href="/luke/13-15.htm">Watering</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">Apollos</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-22.htm">Apol'los</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-12.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-7.htm">Grow</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-7.htm">Growth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-7.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-42.htm">Planted</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-7.htm">Planting</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-11.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-5.htm">Time</a> <a href="/genesis/2-6.htm">Watered</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-7.htm">Watering</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-1.htm">Milk is fit for children.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm">Strife and division, arguments of a fleshly mind.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-7.htm">He who plants and He who waters are nothing.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">The ministers are God's fellow workmen.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-11.htm">Christ the only foundation.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-16.htm">You are the temples of God, which must be kept holy.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>I planted the seed</b><br>Paul uses agricultural imagery to describe his role in the spiritual development of the Corinthian church. As the founder of the church in Corinth, Paul "planted" by preaching the gospel and establishing the initial community of believers (<a href="/acts/18.htm">Acts 18:1-11</a>). This metaphor highlights the beginning of faith and the foundational work of evangelism. The imagery of planting is consistent with other biblical references to sowing and reaping, such as in the parable of the sower (<a href="/matthew/13-3.htm">Matthew 13:3-9</a>) and the principle of sowing and reaping in <a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7-9</a>.<p><b>and Apollos watered it</b><br>Apollos, a learned Jew from Alexandria, was known for his eloquence and deep understanding of the Scriptures (<a href="/acts/18-24.htm">Acts 18:24-28</a>). After Paul's departure, Apollos continued the work in Corinth by "watering," which signifies teaching and nurturing the believers' faith. This reflects the collaborative nature of ministry, where different individuals contribute to the growth of the church. The mention of Apollos underscores the importance of discipleship and the ongoing process of spiritual maturation.<p><b>but God made it grow</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the divine role in spiritual growth and the sovereignty of God in the process of salvation. While human efforts are necessary, it is ultimately God who causes growth, both in individual believers and in the church as a whole. This aligns with other scriptural teachings that highlight God's power and initiative in spiritual matters, such as in <a href="/john/15-5.htm">John 15:5</a>, where Jesus states, "apart from me you can do nothing." It also reflects the principle found in <a href="/psalms/127.htm">Psalm 127:1</a>, "Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain." This underscores the humility required in ministry, recognizing that all success is due to God's work.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>The apostle who founded the church in Corinth and is the author of the letter. He emphasizes his role in planting the seed of the Gospel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/apollos.htm">Apollos</a></b><br>A fellow worker in Christ who came after Paul to Corinth and helped nurture the believers, symbolized by watering the seed.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a></b><br>A major city in ancient Greece where Paul established a church. It was known for its diverse population and cultural influences.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate source of growth and life in the church. Paul underscores that while humans can plant and water, only God can cause spiritual growth.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_corinth.htm">The Church in Corinth</a></b><br>The recipients of Paul's letter, struggling with divisions and needing a reminder of their unity in Christ.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_human_effort.htm">The Role of Human Effort</a></b><br>While human efforts in ministry are important, they are not the source of spiritual growth. Our role is to faithfully plant and water, trusting God for the increase.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_ministry.htm">Unity in Ministry</a></b><br>Paul and Apollos had different roles, but both were essential. This teaches us the importance of unity and collaboration in the body of Christ, avoiding divisions based on personal preferences or allegiances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a></b><br>Spiritual growth is ultimately a work of God. This should lead us to a posture of prayer and dependence, recognizing that our efforts are fruitful only through His power.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_service.htm">Humility in Service</a></b><br>Recognizing that God gives the growth should humble us, preventing pride in our accomplishments and encouraging us to give glory to God for any success in ministry.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_ministry.htm">Encouragement in Ministry</a></b><br>Knowing that God is responsible for growth can encourage us to persevere in ministry, even when immediate results are not visible.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/when_was_nehemiah_written.htm">What does it mean Jesus became sin for us?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_1_cor_3_9_align_with_history.htm">How does 1 Corinthians 3:9 align with actual historical and archaeological records, given its metaphor of believers as God’s building and field? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_exceeding_scribes'_righteousness.htm">How can we judge angels if they judge us?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_celeb_pastors.htm">What does the Bible say about celebrity pastors?</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>(6) <span class= "bld">I have planted, Apollos watered.</span>--By an image borrowed from the processes of agriculture the Apostle explains the relation in which his teaching stood to that of Apollos--and how all the results were from God. This indication of St. Paul having been the founder, and Apollos the subsequent instructor, of the Corinthian Church, is in complete harmony with what we read of the early history of that Church in <a href="/acts/18-27.htm" title="And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brothers wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:">Acts 18:27</a>; <a href="/acts/19-1.htm" title="And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,">Acts 19:1</a>. After St. Paul had been at Corinth (<a href="/acts/18-1.htm" title="After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;">Acts 18:1</a>), Apollos, who had been taught by Aquila and Priscilla at Ephesus, came there and "helped them much which had already believed."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I planted</span>. St. Paul everywhere recognized that his gift lay pre eminently in the ability to <span class="accented">found</span> Churches (comp. <a href="/acts/18-1.htm">Acts 18:1-11</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">1 Corinthians 4:15</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/15-1.htm">1 Corinthians 15:1</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Apollos watered</span>. If, as is now generally believed, Apollos wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews, we see how striking was his power of strengthening the faith of wavering Churches. Eloquence and a deep insight into the meaning of Scripture, enriched by Alexandrian culture, seem to have been his special endowments (<a href="/acts/18-24.htm">Acts 18:24, 27</a>). The reference of the word "watered" to baptism by Augustine (Ep. 48) is one of the numberless instances of Scripture distorted by ecclesiasticism. <span class="cmt_word">God gave the increase</span> (comp. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-10.htm">1 Corinthians 15:10</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/3-5.htm">2 Corinthians 3:5</a>). The thought of every true teacher always is, "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy Name give the praise" (<a href="/psalms/115-1.htm">Psalm 115:1</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">I</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐγὼ</span> <span class="translit">(egō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">planted [the seed]</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐφύτευσα</span> <span class="translit">(ephyteusa)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5452.htm">Strong's 5452: </a> </span><span class="str2">To plant, set. From a derivative of phuo; to set out in the earth, i.e. Implant; figuratively, to instil doctrine.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] Apollos</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἀπολλῶς</span> <span class="translit">(Apollōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_625.htm">Strong's 625: </a> </span><span class="str2">Apollos, a Jew of Alexandria. Probably from the same as Apollonia; Apollos, an Israelite.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">watered [it],</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπότισεν</span> <span class="translit">(epotisen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4222.htm">Strong's 4222: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cause to drink, give to drink; irrigate, water. From a derivative of the alternate of pino; to furnish drink, irrigate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλὰ</span> <span class="translit">(alla)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεὸς</span> <span class="translit">(Theos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">made [ it ] grow.</span><br /><span class="grk">ηὔξανεν</span> <span class="translit">(ēuxanen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_837.htm">Strong's 837: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I cause to increase, become greater (b) I increase, grow. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to grow, i.e. Enlarge.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">1 Corinthians 3:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">1 Corinthians 3:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">1 Corinthians 3:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">1 Corinthians 3:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">1 Corinthians 3:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">1 Corinthians 3:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">1 Corinthians 3:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">1 Corinthians 3:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">1 Corinthians 3:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">1 Corinthians 3:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 3:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 3:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 3:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 3:7" /></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>