King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:10 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:10 in the King James Version says “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 ab... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

1 Corinthians 15:10 · KJV


Context

8

And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. one: or, an abortive

9

For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

10

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.

11

Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

12

Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But by the grace of God I am what I am (χάριτι δὲ θεοῦ εἰμι ὅ εἰμι)—This phrase echoes God's self-revelation to Moses: "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14). Paul's identity, ministry, and transformation are entirely chariti (χάριτι, "by grace")—not merit, pedigree, or achievement. The emphatic repetition of eimi ("I am") underscores grace as the sole explanation for Paul's existence as apostle.

And his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain (καὶ ἡ χάρις αὐτοῦ ἡ εἰς ἐμὲ οὐ κενὴ ἐγενήθη)—The word kenē (κενή, "empty, vain") connects to v. 2's warning about believing eikē ("in vain"). Grace bore fruit: I laboured more abundantly than they all (περισσότερον αὐτῶν πάντων ἐκοπίασα). Yet Paul immediately corrects: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me (οὐκ ἐγὼ δὲ ἀλλὰ ἡ χάρις τοῦ θεοῦ ἡ σὺν ἐμοί). Grace initiates, sustains, and accomplishes—Paul is instrument, not source.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's missionary labors exceeded the other apostles combined: three missionary journeys, church plants across Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome, imprisonment, beatings, shipwrecks (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). His 13 New Testament letters shaped Christian theology. Yet he attributes everything to grace, not personal ability.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul balance acknowledging his hard work with attributing everything to grace?
  2. What would it look like for grace bestowed on you to be 'not in vain'—how is grace fruitful?
  3. How can Christian leaders avoid both false humility (denying their labor) and pride (crediting themselves)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 32 words
χάρις1 of 32

by the grace

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

δὲ2 of 32

But

G1161

but, and, etc

θεοῦ3 of 32

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

εἰμι4 of 32

I am

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

5 of 32

what

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

εἰμι6 of 32

I am

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

καὶ7 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

8 of 32

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χάρις9 of 32

by the grace

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

αὐτῶν10 of 32

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

11 of 32

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εἰς12 of 32

which was bestowed upon

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἐμὲ13 of 32

me

G1691

me

οὐκ14 of 32

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

κενὴ15 of 32

in vain

G2756

empty (literally or figuratively)

ἐγενήθη16 of 32

was

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἀλλ'17 of 32

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

περισσότερον18 of 32
G4053

superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive; adverbially (with g1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence

αὐτῶν19 of 32

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

πάντων20 of 32

than they all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἐκοπίασα21 of 32

I laboured

G2872

to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard

οὐκ22 of 32

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐγὼ23 of 32

I

G1473

i, me

δὲ24 of 32

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀλλ'25 of 32

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

26 of 32

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χάρις27 of 32

by the grace

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

28 of 32

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ29 of 32

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

30 of 32

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σὺν31 of 32

was with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

ἐμοί32 of 32

me

G1698

to me


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 15:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 15:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study