King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 3:10 Mean?

1 Corinthians 3:10 in the King James Version says “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another b...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

1 Corinthians 3:10 · KJV

Grace

Context

8

Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

9

For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. husbandry: or, tillage

10

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.

11

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

12

Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation (ὡς σοφὸς ἀρχιτέκτων θεμέλιον ἔθηκα, hōs sophos architektōn themelion ethēka)—architektōn (architect/master builder) denotes the chief contractor who designs and oversees construction. Paul founded the Corinthian church (Acts 18), establishing the themelion (foundation). Yet he attributes this role to charis (χάρις, grace), not personal skill.

And another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon (βλεπέτω πῶς ἐποικοδομεῖ, blepetō pōs epoikodomei)—the present imperative blepetō ('let him watch carefully') introduces solemn warning. Apollos and subsequent teachers build on Paul's foundation, but the quality of their work matters eternally. Pōs ('how,' 'in what manner') emphasizes method and material, not just activity. Careless building on a true foundation still invites judgment (verse 15).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient construction required master builders who understood architecture, engineering, and materials. Foundations were especially critical—buildings erected on inadequate foundations collapsed. Paul's metaphor would resonate in a city that, after destruction in 146 BC, was rebuilt under Roman engineering standards emphasizing strong foundations for earthquake resistance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's claim to have 'laid the foundation' as God's grace, not personal achievement, model proper understanding of ministerial calling?
  2. What does it mean to 'take heed how you build' on the foundation others have laid—in your family, church, or sphere of influence?
  3. What building materials (doctrines, methods, emphases) are you adding to the church's structure—gold or stubble?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
Κατὰ1 of 21

“According”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὴν2 of 21

“which”

G3588

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

χάριν3 of 21

“to the grace”

G5485

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

τὴν4 of 21

“which”

G3588

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

θεοῦ5 of 21

“of God”

G2316

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

τὴν6 of 21

“which”

G3588

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

δοθεῖσάν7 of 21

“is given”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

μοι8 of 21

“unto me”

G3427

to me

ὡς9 of 21

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

σοφὸς10 of 21

“a wise”

G4680

wise (in a most general application)

ἀρχιτέκτων11 of 21

“masterbuilder”

G753

a chief constructor, i.e., "architect"

θεμέλιον12 of 21

“the foundation”

G2310

something put down, i.e., a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively)

τέθεικα,13 of 21

“I have laid”

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

ἄλλος14 of 21

“another”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

δὲ15 of 21

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐποικοδομεῖ16 of 21

“buildeth thereon”

G2026

to build upon, i.e., (figuratively) to rear up

ἕκαστος17 of 21

“every man”

G1538

each or every

δὲ18 of 21

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

βλεπέτω19 of 21

“let”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

πῶς20 of 21

“how”

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

ἐποικοδομεῖ21 of 21

“buildeth thereon”

G2026

to build upon, i.e., (figuratively) to rear up

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 3:10 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 3:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 3:11Ephesians 2:20Romans 15:20Daniel 12:3Matthew 24:45Revelation 21:19

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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