King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 3:14 Mean?

1 Corinthians 3:14 in the King James Version says “If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.”

1 Corinthians 3:14 · KJV

Context

12

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

13

Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. it shall be: Gr. it is

14

If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

15

If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

16

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Read 1 Corinthians 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward (μισθὸν λήμψεται, misthon lēmpsetai)—lēmpsetai (future middle: 'shall receive for himself') promises personal, certain recompense. The condition 'if... abide' (εἰ... μενεῖ, ei... menei) means 'if it remains after fire-testing,' implying some work will survive. Misthos (reward/wages) suggests proportional justice—faithful labor receives corresponding recompense.

Scripture nowhere specifies what these rewards entail, maintaining holy reticence about eternal details. Jesus spoke of 'treasures in heaven' (Matthew 6:20), varying capacities for ruling (Luke 19:17-19), and degrees of greatness in the kingdom (Matthew 5:19). The prospect of reward should motivate diligence without breeding mercenary motives—we serve from love, but God graciously adds blessing beyond our deserving. This parallels justification (free grace) and judgment (according to works): salvation is unearned gift; rewards recognize faithful stewardship of grace already received. The reward ultimately is Christ himself, known and enjoyed in proportion to our faithfulness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of eschatological rewards permeated Jewish thought (Daniel 12:3, 'they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament') and Jesus's teaching (Beatitudes, parables of talents/minas). Paul builds on this theology, applying it specifically to Christian ministry. Rewards were well-understood in Greco-Roman culture—crowns for athletes, laurels for poets, triumphs for generals.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the promise of future reward affect your present perseverance in apparently fruitless or underappreciated service?
  2. What balance should you strike between serving for love of Christ versus anticipation of reward—are these motivations compatible or contradictory?
  3. What 'work' are you building that you believe will 'abide' through fire—and how can you ensure its permanence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
εἴ1 of 9
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τινος2 of 9
G5100

some or any person or object

τὸ3 of 9
G3588

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

ἔργον4 of 9

“work”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

μενεῖ5 of 9

“abide”

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

ὃ6 of 9

“which”

G3739

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

ἐπωκοδόμησεν7 of 9

“he hath built thereupon”

G2026

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

μισθὸν8 of 9

“a reward”

G3408

pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad

λήψεται9 of 9

“he shall receive”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

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 3:14 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 3:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 3:8Matthew 25:21-231 Corinthians 4:51 Thessalonians 2:19Revelation 2:8-11Matthew 24:45-47

Test Your Knowledge

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

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