King James Version
What Does 1 Corinthians 3:6 Mean?
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”
Context
4
For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
5
Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
6
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
7
So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
8
Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(6) **I have planted, Apollos watered.**—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 Acts 18:27; Acts 19:1. After St. Paul had been at Corinth (Acts 18:1), Apollos, who had been taught by Aquila and Priscilla at Ephesus, came there and “helped them much which had already believed.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 3:6 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 3:6
1 Corinthians 3:9-10
→Proverbs 11:25
→2 Corinthians 10:14-15
→1 Corinthians 9:1
→Acts 18:4-11
→1 Corinthians 1:30
→Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge