King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 3:6 Mean?

1 Corinthians 3:6 in the King James Version says “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”

1 Corinthians 3:6 · KJV

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase (ηὔξανεν ὁ θεός, ēuxanen ho theos)—Paul introduces the agricultural metaphor that dominates verses 6-9. Ephyteusa (ἐφύτευσα, 'I planted') describes Paul's founding evangelism; epotisen (ἐπότισεν, 'watered') represents Apollos's follow-up teaching. Yet ēuxanen (imperfect tense: 'was giving growth') attributes all spiritual increase to God's continuous agency.

This three-part division—planter, waterer, life-giver—appears throughout Scripture. Isaiah 55:10-11 promises God's word will accomplish its purpose; Jesus describes himself as the true vine sustained by the Father's care (John 15:1). Human instrumentality is real but derivative; divine causality is ultimate and effectual. The Reformed doctrine of effectual calling rests here: preachers sow and water, but only God's Spirit regenerates dead hearts (John 3:8, 6:44). Any fruitfulness in ministry is grace from start to finish, leaving no room for ministerial pride or partisan loyalties based on human effectiveness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's metaphor drew on agrarian imagery universally understood in the ancient world. Yet it also reflected biblical precedent—Isaiah's vineyard (Isaiah 5), Jesus's parables of sowers and seeds (Mark 4). The Corinthians, living in a major commercial port, would have known agriculture secondhand; Paul's point was that whether planting or watering, human effort is meaningless without divine blessing.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas of Christian service are you tempted to take credit for 'growth' that only God can give?
  2. How does recognizing God as the sole source of spiritual increase free you from both pride in success and despair in apparent failure?
  3. What does this verse teach about the necessity and limits of human effort in evangelism and discipleship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
ἐγὼ1 of 8

“I”

G1473

i, me

ἐφύτευσα2 of 8

“have planted”

G5452

to set out in the earth, i.e., implant; figuratively, to instil doctrine

Ἀπολλῶς3 of 8

“Apollos”

G625

apollos, an israelite

ἐπότισεν4 of 8

“watered”

G4222

to furnish drink, irrigate

ἀλλ'5 of 8

“but”

G235

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

ὁ6 of 8
G3588

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

θεὸς7 of 8

“God”

G2316

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

ηὔξανεν·8 of 8

“gave the increase”

G837

to grow ("wax"), i.e., enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive)

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 3:6 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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 3:9-10Proverbs 11:252 Corinthians 10:14-151 Corinthians 9:1Acts 18:4-111 Corinthians 1:30

Test Your Knowledge

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

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