King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 3:7 Mean?

1 Corinthians 3:7 in the King James Version says “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”

1 Corinthians 3:7 · KJV

Context

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.

9

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

Read 1 Corinthians 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth—Paul draws the radical conclusion from verse 6: human laborers are nothing (οὐδέν ἐστιν, ouden estin). This is not false humility but theological precision. But God that giveth the increase (ἀλλ' ὁ αὐξάνων θεός, all' ho auxanōn theos)—the present participle emphasizes God's ongoing, active causation of growth. He alone is 'something,' the sole source of life and fruitfulness.

This assertion demolishes all ministerial pride and partisan devotion to leaders. Planting and watering are necessary activities, but they possess no inherent power to generate life. Only God quickens dead souls (Ephesians 2:1), opens blind eyes (2 Corinthians 4:6), and grants repentance (2 Timothy 2:25). The preacher's role is indispensable as instrument but utterly impotent as cause. This theology protects against two errors: despising faithful ministers (they are God's chosen means) and idolizing gifted ministers (they are merely means, not causes). Paul's 'nothing' echoes Jesus: 'Without me ye can do nothing' (John 15:5).

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Historical & Cultural Context

In a culture that glorified rhetorical power and personal charisma (the sophist tradition), Paul's assertion that planters and waterers are 'nothing' was countercultural and offensive. Greek and Roman society honored great orators as culture-shapers; Paul insists preachers are disposable instruments whose only value derives from God's sovereign use of them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's 'nothing' verdict on human ministers challenge contemporary celebrity pastor culture?
  2. In what ways are you tempted to evaluate ministry by human skill (eloquence, charisma) rather than divine blessing?
  3. What freedom comes from recognizing you are 'nothing' in yourself but may be used by the God who 'gives the increase'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ὥστε1 of 13

“So”

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

οὔτε2 of 13

“neither”

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

ὁ3 of 13
G3588

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

φυτεύων4 of 13

“he that planteth”

G5452

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

ἐστίν5 of 13

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τι6 of 13

“any thing”

G5100

some or any person or object

οὔτε7 of 13

“neither”

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

ὁ8 of 13
G3588

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

ποτίζων9 of 13

“he that watereth”

G4222

to furnish drink, irrigate

ἀλλ'10 of 13

“but”

G235

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

ὁ11 of 13
G3588

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

αὐξάνων12 of 13

“that giveth the increase”

G837

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

θεός13 of 13

“God”

G2316

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

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 3:7 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 3:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 15:5Galatians 6:3Psalms 115:12 Corinthians 12:91 Corinthians 13:2Isaiah 40:17

Test Your Knowledge

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

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