King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 3:9 Mean?

1 Corinthians 3:9 in the King James Version says “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. husbandry: or, tillage” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 3:9 · KJV

Context

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

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.

Read 1 Corinthians 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For we are labourers together with God (θεοῦ γάρ ἐσμεν συνεργοί, theou gar esmen synergoi)—synergoi (coworkers) could mean 'working with God' or 'working together as God's servants.' The grammar permits both: we labor alongside one another in God's employment. Ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building (θεοῦ γεώργιον, θεοῦ οἰκοδομή, theou geōrgion, theou oikodomē)—Paul shifts metaphors from agriculture (geōrgion, cultivated field) to architecture (oikodomē, construction).

The double genitive 'God's' (θεοῦ) emphasizes divine ownership and agency. Ministers don't own the field they plant or the building they construct; God owns both workers and work. This transitions from agricultural imagery (verses 6-8) to the building metaphor (verses 10-15) that becomes dominant. Both pictures emphasize: (1) human labor is real and necessary; (2) divine ownership and blessing are ultimate; (3) the Corinthians are the object being cultivated/constructed, not autonomous agents. They are passive—a field being tended, a structure being erected—through the ministry of Paul, Apollos, and ultimately God himself.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The dual metaphor (agriculture/architecture) was common in ancient Near Eastern texts. Jeremiah employed both: 'to pluck up and to break down, to build and to plant' (Jeremiah 1:10). Paul's genius lies in applying both images to the same reality—the church—emphasizing different aspects of spiritual formation: organic growth (agriculture) and purposeful construction (architecture).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing you are 'God's field' and 'God's building' (not your own) affect your response to spiritual formation and church discipline?
  2. What does it mean to be a 'coworker with God'—what is your contribution and what is his in your sanctification and service?
  3. How do the agricultural and architectural metaphors together provide a fuller picture of church growth than either alone?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
θεοῦ1 of 9

“God's”

G2316

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

γάρ2 of 9

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐσμεν3 of 9

“we are”

G2070

we are

συνεργοί4 of 9

“labourers together”

G4904

a co-laborer, i.e., coadjutor

θεοῦ5 of 9

“God's”

G2316

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

γεώργιον6 of 9

“husbandry”

G1091

cultivable, i.e., a farm

θεοῦ7 of 9

“God's”

G2316

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

οἰκοδομή8 of 9

“building”

G3619

architecture, i.e., (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation

ἐστε9 of 9

“ye are”

G2075

ye are

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 3:9 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 3:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 2:5Ephesians 2:20-222 Corinthians 6:11 Corinthians 3:16Mark 16:20Ephesians 2:10

Test Your Knowledge

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

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