1 Corinthians 3 11

1 Corinthians 3:11 kjv

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:11 nkjv

For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:11 niv

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:11 esv

For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:11 nlt

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have ? Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 3 verses

1 Corinthians 3 11 Meaning

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. This verse emphatically declares the absolute and sole basis for the Christian faith, salvation, and the Church is Jesus Christ. It asserts that there is no other legitimate or lasting groundwork upon which one can build their spiritual life, ministry, or theological understanding. Any attempt to construct belief or practice on a different foundation is invalid and will ultimately fail or be found worthless in God's eyes.

1 Corinthians 3 11 Context

First Corinthians chapter 3 focuses on addressing the divisions and immaturity within the Corinthian church. Paul confronts the factions forming around human leaders like himself and Apollos, emphasizing that these leaders are merely servants through whom the Corinthians believed (v. 5). Using agricultural and building metaphors, Paul explains that while different individuals "plant" and "water" (teach and nurture), it is "God who gives the growth" (v. 6). He clarifies that ministers are co-workers with God, and the church is "God’s field, God’s building" (v. 9). The immediate preceding verse (v. 10) sets the stage by introducing Paul as a "wise master builder" who "laid a foundation." Verse 11 then explicitly defines what that indispensable foundation is. The historical context includes the city of Corinth's prevalent paganism, diverse philosophical schools, and a cultural emphasis on eloquence and human wisdom, which influenced the Corinthian believers and led to pride, rivalry, and sectarianism within the church. Paul directly challenges this human-centric thinking by proclaiming Christ's ultimate centrality.

1 Corinthians 3 11 Word analysis

• For (γάρ - gar): A conjunction introducing an explanation, reason, or elaboration for the preceding statement (1 Cor 3:10), which describes Paul laying the foundation as a "wise master builder."
• no one (οὐδείς - oudeis): A strong negative pronoun meaning "not even one," "no one at all." It stresses absolute exclusivity and prohibits any alternative.
• can lay (δύναται θεῖναι - dynamai theinai): "Can" (dynamai) denotes ability or possibility. "Lay" (theinai) means to place, set down, establish. The combined phrase indicates that it is utterly impossible and forbidden for anyone to establish a different foundational base.
• any (ἄλλον - allon): Pertaining to something "other" or "different in kind." It rules out all alternative foundations.
• foundation (θεμέλιον - themelion): The Greek term refers to the base, substructure, or groundwork of a building. It signifies that which is primary, essential, and supports everything else. Without a proper foundation, the building is unstable or non-existent.
• other than (παρὰ - para): Literally "beside" or "alongside." In this context, it emphasizes contrast and distinctness, indicating "in addition to," "contrary to," or "apart from." It means there is no other legitimate option.
• the one already laid (τὸν κείμενον - ton keimenon): The definite article "the one" points to a specific, unique foundation. "Already laid" (keimenon, perfect participle of keimai) signifies an accomplished act; it is established, fixed, and eternally valid, not something new that can be created by humans. It implies divine authorship in laying this foundation.
• which is (ὅς ἐστιν - hos estin): "Which is" explicitly identifies the laid foundation. This clarifies any ambiguity about its nature or identity.
• Jesus Christ (Ἰησοῦς Χριστός - Iesous Christos): This is the direct identification of the foundation.
  • Jesus (Ἰησοῦς - Iēsous): The earthly name of the incarnate Son of God, emphasizing His humanity, historical existence, and role as Savior ("God saves").
  • Christ (Χριστός - Christos): The Greek equivalent of the Hebrew Messiah (מָשִׁיחַ - Mashiach), meaning "Anointed One." It refers to His divine office and kingship, signifying His role as the divinely appointed Savior, King, and Lord.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "For no one can lay": This phrase underlines the impossibility and lack of authority for any human, no matter how gifted or prominent, to establish a different, valid foundation. It challenges human autonomy in spiritual matters.
• "any foundation other than": This signifies the complete lack of legitimate alternatives. It is a declaration of exclusivity; only one true spiritual base exists.
• "the one already laid": This highlights the foundation's established nature and divine origin. It is a truth revealed and established by God, not by human effort or ingenuity. This pre-existent foundation pre-dates any ministry work or human wisdom.
• "which is Jesus Christ": This is the definitive, non-negotiable identification of the unique foundation. It encapsulates His person (God and man), His work (atonement, resurrection), His Lordship, and His entire redemptive story as the indispensable starting point for salvation and the Church's existence.

1 Corinthians 3 11 Bonus section

The phrase "already laid" also signifies divine sovereignty. This foundation was not chosen by human will or popular vote, but established by God's eternal decree. It removes any notion that humanity contributes to the establishment of the basis for salvation. Furthermore, this verse highlights Christ's non-negotiable status in Christian truth. There's no syncretism or alternative path to God presented as valid. This echoes Old Testament declarations of Yahweh's exclusive uniqueness (Isa 43:10-11, Isa 44:6). The themelion (foundation) for a spiritual "building" contrasts sharply with secular Corinth's architectural achievements or philosophical foundations. The only true spiritual structure is built on God's divine provision in Jesus Christ, and its durability is tested by divine judgment, as outlined in the following verses (1 Cor 3:12-15).

1 Corinthians 3 11 Commentary

1 Corinthians 3:11 serves as a cornerstone (pun intended) for understanding Christian theology and practice. It is a profound declaration that Jesus Christ is not merely a component but the very essence and entirety of the only legitimate foundation upon which faith, ministry, and the Church can stand. Paul's analogy of building here moves from the specific acts of "planting" and "watering" to the fundamental underlying structure.

The emphasis on the foundation being "already laid" underscores that the saving work of Christ is a completed act (finished on the cross, validated by the resurrection) and a divinely established reality. Ministers, apostles, and prophets do not create the foundation; they only build upon it, teaching and living out its implications. Any theological system, ethical framework, or evangelistic method that does not centrally rest upon the person and work of Jesus Christ, as revealed in Scripture, is ultimately built on sand.

This verse therefore serves as a vital safeguard against doctrinal drift, human-centered spiritualities, and sectarian divisions within the church. It reminds believers that true unity, growth, and effectiveness flow from a shared commitment to, and understanding of, Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Subsequent verses (1 Cor 3:12-15) clarify that while the foundation is constant, the quality of what is built upon it (ministries, lives) will be tested and judged, yet even that judgment rests upon the solid, unchanging foundation of Christ.

Practical Examples:

• Doctrinal Purity: Any church doctrine that detracts from Christ's unique deity, substitutionary atonement, or bodily resurrection, is not building on the proper foundation.
• Personal Faith: A believer's hope for salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life must be rooted solely in Jesus Christ's finished work, not in their own good deeds, spiritual experiences, or affiliation with a specific denomination.
• Ministry: Effective Christian ministry aims to exalt Christ, make disciples in His name, and teach obedience to His commands, recognizing that apart from Him, the efforts are futile.