1 Corinthians 3:12 kjv
Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
1 Corinthians 3:12 nkjv
Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,
1 Corinthians 3:12 niv
If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw,
1 Corinthians 3:12 esv
Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw ?
1 Corinthians 3:12 nlt
Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials ? gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw.
1 Corinthians 3 12 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Corinthians 3:11 | For no one can lay any foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. | Direct affirmation of the foundation |
| Romans 14:10 | For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. | Future accountability |
| 2 Corinthians 5:10 | For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive what is due to him for the things done in his body, whether good or bad. | Works examined for reward |
| Ephesians 2:20 | and are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone. | Foundation includes apostles and prophets |
| Hebrews 6:1 | Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, | Concept of laying foundation |
| 1 Peter 4:12 | Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. | Trial by fire is a test |
| Revelation 21:18-21 | and the material of its walls was jasper, but the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. | Heavenly city described with precious materials |
| Isaiah 60:17 | Instead of bronze I will bring gold, and instead of iron I will bring silver, instead of wood, bronze, and instead of stones, iron. I will also make harmony your appointed officials and righteousness your taskmasters. | Divine transformation, valuable materials |
| Malachi 3:3 | He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may offer to the Lord offerings in righteousness. | Refining process by fire |
| Psalm 12:6 | The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. | Purity and value of God's word |
| Proverbs 25:4 | Take away the dross from silver, and the goldsmith shall produce a piece of silver. | Removing impurities for purity |
| Romans 9:21-23 | Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? What if God, wanting to show his wrath and to make known his power, has borne with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, rather than make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory— | God's sovereign choice, vessels prepared for purpose |
| Galatians 6:6-8 | Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who instructs. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. For whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. | Sowing and reaping principle |
| 1 Corinthians 6:20 | For you have been bought with a price: glorify God in your body. | God's ownership, valuing our service |
| Philippians 2:12-13 | Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to do for his good pleasure. | Working out salvation, God's enabling |
| 1 John 5:4 | For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world, our faith. | Faith as the victory |
| Ephesians 3:14-15 | For this reason I bow my knees to the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, | Fatherhood of God |
| Colossians 1:23 | if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and not being moved away from the hope of the gospel that you heard and that was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister. | Perseverance in faith |
| John 15:5 | I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. | Abiding in Christ for fruit-bearing |
| 1 Peter 1:6-7 | In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you must be tried by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found resulting in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. | Faith tested by fire like precious metals |
| 1 Corinthians 3:10 | According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another builds upon it. | Paul as a skilled builder |
| John 3:20-21 | For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been worked in God. | Deeds tested by light/truth |
1 Corinthians 3 verses
1 Corinthians 3 12 Meaning
This verse contrasts building with "gold, silver, precious stones" versus "wood, hay, straw" upon the foundation of Christ. It emphasizes the enduring quality and eternal value of works done for God, as opposed to those that are temporal and perishable, subject to a future test by fire. The outcome of this testing determines the reward for the builder.
1 Corinthians 3 12 Context
This verse is found within a larger discussion in 1 Corinthians 3 about the divisions and immaturity within the Corinthian church. Paul is addressing the factions that arose, with people identifying with specific leaders like himself, Apollos, or Cephas. He uses the metaphor of building a spiritual temple with Christ as the cornerstone, emphasizing unity and the divine origin of the work. This particular verse serves to highlight the difference in the quality and ultimate value of the ministries and efforts of these leaders and their followers within the church, distinguishing between works that will endure and those that will be consumed by divine judgment. The immediate context is Paul contrasting his foundational ministry with the building activities of others who followed.
1 Corinthians 3 12 Word Analysis
"Now if" (Εἰ δὲ): This introduces a conditional statement. It suggests a hypothetical situation concerning the nature of building on the foundation.
- Εἰ (ei): A particle of condition, meaning "if." It presents a possibility or a contingency.
- δὲ (de): A conjunction meaning "but," "and," or "now." Here, it acts as a conjunction linking to the preceding thought about building.
"anyone builds" (τις ἐποικοδομεῖ): Refers to any individual contributing to the spiritual structure of the church.
- τις (tis): An indefinite pronoun, "someone," "anyone." Highlights the personal responsibility of each builder.
- ἐποικοδομεῖ (epoikodomei): Present tense, indicative mood of the verb
epoikodomeō. It means "to build upon," "to erect further," or "to construct." This implies continuous and progressive building activity in the spiritual realm. The compound verb suggests building upon a pre-existing structure or foundation.
"on the foundation" (ἐπὶ τὸ θεμέλιον): Specifies the base upon which the building takes place.
- ἐπὶ (epi): A preposition meaning "on," "upon," "over," or "at." Indicates the relationship to the foundation.
- τὸ (to): The definite article, "the." It refers to a specific, already established foundation.
- θεμέλιον (themélion): Accusative singular of
themelios, meaning "foundation," "base," or "cornerstone." In this context, it unequivocally refers to Jesus Christ, as established in the previous verse (1 Cor 3:11).
"gold," (χρυσοῦν): Refers to valuable, enduring material. Symbolizes works of genuine faith, love, and truth, lasting in God's eyes.
- χρυσοῦν (khrusoun): Adjective from
khrusos("gold"). It means "golden," "made of gold." Represents incorruptible, precious quality.
- χρυσοῦν (khrusoun): Adjective from
"silver," (ἀργυροῦν): Another precious and enduring metal, symbolizing works of high spiritual worth.
- ἀργυροῦν (argurous): Adjective from
arguros("silver"). It means "silvery," "made of silver." Implies intrinsic value and purity.
- ἀργυροῦν (argurous): Adjective from
"precious stones," (λίθους τιμίους): Highly valuable gems, signifying works of exceptional quality, purity, and divine appointment.
- λίθους (lithous): Accusative plural of
lithos, meaning "stone." - τιμίους (timious): Accusative plural of
timios, meaning "honorable," "valued," "precious," "costly." Refers to valuable stones.
- λίθους (lithous): Accusative plural of
"wood," (ξύλα): Common building material, less valuable and prone to decay or burning. Symbolizes works that are temporary, superficial, or motivated by impure intentions.
- ξύλα (xyla): Accusative plural of
xylon, meaning "wood." Represents something perishable.
- ξύλα (xyla): Accusative plural of
"hay," (χόρτος): Dry grass or fodder, easily combustible and lacking durability. Represents works built on fleshly wisdom, human effort without divine power, or superficial spirituality.
- χόρτος (khortos): Accusative plural of
khortos, meaning "fodder," "grass," "hay." Easily consumed by fire.
- χόρτος (khortos): Accusative plural of
"straw." (καλάμη): Stalks of grain, highly flammable. Further emphasizes the insignificance and impermanence of certain works.
- καλάμη (kalamē): Accusative plural of
kalamos(via oblique case), meaning "reed," "straw." Also perishable and easily burned.
- καλάμη (kalamē): Accusative plural of
"each one's work" (ἑκάστου τὸ ἔργον): Every individual's contribution and effort will be evaluated.
- ἑκάστου (hekastou): Genitive singular of
hekastos, meaning "each," "every." Singular emphasizes individual accountability. - τὸ ἔργον (to ergon): The work. Refers to the labor, deeds, and ministry performed.
- ἑκάστου (hekastou): Genitive singular of
"will become manifest;" (φανερὸν γενήσεται): Will be revealed, brought to light, and exposed.
- φανερὸν (phaneron): Accusative singular neuter of
phaneros, meaning "visible," "manifest," "clear." - γενήσεται (genēsetai): Future indicative middle/passive of
ginomai, meaning "to become," "to be produced," "to be revealed." The passive implies it is brought into visibility by an external agent (the fire).
- φανερὸν (phaneron): Accusative singular neuter of
"for the day" (ἡ γὰρ ἡμέρα): The specific time when this evaluation will occur.
- ἡ γὰρ (hē gar): "For the" or "for indeed."
Garis a causal conjunction. - ἡμέρα (hēmera): Noun for "day." In eschatological contexts, often refers to the Day of the Lord or the final judgment.
- ἡ γὰρ (hē gar): "For the" or "for indeed."
"will disclose it," (δηλώσει): Will make known or reveal clearly.
- δηλώσει (dēlōsei): Future active indicative of
dēloō, meaning "to show," "to make known," "to declare." Indicates a decisive revelation.
- δηλώσει (dēlōsei): Future active indicative of
"because it will be revealed by fire," (πυρὶ γὰρ αὐτὴν ἀποκαλύπτει): The means by which the works are tested and revealed.
- πυρὶ (pyri): Dative singular of
pur, "fire." Fire as the testing agent. - γὰρ (gar): "For," introducing the reason for disclosure.
- αὐτὴν (autēn): Accusative singular feminine of
autos, referring back toto ergon(work), which is neuter, but Paul may be thinking of the foundation or church which can be personified. It more directly refers to the work (to ergon). The accusative here is of the object acted upon by the verb. - ἀποκαλύπτει (apokaluptē): Present tense, indicative mood of
apokalyptō, meaning "to reveal," "to uncover," "to disclose." The present tense here suggests the nature of the day's action – its ongoing characteristic of revealing. However, many modern translations prefer future indicative (e.g., NIVwill reveal it). The manuscripts are split, but the force is the same: the day makes things manifest.
- πυρὶ (pyri): Dative singular of
"and the fire will test" (καὶ τὸ πῦρ δοκιμάσει): The fire itself acts as the testing instrument.
- καὶ (kai): Conjunction, "and."
- τὸ πῦρ (to pur): "The fire." The agent of testing.
- δοκιμάσει (dokimasei): Future active indicative of
dokimazō, meaning "to test," "to examine," "to approve," "to prove." This is the core of the judgment – testing for genuine quality and worth.
"the quality of each one's work." (ἑκάστου τοῦ ἔργου): The nature and substance of the individual's contribution is what is being scrutinized.
- ἑκάστου (hekastou): Genitive singular of
hekastos, "each one's." Reinforces individual evaluation. - τοῦ ἔργου (tou ergou): Genitive singular of
ergon, "work." The substance or nature of the work.
- ἑκάστου (hekastou): Genitive singular of
Group Analysis:
- Building Materials: The contrast between "gold, silver, precious stones" (valuable, durable, refined) and "wood, hay, straw" (perishable, common, flammable) highlights the distinct natures of ministries. Gold and silver symbolize pure motives and enduring spiritual impact, while wood, hay, and straw represent works built on human ingenuity, eloquence, or ulterior motives, lacking divine substance and temporal validity.
- Testing by Fire: The "day" and the "fire" represent a future, divine judgment where all our works, irrespective of their earthly appearance, will be scrutinized for their true substance and origin. This fire is not destructive of the builder (as salvation is sure), but of the works performed. It is a refiner's fire, separating the precious from the worthless.
- Individual Accountability: The repetition of "each one's" emphasizes personal responsibility for the quality of one's contribution to God's work, built upon the foundation of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3 12 Bonus Section
The concept of fire as a testing agent is prevalent in Scripture. In the Old Testament, it was used for refining precious metals (Psalm 12:6) and for purification rituals. The New Testament also uses fire in the context of judgment and purification. The "gold, silver, precious stones" likely reflect the divine attributes and the nature of God's kingdom that are eternal and pure. The ephemeral nature of wood, hay, and straw highlights the transient nature of worldly wisdom and effort when contrasted with divine principles. This teaching reinforces the principle of sowing and reaping, where the ultimate harvest is determined by what one has sown into the Spirit rather than the flesh. The verse assures believers of their salvation ("he himself will be saved") even if their works are consumed, preventing despair but emphasizing the loss of rewards.
1 Corinthians 3 12 Commentary
Paul's analogy of building on the foundation of Christ emphasizes that every believer, especially leaders, contributes to the ongoing spiritual edifice of the church. The distinction between precious and perishable building materials signifies that not all Christian work is equal in eternal value. Works performed with pure motives, in reliance on the Holy Spirit, and aligned with God's truth will be revealed as enduring and valuable in God's sight. Conversely, works tainted by pride, ego, division, or reliance on human wisdom, even if seemingly impressive on earth, will be exposed as lacking substance and will be consumed by divine judgment. This judgment is not to condemn the believer but to determine the rewards they receive. It’s a call to build with eternal perspective, using the incorruptible "materials" of genuine faith, love, and service empowered by the Spirit. The "fire" symbolizes God's penetrating scrutiny that reveals the true nature and quality of our labor.
Practical Application Examples:
- A teacher carefully preparing lessons rooted in Scripture versus one who improvises with entertaining anecdotes but little substance.
- A missionary driven by love for Christ and souls, enduring hardship for the Gospel, versus one seeking recognition or personal advancement.
- Acts of selfless service performed in private, without expectation of human praise, versus public displays of piety motivated by seeking admiration.