1 Corinthians 3 15

1 Corinthians 3:15 kjv

If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

1 Corinthians 3:15 nkjv

If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

1 Corinthians 3:15 niv

If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved?even though only as one escaping through the flames.

1 Corinthians 3:15 esv

If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

1 Corinthians 3:15 nlt

But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.

1 Corinthians 3 verses

1 Corinthians 3 15 Meaning

If any person's work which he has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

1 Corinthians 3 15 Context

Paul is addressing the division within the Corinthian church. Some followed Apollos, some followed Paul, and others followed Cephas. Paul clarifies his role and Apollos' role as ministers who worked alongside God. He emphasizes that Christ is the foundation of the church, and all their building efforts must be upon this foundation. He contrasts building with "gold, silver, precious stones" versus "wood, hay, or straw," signifying the quality and endurance of their spiritual work, not their physical existence or theological accuracy necessarily. The primary concern is the integrity of the ministry and its eternal impact, as tested by fire at the judgment seat of Christ. The urgency is for believers to build with enduring materials, reflecting genuine faith and commitment in their service and doctrine.

1 Corinthians 3 15 Word analysis

• εἴ τις (ei tis): "if anyone." Conditional particle introducing a possibility for any individual.
• ἐὰν (ean): "if." Another conditional particle, common in Pauline discourse.
• αὐτοῦ (autou): "his." Possessive pronoun referring back to "anyone."
• epyoan (ergon): "work." Refers to the labor, deeds, and ministries performed by believers.
• ἐπικοδομήσει (epikoDOMEsēi): "builds upon." Third-person singular future active indicative of epikoDOMEO, meaning to construct, edify, build up. It signifies adding to or strengthening the foundation.
• οὗ (hou): "which." Relative pronoun linking the work to the foundation.
• ὑπομένει (ypomenei): "abides," "remains," "endures." Third-person singular present active indicative of ypomeno, signifying perseverance, to stay under.
• μισθὸν (misthon): "reward." Accusative singular of misthos, payment for service, wages, recompense.
• λήψεται (lēpsetai): "he will receive." Third-person singular future middle indicative of lambano, to take, receive.
• εἴ τις (ei tis): "if anyone." Reiterates the conditional possibility.
• κατακαήσεται (katakaēsetai): "will be burned up." Third-person singular future passive indicative of katakaō, to burn down, consume by fire.
• τὸ ἔργον (to ergon): "the work." Refers to the same work as mentioned earlier.
• ζημίαν (zēmiān): "loss," "damage." Accusative singular of zēmia, the penalty for wrongdoing or failure, loss incurred.
• ἕξει (hexei): "he will suffer," "he will have." Third-person singular future active indicative of echō, to have, possess.
• οὗτος (houtos): "he," "this one." Demonstrative pronoun pointing to the individual whose work is burned.
• δὲ (de): "but," "however." Conjunction introducing a contrast or qualification.
• σωθήσεται (sōthēsetai): "he will be saved." Third-person singular future passive indicative of sōzō, to save, deliver, preserve.
• δὲ (de): "but," "however."
• οὕτως (houtōs): "thus," "so." Adverb indicating the manner of salvation.
• ὡς (hōs): "as," "like." Conjunction used for comparison or manner.
• διὰ (dia): "through." Preposition often used with "fire."
• πυρός (pyros): "fire." Genitive singular of pyr, fire. Implies experiencing the trial of fire.

Words Group Analysis:

• "building on the foundation" (εἰ ἐπικοδομήσει): Refers to all actions, teachings, and ministry built upon Christ, the sole foundation. It’s about adding to the structure of faith.
• "work will abide" (τοῦ ἔργου αὐτοῦ μένει): Denotes the enduring nature of ministry and actions that are genuinely Christ-centered and aligned with God's will.
• "he will receive a reward" (μισθὸν λήψεται): Indicates that there will be a future recompense for ministry and service that withstands divine scrutiny.
• "his work is burned up" (τὸ ἔργον αὐτοῦ κατακαήσεται): Signifies the destruction or loss of ministry or actions that were performed with impure motives, improper methods, or strayed from the foundation.
• "he will suffer loss" (ζημίαν ἕξει): Conveys the personal consequence of the destruction of one's work, a regrettable failure in ministry.
• "he himself will be saved, but only as through fire" (αὐτὸς δὲ σωθήσεται, οὕτως δὲ ὡς διὰ πυρός): This is a crucial distinction. The person is saved, meaning their eternal destiny is secure, but they experience this salvation through severe trial and loss of their contributions. The imagery emphasizes a minimal salvation, having lost all that was built.

1 Corinthians 3 15 Bonus section

The imagery of fire as a test for spiritual works is potent. Fire is often used in Scripture to refine, purify, and judge. The idea that salvation is "as through fire" signifies that while the believer’s fundamental salvation is secure by Christ’s merit, their eternal reward and recognition of service are subject to scrutiny and purification. This passage teaches a future reward system based on the quality and character of our works in this life, all of which stem from being united with Christ. It's a sober reminder that while all believers are saved, not all will experience the same degree of reward or recognition in the age to come. The distinction between one's own salvation and the survival of one's work is critical; the person might be saved, but their legacy of works, if not built on Christ, could be reduced to nothing, leading to regret.

1 Corinthians 3 15 Commentary

This verse highlights the concept of accountability for ministry and spiritual building. Believers are encouraged to build their lives and ministries upon the sure foundation, which is Christ Jesus. The quality of this building material matters for eternal reward. Works performed in faith, love, and according to God's word, done with sincerity and for His glory, will endure the testing of fire at the judgment. These are works of genuine discipleship, teaching sound doctrine, and manifesting Christlike character. Works done out of pride, for personal glory, or with faulty motives, though perhaps appearing impressive in this life, will not stand the test. Even if the individual's faith is genuine and they are ultimately saved, their contribution to God's kingdom, as measured by enduring works, will be lost, leading to personal loss and shame at that time. The emphasis is not on the salvation of the soul, which is by grace through faith, but on the reward for the life lived and ministry performed after salvation.

Practical Usage:

• Focus on the Foundation: Ensure all teaching and actions are anchored firmly in Jesus Christ.
• Examine Motives: Build ministry and Christian life for God's glory, not human praise.
• Build with Enduring Materials: Invest time in solid biblical teaching, prayer, loving service, and personal holiness, as these are the "gold, silver, precious stones" of ministry. Avoid building with ephemeral things like ego-driven ministries or sensationalism.
• Persevere: Continue building, even through difficulties, trusting that God will sustain genuine works.
• Self-Examination: Regularly assess our spiritual labor for its eternal value.