1 Corinthians 15:10
New International Version
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

New Living Translation
But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.

English Standard Version
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

Berean Standard Bible
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

Berean Literal Bible
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me has not been void. Rather, I toiled more abundantly than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

King James Bible
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

New King James Version
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

New American Standard Bible
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.

NASB 1995
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.

NASB 1977
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.

Legacy Standard Bible
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.

Amplified Bible
But by the [remarkable] grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not without effect. In fact, I worked harder than all of the apostles, though it was not I, but the grace of God [His unmerited favor and blessing which was] with me.

Christian Standard Bible
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But by God’s grace I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not ineffective. However, I worked more than any of them, yet not I, but God’s grace that was with me.

American Standard Version
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not found vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Contemporary English Version
But God treated me with undeserved grace! He made me what I am, and his grace wasn't wasted. I worked much harder than any of the other apostles, although it was really God's grace at work and not me.

English Revised Version
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not found vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But God's kindness made me what I am, and that kindness was not wasted on me. Instead, I worked harder than all the others. It was not I who did it, but God's kindness was with me.

Good News Translation
But by God's grace I am what I am, and the grace that he gave me was not without effect. On the contrary, I have worked harder than any of the other apostles, although it was not really my own doing, but God's grace working with me.

International Standard Version
But by God's grace I am what I am, and his grace shown to me was not wasted. Instead, I worked harder than all the others—not I, of course, but God's grace that was with me.

Majority Standard Bible
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

NET Bible
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been in vain. In fact, I worked harder than all of them--yet not I, but the grace of God with me.

New Heart English Bible
But by the grace of God I am what I am. His grace which was bestowed on me was not futile, but I worked more than all of them; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Webster's Bible Translation
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me, was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Weymouth New Testament
But what I am I am by the grace of God, and His grace bestowed upon me did not prove ineffectual. But I labored more strenuously than all the rest--yet it was not I, but God's grace working with me.

World English Bible
But by the grace of God I am what I am. His grace which was given to me was not futile, but I worked more than all of them; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace that [is] toward me did not come in vain, but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God that [is] with me;

Berean Literal Bible
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me has not been void. Rather, I toiled more abundantly than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

Young's Literal Translation
and by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace that is towards me came not in vain, but more abundantly than they all did I labour, yet not I, but the grace of God that is with me;

Smith's Literal Translation
And by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which in me was not vain; but I was more abundantly wearied than they all: and not I, but the grace of God which with me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But by the grace of God, I am what I am; and his grace in me hath not been void, but I have laboured more abundantly than all they: yet not I, but the grace of God with me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But, by the grace of God, I am what I am. And his grace in me has not been empty, since I have labored more abundantly than all of them. Yet it is not I, but the grace of God within me.

New American Bible
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been ineffective. Indeed, I have toiled harder than all of them; not I, however, but the grace of God [that is] with me.

New Revised Standard Version
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them—though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace that is in me has not been in vain; for I labored more abundantly than them all: yet not I, but God’s grace that is within me.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But by the grace of God I am whatever I am, and his grace which is in me has not been worthless, but I have labored more than all of them; not I, but his grace that is with me.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But, by the grace of God, I am what I am; and his grace, which was bestowed on me, has not been bestowed in vain: but I have labored more abundantly than they all; not I, how ever, but the grace of God which was with me.

Godbey New Testament
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace was not vain toward me; but I have labored more abundantly than they all: and not I, but the grace of God with me.

Haweis New Testament
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was given to me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Mace New Testament
it is by the divine favour that I am what I am: and his favour to me was not in vain; no, I laboured more than they all: yet it was not I, it was the divine favour which assisted me.

Weymouth New Testament
But what I am I am by the grace of God, and His grace bestowed upon me did not prove ineffectual. But I labored more strenuously than all the rest--yet it was not I, but God's grace working with me.

Worrell New Testament
But by God's grace I am what I am; and His grace which was bestowed upon me did not prove vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Worsley New Testament
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his favor to me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all; yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Resurrection of Christ
9For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them— yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11Whether, then, it was I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.…

Cross References
Ephesians 3:7-8
I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given me through the working of His power. / Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

Galatians 1:15-16
But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased / to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not rush to consult with flesh and blood,

Philippians 2:13
For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.

2 Corinthians 3:5
Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.

Romans 12:3
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.

2 Corinthians 12:9
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.

Romans 15:18
I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed,

1 Timothy 1:12-14
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service. / I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy. / And the grace of our Lord overflowed to me, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:9
He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began.

Colossians 1:29
To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me.

Acts 11:23
When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts.

Acts 14:26
From Attalia they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had just completed.

Acts 15:11
On the contrary, we believe it is through the grace of the Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

Romans 11:5-6
In the same way, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. / And if it is by grace, then it is no longer by works. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace.

John 15:5
I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.


Treasury of Scripture

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed on me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

by.

1 Corinthians 4:7
For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

Romans 11:1,5,6
I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin…

Ephesians 2:7,8
That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus…

his grace.

1 Corinthians 15:2
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

2 Corinthians 6:1
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

but I.

Romans 15:17-20
I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God…

2 Corinthians 10:12-16
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise…

2 Corinthians 11:23-30
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft…

yet.

Matthew 10:20
For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

2 Corinthians 3:5
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

Galatians 2:8
(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

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Abundantly Bestowed Contrary Effect Found Futile God's Grace Harder Laboured Prove Rest Strenuously Towards Vain Work Worked Working
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Abundantly Bestowed Contrary Effect Found Futile God's Grace Harder Laboured Prove Rest Strenuously Towards Vain Work Worked Working
1 Corinthians 15
1. By Christ's resurrection,
12. he proves the necessity of our resurrection,
16. against all such as deny the resurrection of the body.
21. The fruit,
35. and the manner thereof;
51. and of the resurrection of those who shall be found alive at the last day.














But by the grace of God
The phrase "by the grace of God" underscores the unmerited favor and divine assistance that Paul attributes to his transformation and ministry. The Greek word for grace, "charis," conveys a sense of kindness and favor that is not earned. In the historical context of Paul's life, this grace was transformative, taking him from a persecutor of Christians to a leading apostle. This highlights the power of God's grace to change lives, a central tenet in Christian theology.

I am what I am
This statement reflects Paul's acceptance of his identity and role as an apostle, shaped by God's grace. The Greek phrase "eimi ho eimi" echoes the divine self-identification in Exodus 3:14, "I AM WHO I AM," suggesting a profound acceptance of one's God-given identity. Historically, Paul faced criticism and doubt about his apostleship, but here he affirms that his identity and mission are divinely ordained.

and His grace to me was not in vain
The word "vain" translates from the Greek "kenos," meaning empty or without result. Paul emphasizes that the grace he received was fruitful and effective. In the scriptural context, this counters any notion that divine grace is passive; instead, it actively empowers believers to fulfill God's purposes. Paul's life and ministry serve as evidence of grace's tangible impact.

No, I worked harder than all of them
Paul's assertion of hard work, "kopiao" in Greek, meaning to toil or labor intensely, highlights the synergy between divine grace and human effort. While grace is a gift, it does not negate the responsibility to labor diligently in God's service. Historically, Paul's missionary journeys, writings, and sufferings attest to his tireless dedication to spreading the Gospel.

yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me
This phrase encapsulates the paradox of Christian living: human effort is essential, yet it is ultimately God's grace that empowers and sustains. The Greek "sunergos," meaning co-worker, implies a partnership between divine grace and human action. In the broader scriptural narrative, this reflects the mystery of sanctification, where believers are called to work out their salvation with the understanding that it is God who works in them (Philippians 2:12-13).

(10) But by the grace of God I am what I am.--This whole verse is full of that maintenance of official dignity as an Apostle and a labourer, and of personal humility, which were characteristic of St. Paul.

Verse 10. - By the grace of God I am. what I am. And therefore he was "in nothing behind the very chiefest apostles." However humbly he thought of himself, it would have been mere unfaithfulness to disparage his own work (2 Corinthians 3:5, 6). I laboured more abundantly than they all. Because God wrought effectually in him (Galatians 2:8). The word used for "labour" implies the extreme of toil (Matthew 6:28: Philippians 2:16), etc. But the grace of God. "It is God that worketh in you" (Philippians 2:13; Matthew 10:20; Colossians 1:29).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

[by the] grace
χάριτι (chariti)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5485: From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.

of God
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

I am
εἰμι (eimi)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

what
(ho)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

I am,
εἰμι (eimi)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

grace
χάρις (charis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5485: From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

me
ἐμὲ (eme)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

was not
ἐγενήθη (egenēthē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

in vain.
κενὴ (kenē)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2756: Apparently a primary word; empty.

No,
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

I worked
ἐκοπίασα (ekopiasa)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2872: From a derivative of kopos; to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard.

harder
περισσότερον (perissoteron)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular - Comparative
Strong's 4053: From peri; superabundant or superior; by implication, excessive; adverbially violently; neuter preeminence.

than all of them—
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

yet
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

I,
ἐγὼ (egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

the
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

grace
χάρις (charis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5485: From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.

of God
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

that [was]
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

with
σὺν (syn)
Preposition
Strong's 4862: With. A primary preposition denoting union; with or together.

me.
ἐμοί (emoi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 15:9
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