1 Corinthians 3:13
New International Version
their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.

New Living Translation
But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value.

English Standard Version
each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.

Berean Standard Bible
his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work.

Berean Literal Bible
the work of each will become manifest, for the day will disclose it, because it is revealed in fire, and the fire itself will prove the work of each, what sort it is.

King James Bible
Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

New King James Version
each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.

New American Standard Bible
each one’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each one’s work.

NASB 1995
each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work.

NASB 1977
each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work.

Legacy Standard Bible
each man’s work will become evident, for the day will indicate it because it is revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work.

Amplified Bible
each one’s work will be clearly shown [for what it is]; for the day [of judgment] will disclose it, because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality and character and worth of each person’s work.

Christian Standard Bible
each one’s work will become obvious. For the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
each one’s work will become obvious, for the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work.

American Standard Version
each man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself shall prove each man's work of what sort it is.

English Revised Version
each man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself shall prove each man's work of what sort it is.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The day will make what each one does clearly visible because fire will reveal it. That fire will determine what kind of work each person has done.

Good News Translation
And the quality of each person's work will be seen when the Day of Christ exposes it. For on that Day fire will reveal everyone's work; the fire will test it and show its real quality.

International Standard Version
the workmanship of each person will become evident, for the day of judgment will show what it is, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's action.

Majority Standard Bible
his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work.

NET Bible
each builder's work will be plainly seen, for the Day will make it clear, because it will be revealed by fire. And the fire will test what kind of work each has done.

New Heart English Bible
each man's work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will test what sort of work each man's work is.

Webster's Bible Translation
Every man's work will be made manifest: for the day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will try every man's work, of what sort it is.

Weymouth New Testament
the true character of each individual's work will become manifest. For the day of Christ will disclose it, because that day is soon to come upon us clothed in fire, and as for the quality of every one's work-- the fire is the thing which will test it.

World English Bible
each man’s work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will test what sort of work each man’s work is.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
the work will become visible of each, for the day will declare [it], because it is revealed in fire, and the work of each, what kind it is, the fire will prove;

Berean Literal Bible
the work of each will become manifest, for the day will disclose it, because it is revealed in fire, and the fire itself will prove the work of each, what sort it is.

Young's Literal Translation
of each the work shall become manifest, for the day shall declare it, because in fire it is revealed, and the work of each, what kind it is, the fire shall prove;

Smith's Literal Translation
The work of each shall be manifested: for the day shall manifest, for in fire it is revealed; and the work of each, what sort it is, the fire shall prove.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Every man's work shall be manifest; for the day of the Lord shall declare it, because it shall be revealed in fire; and the fire shall try every man's work, of what sort it is.

Catholic Public Domain Version
each one’s work shall be made manifest. For the day of the Lord shall declare it, because it will be revealed by fire. And this fire will test each one’s work, as to what kind it is.

New American Bible
the work of each will come to light, for the Day will disclose it. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire [itself] will test the quality of each one’s work.

New Revised Standard Version
the work of each builder will become visible, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each has done.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Every man’s work shall be plainly seen: for the light of day shall expose it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall test every man’s work and show of what sort it is.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
The work of every person is revealed, for that day reveals it, because the work of every person is revealed by fire, what sort it is; the fire will test it.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
each man's work shall be made manifest; for the day shall make it manifest, for it is revealed with fire: and the fire shall try each man's work, what sort it is.

Godbey New Testament
the work of each will be made manifest: for the day will reveal it, because it is revealed by fire; and the same fire will try the work of each what soil it is.

Haweis New Testament
every man’s work shall be made manifest: for that day shall declare it, for it shall be laid open by fire; and the fire shall prove every man’s work of what sort it is.

Mace New Testament
will be expos'd, for the time of tryal will show it: it shall be discovered by the fire, which will put each sort of work to the test.

Weymouth New Testament
the true character of each individual's work will become manifest. For the day of Christ will disclose it, because that day is soon to come upon us clothed in fire, and as for the quality of every one's work-- the fire is the thing which will test it.

Worrell New Testament
the work of each one shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will prove each one's work, of what sort it is.

Worsley New Testament
every man's work shall be made manifest. For the great day will shew it; because it will be discovered by fire, and the fire will prove every man's work of what sort it is.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Christ Our Foundation
12If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work. 14If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward.…

Cross References
1 Peter 1:7
so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Malachi 3:2-3
But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap. / And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness.

Revelation 3:18
I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.

2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.

Matthew 7:24-27
Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ...

Romans 14:10-12
Why, then, do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. / It is written: “As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.” / So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

2 Timothy 2:15
Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.

Hebrews 4:13
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

2 Peter 3:10
But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare.

Isaiah 48:10
See, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.

Zechariah 13:9
This third I will bring through the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’”

Matthew 12:36-37
But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

1 Thessalonians 5:21
but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.

Jeremiah 17:10
I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.


Treasury of Scripture

Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

man's.

1 Corinthians 3:14,15
If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward…

1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

2 Timothy 3:9
But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

the day.

1 Corinthians 1:8
Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Malachi 3:17
And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

Romans 2:5,16
But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; …

shall be revealed.

Luke 2:35
(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

and the fire.

Isaiah 8:20
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Isaiah 28:17
Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.

Jeremiah 23:29
Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

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Character Christ Clear Clothed Declare Disclose Evident Fire Individual's Itself Manifest One's Prove Quality Revealed Show Shown Soon Sort Test Tested True. Try Work
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1 Corinthians 3
1. Milk is fit for children.
3. Strife and division, arguments of a fleshly mind.
7. He who plants and He who waters are nothing.
9. The ministers are God's fellow workmen.
11. Christ the only foundation.
16. You are the temples of God, which must be kept holy.
19. The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.














his workmanship
The Greek word for "workmanship" is "ergon," which refers to work, task, or labor. In the context of this passage, it signifies the efforts and deeds of a believer, particularly in the service of God. Historically, the concept of workmanship in the Bible often relates to the idea of creation and craftsmanship, as seen in Ephesians 2:10, where believers are described as God's workmanship. This highlights the divine aspect of our efforts, suggesting that our works are not merely human endeavors but are crafted under God's guidance and purpose.

will be evident
The phrase "will be evident" comes from the Greek "phaneros," meaning to be made manifest or visible. This suggests a future revelation where hidden things are brought to light. In a biblical context, this aligns with the theme of divine judgment and revelation, where God uncovers the true nature of our actions. The historical understanding of this concept is rooted in the belief that God's judgment is both inevitable and just, revealing the truth of our lives and works.

because the Day
"The Day" refers to the Day of the Lord, a significant eschatological event in Christian theology. This day is anticipated as a time of divine judgment and fulfillment of God's promises. The historical and scriptural context of "the Day" is rich, drawing from Old Testament prophecies and New Testament teachings that emphasize its importance as a time when God will judge the world and establish His kingdom. It serves as a reminder of the ultimate accountability all believers face.

will bring it to light
The phrase "will bring it to light" uses the Greek "phōtizō," meaning to illuminate or make visible. This imagery of light is prevalent throughout Scripture, symbolizing truth, purity, and divine revelation. In the context of this verse, it underscores the idea that God's judgment will expose the true nature of our works, separating what is genuine from what is not. Historically, light has been associated with God's presence and truth, reinforcing the notion that nothing can remain hidden from His sight.

It will be revealed with fire
The use of "fire" in this context is symbolic of testing and purification. The Greek word "pyri" is often associated with trials and divine judgment. Fire, in biblical terms, is a purifying agent, used to refine and test the quality of materials. This imagery is consistent with the historical understanding of God's judgment as a refining process, where the true value and integrity of one's works are tested. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for sincerity and purity in our service to God.

and the fire will prove
The word "prove" comes from the Greek "dokimazō," meaning to test, examine, or approve. This suggests a process of evaluation where the authenticity and quality of one's works are assessed. In a biblical context, this aligns with the idea of divine scrutiny, where God examines the heart and intentions behind our actions. Historically, this concept is rooted in the belief that God's judgment is thorough and discerning, ensuring that only what is true and worthy endures.

the quality of each man's work
The phrase "the quality of each man's work" emphasizes the individual responsibility and accountability of believers. The Greek word for "quality" is "hopoios," which refers to the nature or kind of something. This highlights the importance of the character and substance of our deeds, not just their outward appearance. Scripturally, this reflects the teaching that God values the motives and intentions behind our actions, as seen in passages like 1 Samuel 16:7, where God looks at the heart. Historically, this underscores the call for integrity and faithfulness in our walk with God, knowing that He will ultimately judge the true worth of our efforts.

(13) Revealed by fire.--Better, revealed in fire. For the general scope of this passage, see 1Corinthians 3:12 above. The day of the coming of the Lord is always thus represented as bursting suddenly with a rush of light and blaze of fire upon the earth. (See Malachi 3:1-3; Malachi 4:1; 2Thessalonians 1:8; 2Thessalonians 2:8.)

Verse 13. - Each man's work shall be made manifest. The real nature - the worth or worthlessness - of each man's work, will be made clear sooner or later. The day shall declare it. "The day" can only mean "the day of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 1:8), which would specially "make manifest the counsels of the hearts" (1 Corinthians 4:5), and "judge the secrets of men" (Romans 2:16), and make all men manifest "before the judgment seat of Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:10). It shall be revealed by fire; rather, because it is being revealed in fire. The phrase "is being" is called bad English, but some such phrase is positively needed to render the continuous present tense, which here expresses certainty, natural sequence, perpetual imminence. This tense is constantly used to express the continuity and the present working of Divine laws (comp. Matthew 3:10). As the nominative is not expressed, it is uncertain whether "it" refers to "each man's work" or to" the day." Either gives an apposite sense (Malachi 4:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:8). Some would make "he" (namely, Christ) the nominative, because "the day" means "the day of Christ;" and in favour of this view they quote 2 Thessalonians 1:7, "The revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven in flaming fire." But the ellipse of an unexpressed nominative is harsh. The fire itself shall prove each man's work. This is the "probatory" or testing fire of the day of the Lord, of which we read very frequently in the Fathers. The doctrine of purgatory has been in some measure founded on this verse (Council of Florence, A.D. 1439); but such a view of it cannot be maintained. The reader will find the subject examined and the quotations from the Fathers given in the writer's 'Mercy and Judgment,' p. 69. All that is said here is that the fire of Christ's presence - the consuming fire of God's love - shall test the work, not purge it. The fire is probatory, not purgatorial, and it is not in itself a fife of wrath, for it tests the gold and silver as well as the inferior elements of the structure. It is the fire of the refiner, not of the avenger.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
his
ἑκάστου (hekastou)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1538: Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.

workmanship
ἔργον (ergon)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.

will be
γενήσεται (genēsetai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 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.

evident,
φανερὸν (phaneron)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5318: Apparent, clear, visible, manifest; adv: clearly. From phaino; shining, i.e. Apparent; neuter publicly, externally.

because
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

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.

Day
ἡμέρα (hēmera)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

will bring it to light.
δηλώσει (dēlōsei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1213: To show, make clear, reveal. From delos; to make plain.

It will be revealed
ἀποκαλύπτεται (apokalyptetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 601: To uncover, bring to light, reveal. From apo and kalupto; to take off the cover, i.e. Disclose.

with
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

fire,
πυρὶ (pyri)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4442: Fire; the heat of the sun, lightning; fig: strife, trials; the eternal fire. A primary word; 'fire'.

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

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

fire
πῦρ (pyr)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4442: Fire; the heat of the sun, lightning; fig: strife, trials; the eternal fire. A primary word; 'fire'.

will prove
δοκιμάσει (dokimasei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1381: From dokimos; to test; by implication, to approve.

the quality
ὁποῖόν (hopoion)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3697: Of what kind or manner, of what sort. From hos and poios; of what kind that, i.e. How great.

of each
ἑκάστου (hekastou)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1538: Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.

[man’s]
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

work.
ἔργον (ergon)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 3:13 Each man's work will be revealed (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 3:12
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