1 Corinthians 3:8
New International Version
The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.

New Living Translation
The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.

English Standard Version
He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.

Berean Standard Bible
He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.

Berean Literal Bible
Now the one planting and the one watering are one, and each will receive the own reward, according to the own labor.

King James Bible
Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

New King James Version
Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

New American Standard Bible
Now the one who plants and the one who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

NASB 1995
Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

NASB 1977
Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now he who plants and he who waters are one, but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

Amplified Bible
He who plants and he who waters are one [in importance and esteem, working toward the same purpose]; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

Christian Standard Bible
Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now the one planting and the one watering are one in purpose, and each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

American Standard Version
Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: but each shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.

Contemporary English Version
The one who plants is just as important as the one who waters. And each one will be paid for what they do.

English Revised Version
Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: but each shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The one who plants and the one who waters have the same goal, and each will receive a reward for his own work.

Good News Translation
There is no difference between the one who plants and the one who waters; God will reward each one according to the work each has done.

International Standard Version
The one who plants and the one who waters have the same goal, and each will receive a reward for his own action.

Majority Standard Bible
He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.

NET Bible
The one who plants and the one who waters work as one, but each will receive his reward according to his work.

New Heart English Bible
Now he who plants and he who waters are the same, but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

Webster's Bible Translation
Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward, according to his own labor.

Weymouth New Testament
Now in aim and purpose the planter and the waterer are one; and yet each will receive his own special reward, answering to his own special work.

World English Bible
Now he who plants and he who waters are the same, but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and he who is planting and he who is watering are one, and each will receive his own reward according to his own labor,

Berean Literal Bible
Now the one planting and the one watering are one, and each will receive the own reward, according to the own labor.

Young's Literal Translation
and he who is planting and he who is watering are one, and each his own reward shall receive, according to his own labour,

Smith's Literal Translation
And he planting and he watering are one: and each shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now he that planteth, and he that watereth, are one. And every man shall receive his own reward, according to his own labour.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now he who plants, and he who waters, are one. But each shall receive his proper reward, according to his labors.

New American Bible
The one who plants and the one who waters are equal, and each will receive wages in proportion to his labor.

New Revised Standard Version
The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labor of each.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Thus the planter and the waterer are equal: and each one shall receive his own wages according to his own labor.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But whoever plants and whoever waters, they are one; and a man receives wages according to his labor.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But he that plants and he that waters are one; and each one shall receive his own reward, according to his own labor.

Godbey New Testament
But he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and each one shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.

Haweis New Testament
Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: but every one shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

Mace New Testament
he that planteth, and he that watereth, have the same design: and each shall receive his proper reward, in proportion to his own labour.

Weymouth New Testament
Now in aim and purpose the planter and the waterer are one; and yet each will receive his own special reward, answering to his own special work.

Worrell New Testament
And he that plants and he that waters are one; but each shall receive his own reward, according to his own labor.

Worsley New Testament
And he that planteth, and he that watereth, are as one: but each shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
God's Fellow Workers
7So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. 9For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.…

Cross References
Matthew 16:27
For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done.

Galatians 6:4-5
Each one should test his own work. Then he will have reason to boast in himself alone, and not in someone else. / For each one should carry his own load.

Romans 2:6
God “will repay each one according to his deeds.”

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.

Revelation 22:12
“Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done.

Ephesians 6:8
because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Matthew 25:14-30
For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. / To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. / The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more. ...

Luke 19:12-27
So He said, “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to lay claim to his kingship and then return. / Beforehand, he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Conduct business with this until I return,’ he said. / But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’ ...

Hebrews 6:10
For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.

1 Peter 1:17
Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.

James 2:18
But someone will say, “You have faith and I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.

John 4:36
Already the reaper draws his wages and gathers a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may rejoice together.

Philippians 2:12-13
Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. / For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.

1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
After all, who is our hope, our joy, our crown of boasting, if it is not you yourselves in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? / You are indeed our glory and our joy.


Treasury of Scripture

Now he that plants and he that waters are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.

he that planteth.

1 Corinthians 3:9
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

1 Corinthians 4:6
And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

John 4:36-38
And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together…

and every.

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.

1 Corinthians 9:17,18
For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me…

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Jump to Previous
Aim End Equal Labor Measure Planter Planteth Planting Plants Purpose Receive Reward Rewarded Rewards Separate Special Wages Waterer Watereth Watering Waters Work
Jump to Next
Aim End Equal Labor Measure Planter Planteth Planting Plants Purpose Receive Reward Rewarded Rewards Separate Special Wages Waterer Watereth Watering Waters Work
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.














He who plants
The imagery of planting is deeply rooted in the agrarian culture of the ancient Near East. The Greek word used here is "φυτεύων" (phyteuōn), which means to plant or set in the ground. This metaphor reflects the initial work of spreading the Gospel, akin to sowing seeds. In the context of the early church, this represents the foundational work of apostles and evangelists who introduce the message of Christ to new believers. Historically, planting was a labor-intensive task, requiring patience and faith that the seeds would grow, much like the spiritual work of introducing the Gospel.

and he who waters
The Greek word "ποτίζων" (potizōn) means to give drink or to water. This represents the nurturing and teaching that follows the initial planting. In the early church, this role was often fulfilled by pastors and teachers who helped new believers grow in their faith. Watering is essential for growth, symbolizing the ongoing discipleship and care needed to mature in Christ. The historical context of Corinth, a city known for its commerce and diversity, required diligent teaching to ensure the church remained rooted in sound doctrine amidst various cultural influences.

are one in purpose
The phrase "ἕν εἰσιν" (hen eisin) translates to "are one," emphasizing unity. Despite different roles, those who plant and water share a common goal: the growth and flourishing of the church. This unity reflects the body of Christ, where diverse gifts and functions work together harmoniously. The early church faced divisions, as seen in Corinth, where believers aligned themselves with different leaders. Paul’s message here is a call to unity, reminding the church that all laborers are working towards the same divine purpose.

and each will be rewarded
The Greek word "μισθὸν" (misthon) means wages or reward. This indicates that God recognizes and values the individual contributions of each worker. The reward is not based on the role but on the faithfulness and diligence of the laborer. In a historical context, this would have been a comforting assurance to early Christians who faced persecution and hardship, knowing that their efforts were not in vain but would be honored by God.

according to his own labor
The word "κόπον" (kopon) refers to labor or toil, emphasizing the effort and dedication involved in ministry. This phrase underscores personal responsibility and the unique contribution each believer makes to the kingdom of God. In the scriptural context, it highlights that while salvation is a gift, the rewards in God’s kingdom are linked to the faithful service and stewardship of one’s calling. This serves as an encouragement to believers to diligently pursue their God-given tasks, trusting that their labor is meaningful and will be rewarded by the Lord.

(8) Are one.--The planter and the waterer are one in that they are both working in the same cause. "But," says the Apostle (not "and," as in our version), "each man shall receive his own reward from God, not from man, according to his labour." There is an individuality as well as a unity in the work of the ministry. This is, however, not a thing to be noticed by men, but it will be recognised by the great Master.

Verse 8. - Are one; literally, one thing. God is the sole Agent; the teachers, so far from being able to pose as rival leaders, form but one instrument in God's hand. Their relative differences shrink into insignificance when the source and objects of their ministry are considered. His own reward... his own labour. In the lower individual sphere the work of teachers shall be fairly estimated and rewarded as in the parable of the pounds and talents (comp. John 4:36; Revelation 22:12).

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

plants
φυτεύων (phyteuōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5452: To plant, set. From a derivative of phuo; to set out in the earth, i.e. Implant; figuratively, to instil doctrine.

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

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

waters
ποτίζων (potizōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4222: To cause to drink, give to drink; irrigate, water. From a derivative of the alternate of pino; to furnish drink, irrigate.

are
εἰσιν (eisin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

one [ in purpose ],
ἕν (hen)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

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

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

will be rewarded
λήμψεται (lēmpsetai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.

according to
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

[his]
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

own
ἴδιον (idion)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2398: Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.

labor.
κόπον (kopon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2873: From kopto; a cut, i.e. toil, literally or figuratively; by implication, pains.


Links
1 Corinthians 3:8 NIV
1 Corinthians 3:8 NLT
1 Corinthians 3:8 ESV
1 Corinthians 3:8 NASB
1 Corinthians 3:8 KJV

1 Corinthians 3:8 BibleApps.com
1 Corinthians 3:8 Biblia Paralela
1 Corinthians 3:8 Chinese Bible
1 Corinthians 3:8 French Bible
1 Corinthians 3:8 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 3:8 Now he who plants and he who (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 3:7
Top of Page
Top of Page