1 Corinthians 3:7

7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is important because [only] God makes it grow.

1 Corinthians 3:7 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 3:7

So then, neither is he that planteth anything
Not that he is the happy instrument of beginning the good work:

neither he that watereth;
who is the means of carrying of it on: not that they are simply and absolutely nothing, without any restriction and limitation; they are men, they are Christians, they are ministers, and useful ones, by whom others believe; they are labourers together with God, ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God, and so to be accounted of; but they are nothing in themselves, nor in their own account, or with respect to God: they are nothing of themselves as ministers; they have nothing but what they have received; all their gifts are from God, nor can they exercise them aright without the grace of God, not being able to think a good thought as of themselves; nor are they anything in making their planting and watering effectual; and so no glory belongs to them; nothing is to be ascribed to them, they have no part or lot in these things:

but God that giveth the increase;
he gives them their abilities, assists them in the exercise of their gifts, makes their ministrations useful, and he has, as he ought to have, all the glory.

1 Corinthians 3:7 In-Context

5 Who is Apollos? Who is Paul? They are servants who helped you come to faith. Each did what the Lord gave him to do.

6 I planted, and Apollos watered, but God made it grow.

7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is important because [only] God makes it grow.

8 The one who plants and the one who waters have the same goal, and each will receive a reward for his own work.

9 We are God's coworkers. You are God's field. You are God's building.