1 Corinthians 3:7

7 So then neither is he that plants anything, neither he that waters, but God that gives the increase.

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 then is Paul? and who is Apollos? but servants by whom ye believed, each one according to that which the Lord gave.

6 I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.

7 So then neither is he that plants anything, neither he that waters, but God that gives the increase.

8 Now he that plants and he that waters are one although each one shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

9 For we are labourers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.