1 Corinthians 3:7

7 So then the planter is nothing, and the waterer is nothing; but God who 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 What then is Apollos? and what is Paul? They are but servants who gave you the good news as God gave it to them.

6 I did the planting, Apollos did the watering, but God gave the increase.

7 So then the planter is nothing, and the waterer is nothing; but God who gives the increase.

8 Now the planter and the waterer are working for the same end: but they will have their separate rewards in the measure of their work.

9 For we are workers with God: you are God's planting, God's building.