1 Corinthians 3:7

7 So the one who plants is not important. The one who waters is not important. It is God who makes things grow. He is the One who is important.

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 After all, what is Apollos? And what is Paul? We are only people who serve. We helped you to believe. The Lord has given each of us our own work to do.

6 I planted the seed. Apollos watered it. But God made it grow.

7 So the one who plants is not important. The one who waters is not important. It is God who makes things grow. He is the One who is important.

8 The one who plants and the one who waters have the same purpose. The Lord will give each of us a reward for our work.

9 We work together with God. You are like God's field. You are like his building.