1 Corinthians 3:14

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward.

American Standard Version (1901)

If any man’s work shall abide which he built thereon, he shall receive a reward.

Bible in Basic English

If any man's work comes through the test, he will have a reward.

Douay-Rheims 1899

If any man’s work abide, which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

Free Bible Version

Those whose building survives will be rewarded.

Geneva Bible 1599

If any mans worke, that he hath built vpon, abide, he shall receiue wages.

King James (Authorized) Version

If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

Plain English Version

If they did a good job, it will stay good a long time, like the good parts in the picture story. And if they did a good job, God will pay those good workers.

Translation for Translators

When a fire starts burning a house, it becomes clear whether the builders used materials in their work that will burn, or materials that will not burn. Similarly [MET], when God judges us, it will be clear whether we taught others things that were long-lasting and valuable or not. If the materials that are used to build a house are materials that do not burn, the builder will receive a reward [MET]. Similarly, if we have taught others things that are valuable and long-lasting, God will give us a reward.

Unlocked Literal Bible

If anyone's work remains, he will receive a reward;

Noah Webster Bible

If any man's work abideth which he hath built upon it, he shall receive a reward.

World English Bible

If any man’s work remains which he built on it, he will receive a reward.

Young's Literal Translation

if of any one the work doth remain that he built on [it], a wage he shall receive;

Context

Christ Our Foundation

¹³his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work.¹⁴If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward.¹⁵If it is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as if through the flames.

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Summary

In this verse, the apostle Paul speaks about the judgment of believers' works by God. He explains that if the work a believer has done survives the refining fire of judgment, they will receive a reward. This verse emphasizes the importance of the quality of work done for the Kingdom of God rather than the quantity. It encourages believers to be diligent and faithful in their service to God, knowing that their efforts will be evaluated by Him in the end.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

If any man's work abide - Perhaps there is here an allusion to the purifying of different sorts of vessels under the law. All that could stand the fire were to be purified by the fire; and those which could not resist the action of the fire were to be purified by water, Num 31:23. The gold, silver, and precious stones, could stand the fire; but the wood, hay, and stubble, must be necessarily consumed. So, in that great and terrible day of the Lord, all false doctrine, as well as the system that was to pass away, should be made sufficiently manifest; and God would then show that the Gospel, and that alone, was that system of doctrine which he should bless and protect, and none other. He shall receive a reward - He has not only preached the truth, but he has labored in the word and doctrine. And the reward is to be according to the labor. See on Co1 3:8 (note).