1 Corinthians 3:9

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1 Corinthians 3:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

For we are God’s fellow-workers: ye are God’s husbandry, God’s building.

Bible in Basic English BBE

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

Free Bible Version FBV

We are workers together with God—and you are God's field, his building.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For we together are Gods labourers: yee are Gods husbandrie, and Gods building.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

for of God we are fellow-workmen; God's tillage, God's building ye are.

World English Bible WEB

For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s farming, God’s building.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For we are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For we are God’s coadjutors: you are God’s husbandry; you are God’s building.

Translation for Translators T4T

Remember that Apollos and I are both working together for God. You do not belong to us. Just like a field belongs to its owner, not to those who work in it, you belong to God, not to us who work for him. Each one who teaches believers must examine what he is teaching them because God will reward him only if his teaching is valuable and long-lasting. 1 Corinthians 3:9b-15 Also, a house belongs to its owner. It does not belong to the man who built it. Similarly, God is the one to whom you belong.

Plain English Version PEV

We are like 2 men that work for God in his garden, and you are like God’s garden. Christians are like God’s house And I’ll use another picture story. This picture story shows that you are like God’s house that he is building for himself.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 3:9

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Corinthians 3:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK θεου γαρ εσμεν συνεργοι θεου γεωργιον θεου οικοδομη εστε

θεου theos G2316 God Noun-GSM

γαρ gar G1063 for Conj

εσμεν eimi G1510 to be Verb-PAI-1P

συνεργοι sunergos G4904 co-worker Adj-NPM

θεου theos G2316 God Noun-GSM

γεωργιον geōrgion G1091 farm field Noun-NSN

θεου theos G2316 God Noun-GSM

οικοδομη oikodomē G3619 building Noun-NSF

εστε eimi G1510 to be Verb-PAI-2P

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 3:9

θεου theos G2316 "God" Noun-GSM

This word simply means God, referring to the one true deity. It is used throughout the New Testament, including in Matthew 27:46 and Acts 14:11, to describe the supreme being and creator of the universe.

Definition: θεός, -οῦ, ὁ, ἡ (Act.19:37 only; see M, Pr., 60, 244), late voc., θεέ (Mat.27:46; cf. Deu.3:24, al.), [in LXX chiefly for אֱלֹהִים, also for אֵל and other cognate forms, יהוה, etc. ;] a god or deity, God. __1. In polytheistic sense, a god or deity: Act.28:6, 1Co.8:4, 2Th.2:4, al.; pl., Ac. 14:11 19:26, Gal.4:8, al. __2. Of the one true God; __(a) anarthrous: Mat.6:24, Luk.20:38, al.; esp. with prep. (Kühner 3, iii, 605), ἀπὸ θ., Jhn.3:2; ἐκ, Act.5:39, 2Co.5:1, Php.3:9; ὑπό, Rom.13:1; παρὰ θεοῦ, Jhn.1:6; παρὰ θεῷ, 2Th.1:6, 1Pe.2:4; κατὰ θεόν, Rom.8:27, 2Co.7:9, 10; also when in genitive dependent on an anarth. noun (Bl., §46, 6), Mat.27:43, Luk.3:2, Rom.1:17, 1Th.2:13; as pred., Lk 20:38, Jhn.1:1, and when the nature and character rather than the person of God is meant, Act.5:29, Gal.2:6, al. (M, Th., 14); __(b) more freq., with art.: Mat.1:23, Mrk.2:7, al. mult.; with prep., ἀπὸ τ. θ., Luk.1:26; ἐκ, Jhn.8:42, al.; παρὰ τοῦ θ., Jhn.8:40; π. τῷ θ., Rom.9:14; ἐν, Col.3:3; ἐπὶ τῷ θ., Luk.1:47; ἐπὶ τὸν θ., Act.15:19; εἰς τ. θ., Act.24:15; πρὸς τ. θ., Jhn.1:2; with genitive of person(s), Mat.22:32, Mrk.12:26, 27, Luk.20:37, Jhn.20:17, al.; ὁ θ. μου, Rom.1:8, Php 1:3, al.; ὁ θ. καὶ πατήρ κ. τ. λ., Rom.15:6, Eph.1:3, Phi 4:20, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Rom.15:5, 13, 33, 2Co.1:3, 1Th.5:23; τὰ τ. θεοῦ, Mat.16:23, Mrk.12:17, 1Co.2:11; τὰ πρὸς τὸν θ., Rom.15:17, Heb.2:17 5:1; τ. θεῷ, as a superl. (LXX, Jos.3:3), Act.7:20, 2Co.10:4; Hebraistically, of judges (Psa.81(82):6), Jhn.10:34" (LXX), 35. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1170 NT verses. KJV: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 John 4:2; 1 Peter 1:2.

γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj

For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.

Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.

εσμεν eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-PAI-1P

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

συνεργοι sunergos G4904 "co-worker" Adj-NPM

A co-worker is someone who labors or works together with you, like in Romans 16:3 and Philippians 2:25. It's about sharing the workload or responsibility with someone.

Definition: συνεργός, -όν [in LXX: 2Ma.8:7 Mac 14:5 * ;] a fellow-worker: with genitive of person(s), Rom.16:3, 9 16:21, Php.2:25 4:3, 1Th.3:2, Rec., Phm 1 24; θεοῦ (cf. Lft., Notes, 41, 188), 1Co.3:9 (pl.), 1Th.3:2 [WH] R, mg. (R, txt., διάκονον τοῦ θ.; on the original reading, see ICC, in l); τ. χαρᾶς ὑηῶν, 2Co.1:24; τ. ἀληθείᾳ, III Jn 8; before εἰς, 2Co.8:23, Col.4:11.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 13 NT verses. KJV: companion in labour, (fellow-)helper(-labourer, -worker), labourer together with, workfellow See also: 1 Corinthians 3:9; Philemon 1:1; Romans 16:3.

θεου theos G2316 "God" Noun-GSM

Usage: Occurs in 1170 NT verses. KJV: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 John 4:2; 1 Peter 1:2.

γεωργιον geōrgion G1091 "farm field" Noun-NSN

This word refers to a farm field or a place where crops are grown. It is used in the Bible to describe a field where people work, like in Proverbs 24:30. It can also be used to describe the work of farming or husbandry, like in 1 Corinthians 3:9.

Definition: γεώργιον, -ου, τό (γεωργός), [in LXX, frequently in Pr., for שָׂדֶה, etc. ;] __1. a field (Pro.24:5, 30, Strabo). __2. cultivation, husbandry, tillage (Pro.6:7 9:12, Jer.28:23, Sir.27:6): 1Co.3:9.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: husbandry See also: 1 Corinthians 3:9.

θεου theos G2316 "God" Noun-GSM

Usage: Occurs in 1170 NT verses. KJV: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 John 4:2; 1 Peter 1:2.

οικοδομη oikodomē G3619 "building" Noun-NSF

The Greek word for building or construction, used figuratively to mean spiritual growth or confirmation, as seen in Romans 14:19 and 1 Corinthians 14:26. It refers to the act of building up or edifying others. This concept is key to Christian community.

Definition: οἰκοδομή, -ῆς, ἡ (οἶκος, + δέμω, to build), [in LXX: 1Ch.29:1 A (בִּירָה), Eze.17:17 40:2 (בָּנָה, מִבְנֶה), Sir.22:16 40:19, al. ;] = cl. οἰκοδομία (which see), -δόμησις (Thuc., Plat.), __1. the act of building; in NT always metaphorically, building up, edifying: Rom.14:19 15:2, 1Co.14:26, 2Co.10:8 13:10, Eph.4:29; with genitive obj., 1Co.14:12, 2Co.12:19, Eph.4:12, 16; λαλεῖν, λαβεῖν, οἰ., 1Co.14:3. __2. = οἰκοδόμημα, a building: Mat.24:1, Mrk.13:1-2; metaphorically, 1Co.3:9, 2Co.5:1, Eph.2:21.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 18 NT verses. KJV: building, edify(-ication, -ing) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:9; Ephesians 2:21; Romans 14:19.

εστε eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-PAI-2P

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 3:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Corinthians 3:9 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 3:9
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 3:9
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:9
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:9
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:9
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:9
Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 3:9
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 3:9
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:9
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 3:9

Context — God’s Fellow Workers

7So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.

9For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.

10By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. 11For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Peter 2:5	you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
2	Ephesians 2:20–22	built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit.
3	2 Corinthians 6:1	As God’s fellow workers, then, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.
4	1 Corinthians 3:16	Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?
5	Mark 16:20	And they went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked through them, confirming His word by the signs that accompanied it.
6	Ephesians 2:10	For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.
7	Isaiah 61:11	For as the earth brings forth its growth, and as a garden enables seed to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.
8	Matthew 9:37	Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.
9	John 15:1–8	“I am the true vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples.
10	1 Corinthians 3:6	I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.

1 Corinthians 3:9 Summary

This verse means that we are working together with God to help people come to know and love Him. We are like a garden, where God plants seeds of faith and helps us grow, and we are also like a building, where God is constructing a strong and beautiful community of believers. Just like a builder uses different materials to construct a building, God uses different people with different gifts and talents to build His church, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. As we work together with God, we can trust that He will help us grow and become the people He created us to be, according to Philippians 1:6.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be God's fellow workers?

As God's fellow workers, we are called to partner with Him in His work, just as Jesus prayed in John 17:18, asking the Father to send believers into the world to continue His work. This partnership is rooted in our identity as children of God, as seen in 1 John 3:1-2.

How are we God's field and building?

As God's field, we are the place where He sows seeds of faith and growth, as described in Matthew 13:3-9, and as His building, we are being constructed into a spiritual temple, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone, according to Ephesians 2:19-22.

What is the relationship between God's field and building?

God's field and building are interconnected, as the field represents the growth and development of believers, while the building represents the structure and unity of the church, with Christ as the foundation, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:11.

How does this verse relate to our daily lives?

As God's fellow workers, we are called to live out our faith in everyday life, using our unique gifts and talents to serve Him and others, just as the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 12:4-8, emphasizing the importance of using our spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can partner with God in His work today?
How can I cultivate a deeper sense of being God's field, where He can sow seeds of faith and growth?
In what ways am I being built into a spiritual temple, and how can I cooperate with God's work in my life?
What are some practical ways I can use my gifts and talents to serve God and others, as a fellow worker with Him?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 3:9

For we are labourers together with God,.... The ministers of the Gospel are labourers in the Lord's vineyard, and not loiterers; their work is a laborious work, both to body and mind; which lies in

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 3:9

For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry ye are God's building For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:9

Though compared with God we are nothing, yet our station is no mean station; God works as the principal efficient Cause, we work with God as his instruments; God worketh one way, by his secret influence upon the heart, we another way, by publication of the gospel in people’ s ears, but the scope and end of the work is the same. The Lord is said to work with his ministers, , and they are here said to work with him. Hence he proveth what he had before said, that they should be rewarded; God will not suffer those who work with him to be without their reward: as also that they were one, for they are all labourers together with God. Yet do not think yourselves our husbandry, for you are God’ s husbandry: thus God’ s people, , are called the planting of the Lord. God’ s building: thus the church is called the house of God, . Still the apostle minds them, that they were God’ s, not their minister’ s; it was God to whom they were beholden for their conversion, for their edification, &c.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:9

9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’ s husbandry, ye are God’ s building. Ver. 9. For we are labourers, &c.] Let ministers hence learn their, 1. Dignity; 2. Duty. Fructus honos oneris, Fructus honoris onus. Who would not work hard with such sweet company?

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:9

(9) Thrice in this verse the Apostle repeats the name of God with emphasis, to explain and to impress the assertion of the previous verse, that men are to recognise the unity, and God alone the diversity, in the ministerial work and office. “We are GOD’S fellow-labourers; you are GOD’S field—GOD’S house.” The image is thus suddenly altered from agriculture to architecture, as the latter can be more amplified, and will better illustrate the great variety of work of which the Apostle proceeds subsequently to speak. This sudden change of metaphor is a characteristic of St. Paul’s style; a similar instance is to be found in 2 Corinthians 10:4-8, where the illustration given from architecture is used instead of the military metaphor which is employed in the earlier verses of that passage. See also 1 Corinthians 9:7, and Ephesians 3:17, and Colossians 2:6-7, where there is the introduction of three distinct images in rapid succession in so many sentences. It has been suggested that possibly the use of the word “field,” in the Greek “Georgion,” was the cause of the Christian name “George” becoming so popular in the Church.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:9

Verse 9. For we are labourers together with God] We do nothing of ourselves, nor in reference to ourselves; we labour together in that work which God has given us to do, expect all our success from him, and refer the whole to his glory. It would perhaps be more correct to translate θεουγαρεσμενσυνεργαι, we are fellow labourers of God; for, as the preposition συν may express the joint labour of the teachers one with another, and not with God, I had rather, with Bishop Pearce, translate as above: i.e. we labour together in the work of God. Far from being divided among ourselves, we jointly labour, as oxen in the same yoke, to promote the honour of our Master. Ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.] θεουγεωργιονθεουοικοδομηεστε. The word γεωργιον, which we translate husbandry, signifies properly an arable field; so Proverbs 24:30: I went by the FIELD, γεωργιον, of the slothful; and Proverbs 31:16: The wise woman considereth a FIELD, γεωργιον, and buyeth it. It would be more literal to translate it, Ye are God's farm: γεωργιον in Greek answers to שדה sadeh in Hebrew, which signifies properly a sown field. Ye are God's building.-Ye are not only the field which God cultivates, but ye are the house which God builds, and in which he intends to dwell. As no man in viewing a fine building extols the quarryman that dug up the stones, the hewer that cut and squared them, the mason that placed them in the wall, the woodman that hewed down the timber, the carpenter that squared and jointed it, c., but the architect who planned it, and under whose direction the whole work was accomplished so no man should consider Paul, or Apollos, or Kephas, any thing, but as persons employed by the great Architect to form a building which is to become a habitation of himself through the Spirit, and the design of which is entirely his own.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 3:9

9. For we are labourers together with God] The Apostle now gives the argument another turn. From man’s point of view the preachers of the Gospel are mere instruments in God’s hands. Not so from God’s. He regards them as responsible beings, responsible to Him for the work they do. But the results are still God’s and God’s alone. The ministers of Christ may be fellow-labourers with God, but the husbandry, the building, are God’s, and not theirs.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 3:9

For we are labourers together with God - Θεοῦγάρἐσμενσυνεργοί Theou gar esmen sunergoi. We are God’s co-workers. A similar expression occurs in 2 Corinthians 6:1, “We then as workers together with him,” etc.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:9

9. Labourers… with God—Literally, For we are God’s fellow-labourers; God’s farm, God’s building are ye—The distinction already existing between ministers and people is very marked through this and

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 3:9

	Sermon	Description
	Come Up Higher by Aaron Hurst	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of going for the best and striving for spiritual growth. He encourages the audience to present themselves as living sacrifice
	Building Instructions by Arno Stegen	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of building our lives on the foundation of Christ Jesus. He emphasizes that this foundation is not a one-time event, but a pri
	Importance of the Assembly by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not changing the message of the Gospel, but being open to changing the methods of delivering it. He uses the example of cer
	Audio Sermon: Ichabod, the Glory Departed by Bakht Singh	This sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer, perseverance, and understanding God's need for partnership in fulfilling His work. It discusses the consequences of spiritual deafn
	Field Under Heavenly Cultivation by Corrie Ten Boom	This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering 100% to God, leaving behind all sins and distractions to fully abide in the Lord's power and grace. It highlights the need to
	(Pdf Book) God's Dwelling Place by Bakht Singh	Bakht Singh emphasizes the profound mystery of God's dwelling place, illustrating how believers, redeemed by Christ, are being gathered to form a habitation for God through the Spi
	Building - the Heavenly Pattern by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for humility before God and the importance of seeking more light from Him. He warns against the danger of becoming proud when we hav