1 Corinthians 3:14
1 Corinthians 3:14 in Multiple Translations
If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward.
If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
If any man’s work shall abide which he built thereon, he shall receive a reward.
If any man's work comes through the test, he will have a reward.
Those whose building survives will be rewarded.
If any mans worke, that he hath built vpon, abide, he shall receiue wages.
if of any one the work doth remain that he built on [it], a wage he shall receive;
If any man’s work remains which he built on it, he will receive a reward.
If any man's work abideth which he hath built upon it, he shall receive a reward.
If any man’s work abide, which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
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.
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.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 3:14
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1 Corinthians 3:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 3:14
Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 3:14
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Corinthians 3:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 3:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 3:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:14
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:14
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 3:14
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:14
- Sermons on 1 Corinthians 3:14
Context — Christ Our Foundation
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. 16Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 3:8 | He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. |
| 2 | Matthew 25:21–23 | His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’ The servant who had received the two talents also came and said, ‘Master, you entrusted me with two talents. See, I have gained two more.’ His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’ |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 4:5 | Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. |
| 4 | Matthew 24:45–47 | Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the others their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. |
| 5 | 1 Thessalonians 2:19 | After all, who is our hope, our joy, our crown of boasting, if it is not you yourselves in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? |
| 6 | Revelation 2:8–11 | To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of the First and the Last, who died and returned to life. I know your affliction and your poverty—though you are rich! And I am aware of the slander of those who falsely claim to be Jews, but are in fact a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who overcomes will not be harmed by the second death. |
| 7 | 1 Peter 5:4 | And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. |
| 8 | 1 Peter 5:1 | As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you: |
| 9 | Daniel 12:3 | Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever. |
| 10 | 2 Timothy 4:7 | I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. |
1 Corinthians 3:14 Summary
[This verse tells us that if the things we build for God, like our service and good works, are strong and good, we will get a reward from Him. This reward is not just about getting something, but about knowing that God is pleased with us, as we see in Matthew 25:21. We can build strong things for God by using valuable materials like faith, hope, and love, as seen in 1 Corinthians 13:13. By doing so, we can be confident that our work will survive the test of fire and we will receive a reward from the Lord.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of reward can we expect if our work survives the test of fire?
The reward is not explicitly stated in 1 Corinthians 3:14, but based on other scriptures like 1 Corinthians 4:5 and Matthew 25:21, it is likely a reward of praise and commendation from the Lord, as well as a deeper understanding of His joy and glory.
How can we build on the foundation of Jesus Christ in such a way that our work will survive the fire?
According to 1 Corinthians 3:12, we can build with gold, silver, and precious stones, which represent the valuable and lasting materials of faith, hope, and love, as seen in 1 Corinthians 13:13 and Colossians 1:4-5.
Is the reward mentioned in 1 Corinthians 3:14 the same as salvation?
No, the reward mentioned in 1 Corinthians 3:14 is distinct from salvation, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:15, which states that even if a person's work is burned up, they will still be saved, but they will suffer loss and not receive a reward.
What is the significance of the fire that tests our work?
The fire mentioned in 1 Corinthians 3:13 represents the refining and purifying power of God's judgment, as seen in Malachi 3:2-3 and 1 Peter 1:7, which tests the quality of our work and reveals what is truly valuable and lasting.
Reflection Questions
- What kind of 'building materials' am I using in my daily life to serve the Lord, and will they survive the test of fire?
- How can I ensure that my work and service to the Lord are motivated by a desire to please Him, rather than to impress others?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be 'building with wood, hay, or straw', and how can I replace those materials with more lasting ones?
- How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's joy and glory, and what role does that play in my motivation to serve Him?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 3:14
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 3:14
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:14
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:14
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:14
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:14
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 3:14
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:14
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 3:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Fury of Fire) 07 - Close to Being Cursed by Milton Green | The video discussed the importance of receiving revelation from the Word of God, even if it conflicts with previous teachings or traditions. The speaker emphasized the need to foll |
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The Church - Part 3 by Les Wheeldon | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of a woman who encountered a dangerous criminal in a shopping mall. Despite the man's evil intentions, the woman boldly spoke to |
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Concerning Mortal Sins, Pardonable Sins, and Sins of Omission by St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite | St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite preaches about the importance of understanding the different categories of sins - mortal, pardonable, and sins of omission. Mortal sins corrupt the love |
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Part 25: Pretribulationalism (Continued) by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord preaches on the necessity of an interval between the translation of the church and the establishment of the millennial kingdom, supported by a careful study of Scr |
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Our Future Rewards by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes that our motives in the Christian life should be genuine and rooted in love for God, rather than solely for the rewards He offers. He reassures believers that |
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Revival Series 5 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the downfall of those who have gained wealth and power through dishonest means. He emphasizes that their kingdom will eventually perish, whil |
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(1 Corinthians) ch.3:1-3:17 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of building our lives and work on the foundation of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that in the final day of judgment, God will t |







