1 Corinthians 3:6

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

1 Corinthians 3:6 (KJV)

Context

Paul wrote to a Corinthian church divided by loyalty to different teachers. Some claimed allegiance to Paul, others to Apollos (1 Corinthians 3:4). Paul counters this factionalism by describing himself and Apollos as servants through whom the Corinthians believed, each assigned a task by the Lord (1 Corinthians 3:5).

Meaning

Paul uses an agricultural analogy to illustrate the roles he and Apollos played. He likens himself to a planter who sows the seed, and Apollos to a waterer who nurtures the growing plant. Yet Paul acknowledges that God ultimately brings the increase. The Greek verbs indicate Paul planted (ἐγὼ ἐφύτευσα) and Apollos watered (Ἀπολλῶς ἐπότισεν), but God was causing the growth (ηὔξανεν), an imperfect tense suggesting ongoing divine action.

Three insights follow. First, divine sovereignty: while Paul and Apollos had specific roles, God alone brings transformation. Second, unity and cooperation: rather than promoting division, Paul emphasizes shared purpose and collaborative effort in advancing God’s kingdom. Third, faithfulness in roles: their complementary tasks demonstrate the importance of faithfully carrying out what God entrusts to each person, trusting Him for the increase.

Biblical connections

This verse establishes that while human workers have distinct roles, growth comes solely from God. This is reinforced in verse 7: “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” The agricultural imagery extends to the Corinthians themselves as “God’s husbandry” (God’s field) in verse 9. The point is not to diminish faithful labor but to redirect all glory to God, who alone grants spiritual growth.

Application

This verse reminds us of the essential role God plays in the growth of believers. It encourages unity, cooperation, and faithfulness in serving God’s purposes, recognizing that the ultimate increase comes from Him.

Reflection

Ministers are fellow workers with God, and each will receive reward according to his own labor (1 Corinthians 3:8). The passage also connects to the building metaphor that follows, where Paul lays a foundation and warns about the quality of materials used (1 Corinthians 3:10-15), with Jesus Christ as the only foundation.