1 Corinthians 3:9
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's declaration that believers are 'God's fellow workers' (synergoi theou) — and that the community is simultaneously 'God's field' and 'God's building' — places the apostolic mission firmly within divine initiative rather than human achievement. The agricultural and architectural metaphors bracket the entire passage (3:5-17), framing Apollos and Paul as instruments while God alone causes growth. The phrase has sparked debate over whether believers collaborate with God or simply work within the sphere belonging to God; in context the latter reading better fits Paul's anti-boasting argument throughout chapters 1-4. The verse is foundational for theologies of vocation and ministry that stress human responsibility held within absolute divine sovereignty.
Other Translations
For we are God’s fellow-workers: ye are God’s husbandry, God’s building.
for of God we are fellow-workmen; God's tillage, God's building ye are.
For we are workers with God: you are God's planting, God's building.
Cross References
Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of …
The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also …
There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall …
Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.
She sent out her boughs unto the sea, and her branches unto the river.
The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard …
For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant …
In that day sing ye unto her, A vineyard of red wine.
I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it …