Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 3:14
If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian church to address the rivalry among its teachers and builders. He speaks during a discussion about how each person's ministry will be tested on the Day of judgment.
The words — μενεῖ (menei) translates to "will remain," and μισθὸν (misthon) means "a reward." These terms anchor the verse's conditional promise regarding enduring labor.
The thread — The promise of reward for enduring work appears in 1 Corinthians 3:8 and Matthew 25:21. It also echoes the stewardship theme in Matthew 24:45.
Why it lands — The text states that a builder receives a reward only if his work survives the testing fire. It asks the reader to construct ministry with materials that withstand divine scrutiny rather than seeking immediate approval.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
Cross-references
- Matthew 25:21 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!’
- 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.
- Matthew 24:45 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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
- 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:
- 1 Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
- Revelation 2:8 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.
- 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.