For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.
Parallel translations
- WEB For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ.
- KJV For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
- BSB For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
- NKJV For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
- NASB For no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
No foundation can be laid other than Jesus Christ, who is already laid. Christ alone is the unchangeable foundation of the church.
Overview
Paul names the one and only foundation: Jesus Christ himself. No teacher, tradition, or system may replace Him as the basis of the church's life and faith. All faithful ministry must build on Christ, and any work not grounded in Him has no foundation at all.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 8
- Eph 2:20being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone;
- Isa 28:16Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh, “Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone of a sure foundation. He who believes shall not act hastily.
- 2 Tim 2:19However God’s firm foundation stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.”
- Acts 4:11–12He is ‘the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.’
- 1 Pet 2:6–8Because it is contained in Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, chosen, and precious: He who believes in him will not be disappointed.”
- Matt 16:18I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
- Gal 1:7–9and there isn’t another “good news.” Only there are some who trouble you, and want to pervert the Good News of Christ.
- 2 Cor 11:2–4For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy. For I married you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Christ crucified is the wisdom and power of God; he is our Passover sacrificed for us, the firstfruits of resurrection, the foundation on which everything is built.
How 1 Corinthians 3:11 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.