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1 Corinthians 3:14

If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.
1 Corinthians 3:14 · New King James Version
Parallel translations
  • WEB If any man’s work remains which he built on it, he will receive a reward.
  • KJV If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
  • BSB If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward.
  • NASB If anyone’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward.
  • NLT If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward.

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

If one's work survives the testing fire, that builder will receive a reward. Faithful, enduring ministry is rewarded by God.

Overview

Paul promises that work which 'remains' through the fire of judgment earns a reward from God. This motivates believers, especially leaders, to build faithfully on Christ with enduring materials. God graciously honors genuine, Christ-centered labor done in His service.

Cross-references & the web

Cross-references · 10

  • 1 Cor 3:8Now he who plants and he who waters are the same, but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
  • Matt 25:21–23“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
  • 1 Cor 4:5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each man will get his praise from God.
  • Matt 24:45–47“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has set over his household, to give them their food in due season?
  • Rev 2:8–11“To the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write: “The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life says these things:
  • 1 Pet 5:1Therefore I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and who will also share in the glory that will be revealed.
  • Dan 12:3Those who are wise shall shine as the brightness of the expanse; and those who turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.
  • 1 Pet 5:4When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that doesn’t fade away.
  • 1 Th 2:19For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Isn’t it even you, before our Lord Jesus at his coming?
  • 2 Tim 4:7I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.

Themes, concepts, people & topics

Topics (3)

Resources, by level

Commentaries & study tools

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 3:14 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.