1-corinthians 3:7
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
So then neither is he that plants any thing, neither he that waters; but God that gives the increase.
American King James Version (AKJV)
So then neither is he that plants any thing, neither he that waters; but God that gives the increase.
American Standard Version (ASV)
So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
So then the planter is nothing, and the waterer is nothing; but God who gives the increase.
Webster's Revision
So then, neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth: but God that giveth the increase.
World English Bible
So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.
English Revised Version (ERV)
So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
Clarke's 1-corinthians 3:7 Bible Commentary
So then, neither is he that planteth any thing - God alone should have all the glory, as the seed is his, the ground is his, the laborers are his, and the produce all comes from himself.
Barnes's 1-corinthians 3:7 Bible Commentary
Anything - This is to he taken comparatively. They are nothing in comparison with God! Their agency is of no importance compared with his: see the note at 1 Corinthians 1:28. It does not mean that their agency ought not to be performed; that it is not important, and indispensable in its place; but that the honor is due to God - Their agency is indispensable. God could make seed or a tree grow if they were not planted in the earth. But He does not do it. The agency of the farmer is indispensable in the ordinary operations of His providence. If he does not plant, God will not make the grain or the tree grow. God blesses his labors; he does not work a miracle. God attends effort with success; God does not interfere in a miraculous manner to accommodate the indolence of people. So in the matter of salvation. The efforts of ministers would be of no avail without God. They could do nothing in the salvation of the soul unless God would give the increase. But their labors are as indispensable and as necessary, as are those of the farmer in the production of a harvest. And as every farmer could say, "my labors are nothing without God, who alone can give the increase," so it is with every minister of the gospel.
Wesley's 1-corinthians 3:7 Bible Commentary
3:7 God that giveth the increase - Is all in all: without him neither planting nor watering avails.