Greek Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The First Epistle to the Corinthians, Chapter 3ΠΡΟΣ ΚΟΡΙΝΘΙΟΥΣ Α′ Γ′

Each verse opens with the running Greek, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case (color), parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

1

Κἀγώ, ἀδελφοί, οὐκ ἠδυνήθην λαλῆσαι ὑμῖν ὡς πνευματικοῖς ἀλλ' ὡς σαρκίνοις, ὡς νηπίοις ἐν Χριστῷ.

And I, brothers, could not speak to you as to spiritual people, but as to fleshly ones, as to infants in Christ.

Application of 2:6–16ΚἀγώHaving spoken of spiritual maturity (ch. 2), Paul turns the mirror on the Corinthians: 'and I, for my part' could not treat them as spiritual — the diagnosis that frames the whole chapter.
Κἀγώand INominativesubject (emphatic crasis καὶ ἐγώ)κἀγώ: crasis of καί + ἐγώ; 'and I (for my part)' — Paul applies the preceding to himself and them.
ἀδελφοίbrothersVocativevocative of direct addressἀδελφός: 'brother'; familial address softening the rebuke — they remain family in Christ.
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἠδυνήθηνI could/was ableAor Pass Indic 1 Sg · δύναμαιmain verb (negated)→ constative aoristδύναμαι: 'be able'; the passive aorist deponent — Paul was simply unable, given their state.
λαλῆσαιto speakAor Act Inf · λαλέωcomplementary infinitive→ constative aoristλαλέω: 'speak, talk'; the infinitive completes ἠδυνήθην — what he was unable to do.
ὑμῖνto youDativeindirect object
ὡςascomparative particle
πνευματικοῖςspiritual onesDativedat. (substantival adj. after ὡς)πνευματικός: 'spiritual'; one led by the Spirit (cf. 2:15) — the category they could not yet occupy.
ἀλλ'butadversative conjunction (strong)
ὡςascomparative particle
σαρκίνοιςfleshly onesDativedat. (substantival adj. after ὡς)σάρκινος: 'made of flesh' (the -ινος suffix = material); here of those still characterized by mere humanity — milder than the σαρκικός ('fleshly in disposition') of v.3.
ὡςascomparative particle
νηπίοιςinfantsDativedat. in apposition (after ὡς)νήπιος: 'infant, baby' (lit. 'non-speaking'); spiritual immaturity, contrasted with the τέλειοι ('mature') of 2:6.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
ΧριστῷChristDativedat. of sphere (incorporative)Χριστός: 'Christ'; 'in Christ' — they are genuinely believers, but infant ones.
2

γάλα ὑμᾶς ἐπότισα, οὐ βρῶμα, οὔπω γὰρ ἐδύνασθε. ἀλλ' οὐδὲ ἔτι νῦν δύνασθε,

I gave you milk to drink, not solid food, for you were not yet able. But you are not able even now,

Explanation (metaphor)asyndetonThe feeding metaphor unpacks the infancy of v.1: milk, not solid food — and the rebuke sharpens, for the incapacity persists 'even now.'
γάλαmilkAccusativedirect object (of content)γάλα: 'milk'; elementary teaching suited to infants, a stock image for basic instruction.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object (of person)
ἐπότισαI gave to drinkAor Act Indic 1 Sg · ποτίζωmain verb (double accusative)→ constative aoristποτίζω: 'give to drink, water'; takes a double accusative (person + thing) — 'I made you drink milk.'
οὐnotnegative particle
βρῶμαsolid foodAccusativedirect object (negated alternative)βρῶμα: 'food, solid food'; the deeper teaching for the mature, here withheld for lack of capacity.
οὔπωnot yetadverb (negated time)οὔπω: 'not yet'; the temporal qualifier — readiness had not arrived.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἐδύνασθεyou were ableImpf Mid/Pass Indic 2 Pl · δύναμαιmain verb (γάρ clause)→ durative imperfectδύναμαι: 'be able'; imperfect of the past abiding incapacity at the time of Paul's founding ministry.
ἀλλ'butadversative conjunction
οὐδὲnot evennegative conjunction (ascensive)οὐδέ: 'not even'; intensifies the indictment — the incapacity has not been outgrown.
ἔτιstilladverb (time)ἔτι: 'still, yet'; with νῦν underscores the persisting condition.
νῦνnowadverb (present time)
δύνασθεyou are ablePres Mid/Pass Indic 2 Pl · δύναμαιmain verb→ stative presentδύναμαι: 'be able'; the present tense brings the past incapacity into the readers' own moment.
3

ἔτι γὰρ σαρκικοί ἐστε. ὅπου γὰρ ἐν ὑμῖν ζῆλος καὶ ἔρις, οὐχὶ σαρκικοί ἐστε καὶ κατὰ ἄνθρωπον περιπατεῖτε;

for you are still of the flesh. For where there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and walking in a merely human way?

Ground (the proof)γάρThe proof of the diagnosis: jealousy and strife. A rhetorical question with οὐχί expecting 'yes' — their conduct itself convicts them of fleshliness.
ἔτιstilladverb (time)
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
σαρκικοίof the fleshNominativepredicate nominativeσαρκικός: 'fleshly' (the -ικος suffix = ethical character); not merely 'made of flesh' (v.1) but governed by the flesh's mindset.
ἐστεyou arePres Act Indic 2 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
ὅπουwhereconjunction (conditional/local)ὅπου: 'where'; here logically 'inasmuch as, since,' introducing the demonstrative evidence.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἐνamongpreposition + dative (sphere)
ὑμῖνyouDativeobject of ἐν (sphere)
ζῆλοςjealousyNominativesubject (of implied 'is')ζῆλος: 'zeal, jealousy'; here the negative sense — partisan rivalry, envious heat.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἔριςstrifeNominativesubject (coordinate)ἔρις: 'strife, contention, quarreling'; the outward conflict that jealousy breeds.
οὐχὶnotinterrogative negative (expects 'yes')οὐχί: emphatic form of οὐ; in a question it expects an affirmative answer.
σαρκικοίof the fleshNominativepredicate nominativeσαρκικός: 'fleshly'; repeated for force — their behavior labels them.
ἐστεyou arePres Act Indic 2 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (standard)
ἄνθρωπονmanAccusativeobject of κατά (standard/norm)ἄνθρωπος: 'human being'; κατὰ ἄνθρωπον = 'in a merely human way,' on the plane of fallen humanity, not the Spirit.
περιπατεῖτεyou walkPres Act Indic 2 Pl · περιπατέωmain verb (interrogative)→ customary presentπεριπατέω: 'walk about'; metaphor for ethical conduct, manner of life (a Hebraism, hālak).
4

ὅταν γὰρ λέγῃ τις· Ἐγὼ μέν εἰμι Παύλου, ἕτερος δέ· Ἐγὼ Ἀπολλῶ, οὐκ ἄνθρωποί ἐστε;

For when one says, "I am Paul's," and another, "I am Apollos's," are you not merely human?

Ground (concrete instance)γάρThe slogans themselves prove the point: party-spirit ('I am Paul's' / 'I am Apollos's') exposes their merely human level — answering the rivalries of 1:12.
ὅτανwhentemporal conjunction (+ subjunctive)ὅταν: 'whenever' (ὅτε + ἄν); introduces the indefinite recurring case.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
λέγῃsaysPres Act Subj 3 Sg · λέγωsubjunctive (ὅταν clause)→ customary presentλέγω: 'say'; the subjunctive after ὅταν marks the contingent, repeated occasion.
τιςone/someoneNominativesubject (indefinite pronoun)
ἘγὼINominativesubject (emphatic pronoun, quoted)
μένindeed/on the one handparticle (μέν … δέ correlative)
εἰμιamPres Act Indic 1 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula, quoted)→ stative present
ΠαύλουPaul'sGenitivepredicate genitive of possessionΠαῦλος: 'Paul'; the partisan claim of belonging to a particular teacher.
ἕτεροςanotherNominativesubject (of implied λέγει)ἕτερος: 'another (of a different kind)'; the second party-claimant.
δέand/butparticle (answering μέν)
ἘγὼINominativesubject (emphatic pronoun, quoted)
ἈπολλῶApollos'sGenitivepredicate genitive of possessionἈπολλῶς: 'Apollos,' the eloquent Alexandrian (Acts 18:24); the contracted gen. Ἀπολλῶ; with εἰμί implied — 'I am Apollos's.'
οὐκnotinterrogative negative (expects 'yes')
ἄνθρωποί(merely) humanNominativepredicate nominativeἄνθρωπος: 'human being'; 'are you not (mere) men?' — i.e. acting on the human, not the spiritual, plane.
ἐστεyou arePres Act Indic 2 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (interrogative copula)→ stative present
5

τί οὖν ἐστιν Ἀπολλῶς; τί δέ ἐστιν Παῦλος; διάκονοι δι' ὧν ἐπιστεύσατε, καὶ ἑκάστῳ ὡς ὁ κύριος ἔδωκεν.

What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, and to each as the Lord gave.

Inference (reframing)οὖνPaul reframes the leaders: not patrons of factions but servants — 'what,' not 'who.' Their role is wholly subordinate to the Lord's giving.
τίwhatNominativepredicate nom. (interrogative pronoun)τίς/τί: interrogative; the neuter 'what' (not 'who') deliberately depersonalizes — it asks their function.
οὖνtheninferential conjunction
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
ἈπολλῶςApollosNominativesubjectἈπολλῶς: named first here, perhaps tactfully placing himself second.
τίwhatNominativepredicate nom. (interrogative pronoun)
δέandconnective particle
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
ΠαῦλοςPaulNominativesubject
διάκονοιservantsNominativepredicate nominative (answer)διάκονος: 'servant, attendant, minister'; one who waits at table — lowly instrumentality, not lordship.
δι'throughpreposition + genitive (agency)
ὧνwhomGenitiverelative pronoun (object of διά)
ἐπιστεύσατεyou believedAor Act Indic 2 Pl · πιστεύωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aorist (ingressive nuance)πιστεύω: 'believe, trust'; the servants were only the channel of a faith that has God as its object.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἑκάστῳto eachDativedat. of recipientἕκαστος: 'each (one)'; each servant has a Lord-assigned measure of role.
ὡςascomparative conjunction
theNominativearticle
κύριοςLordNominativesubject (of ἔδωκεν)κύριος: 'Lord'; the true assigner of each one's task — the only proper object of allegiance.
ἔδωκενgave/assignedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (comparative clause)→ constative aoristδίδωμι: 'give'; here of apportioning a role/ministry to each.
6

ἐγὼ ἐφύτευσα, Ἀπολλῶς ἐπότισεν, ἀλλὰ ὁ θεὸς ηὔξανεν·

I planted, Apollos watered, but God kept giving the growth;

Illustration (agriculture)asyndetonThe farming image: human ministers do discrete acts (aorists, planting/watering) while God alone supplies the continuous growth (imperfect) — the decisive contrast set by ἀλλά.
ἐγὼINominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)
ἐφύτευσαplantedAor Act Indic 1 Sg · φυτεύωmain verb→ constative aoristφυτεύω: 'plant'; Paul's founding evangelism at Corinth (Acts 18) — the initial act.
ἈπολλῶςApollosNominativesubject
ἐπότισενwateredAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ποτίζωmain verb→ constative aoristποτίζω: 'water, give to drink'; Apollos's subsequent nurturing ministry.
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction (strong)
theNominativearticle
θεὸςGodNominativesubject (emphatic by contrast)θεός: God; the true agent, set against the merely instrumental ministers.
ηὔξανενkept giving growthImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · αὐξάνωmain verb→ durative imperfectαὐξάνω: 'cause to grow, increase'; the imperfect marks God's ongoing, continual giving of increase — over against the punctiliar human acts.
7

ὥστε οὔτε ὁ φυτεύων ἐστίν τι οὔτε ὁ ποτίζων, ἀλλ' ὁ αὐξάνων θεός.

so neither the one planting is anything nor the one watering, but God who gives the growth.

Conclusion (inference)ὥστεThe agricultural illustration yields its conclusion: the ministers are 'nothing,' all weight falls on God — the corrective to factional boasting in leaders.
ὥστεso that/soinferential conjunction (result)ὥστε: 'so that, therefore'; draws the consequence from v.6.
οὔτεneithernegative correlative conjunctionοὔτε … οὔτε: 'neither … nor.'
the (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
φυτεύωνplantingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · φυτεύωsubstantival participle (subject)→ gnomic presentφυτεύω: 'plant'; the present participle names the planter as a class, not a person.
ἐστίνisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ gnomic present
τιanythingNominativepredicate nom. (indefinite pronoun)τις/τι: indefinite; 'anything (of significance)' — the minister has no independent importance.
οὔτεnornegative correlative conjunction
the (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ποτίζωνwateringPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ποτίζωsubstantival participle (subject)→ gnomic presentποτίζω: 'water'; likewise a class-designation.
ἀλλ'butadversative conjunction (strong)
the (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
αὐξάνωνgiving growthPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · αὐξάνωattributive participle (modifies θεός)→ gnomic presentαὐξάνω: 'make grow'; the participle attaches to God — 'the growth-giving God,' the sole effective cause.
θεόςGodNominativepredicate nom. / subject (the sole agent)θεός: God; emphatically last — all consequence belongs to him.
8

ὁ φυτεύων δὲ καὶ ὁ ποτίζων ἕν εἰσιν, ἕκαστος δὲ τὸν ἴδιον μισθὸν λήμψεται κατὰ τὸν ἴδιον κόπον.

Now the one planting and the one watering are one, and each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

Qualification (unity + reward)δέA balancing clarification: the workers are 'one' (no ground for rivalry), yet individually accountable — each rewarded by his own labor, not by his followers' loyalty.
the (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
φυτεύωνplantingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · φυτεύωsubstantival participle (subject)→ gnomic present
δὲnow/andconnective particle (development)
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
the (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ποτίζωνwateringPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ποτίζωsubstantival participle (subject)→ gnomic present
ἕνoneNominativepredicate nom. (neuter: one thing)εἷς/ἕν: 'one'; the neuter ἕν = 'one (thing),' i.e. of one purpose and standing, not identical persons.
εἰσινarePres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
ἕκαστοςeachNominativesubjectἕκαστος: 'each (one)'; shifts from corporate unity to individual accountability.
δὲand/butconnective particle (contrast)
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἴδιονhis ownAccusativeattributive adjectiveἴδιος: 'one's own, private'; stresses personal, not collective, recompense.
μισθὸνreward/wageAccusativedirect objectμισθός: 'wage, reward'; the laborer's due — eschatological recompense for ministry.
λήμψεταιwill receiveFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb→ predictive futureλαμβάνω: 'take, receive'; the future points to the day of reckoning.
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (standard/measure)
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἴδιονhis ownAccusativeattributive adjectiveἴδιος: 'one's own'; the measure is each one's own labor, not another's.
κόπονlabor/toilAccusativeobject of κατά (measure)κόπος: 'wearisome toil, labor'; effort to the point of fatigue — the criterion of reward.
9

θεοῦ γάρ ἐσμεν συνεργοί· θεοῦ γεώργιον, θεοῦ οἰκοδομή ἐστε.

For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.

Ground (summary)γάρThe threefold 'God's' (θεοῦ … θεοῦ … θεοῦ, fronted for emphasis) gathers the section: the workers belong to God, and the church is God's field and building — the second image launches vv.10–15.
θεοῦGod'sGenitivegenitive of possession (fronted, emphatic)θεός: God; thrice-fronted in the verse — everything belongs to God, the keynote of the chapter.
γάρforexplanatory conjunction
ἐσμενwe arePres Act Indic 1 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
συνεργοίfellow workersNominativepredicate nominativeσυνεργός: 'co-worker' (σύν + ἔργον); 'God's fellow workers' — most likely workers belonging to God who labor together, rather than co-equals with God.
θεοῦGod'sGenitivegenitive of possession (fronted)
γεώργιονfield/cultivated landNominativepredicate nominativeγεώργιον: 'tilled field, farm' (γῆ + ἔργον); the church as God's cultivated ground — closing the planting/watering image.
θεοῦGod'sGenitivegenitive of possession (fronted)
οἰκοδομήbuildingNominativepredicate nominativeοἰκοδομή: 'building, edifice'; the new metaphor — the church as God's structure, developed in vv.10–17.
ἐστεyou arePres Act Indic 2 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
10

Κατὰ τὴν χάριν τοῦ θεοῦ τὴν δοθεῖσάν μοι ὡς σοφὸς ἀρχιτέκτων θεμέλιον ἔθηκα, ἄλλος δὲ ἐποικοδομεῖ. ἕκαστος δὲ βλεπέτω πῶς ἐποικοδομεῖ·

According to the grace of God given to me, as a wise master-builder I laid a foundation, and another builds upon it. But let each one watch how he builds upon it;

Development (building image)asyndetonThe building metaphor advances: Paul as foundation-layer 'by grace,' others as upper-builders — and a sharp imperative, 'let each watch how he builds,' which governs vv.11–15.
Κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (norm)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
χάρινgraceAccusativeobject of κατά (norm)χάρις: 'grace'; Paul's competence is a gift, removing any boast — the foundation-laying is grace-empowered.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive of source
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (in attributive position)
δοθεῖσάνgivenAor Pass Ptc · Acc Sg Fem · δίδωμιattributive participle (modifies χάριν)→ constative aoristδίδωμι: 'give'; the divine passive — grace 'given' (by God) to Paul for the task.
μοιto meDativedat. of recipient
ὡςascomparative particle
σοφὸςwise/skilledNominativeattributive adjectiveσοφός: 'wise, skilled'; of practical craftsmanship here — competent expertise, not theoretical wisdom.
ἀρχιτέκτωνmaster builderNominativepredicate nom. (apposition to 'I')ἀρχιτέκτων: 'chief craftsman, architect' (ἀρχι- + τέκτων); the foreman who lays out and lays the foundation.
θεμέλιονfoundationAccusativedirect objectθεμέλιος: 'foundation stone, foundation'; the gospel of Christ crucified Paul first preached (cf. v.11).
ἔθηκαI laidAor Act Indic 1 Sg · τίθημιmain verb→ constative aoristτίθημι: 'place, lay'; the once-for-all founding act of laying the foundation.
ἄλλοςanotherNominativesubjectἄλλος: 'another (of the same kind)'; the subsequent builders, including Apollos and any later teacher.
δὲand/butconnective particle
ἐποικοδομεῖbuilds uponPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐποικοδομέωmain verb→ progressive presentἐποικοδομέω: 'build upon' (ἐπί + οἰκοδομέω); the work of raising the structure on the foundation.
ἕκαστοςeachNominativesubjectἕκαστος: 'each (one)'; individual responsibility for the manner of building.
δὲbutconnective particle
βλεπέτωlet him watchPres Act Impv 3 Sg · βλέπωimperative (3rd person)→ imperative of cautionβλέπω: 'see, look'; here 'take care, watch out' — a warning to ongoing builders.
πῶςhowinterrogative adverb (indir. question)πῶς: 'how'; the quality, not merely the fact, of building is in view.
ἐποικοδομεῖhe builds uponPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐποικοδομέωmain verb (indirect question)→ progressive presentἐποικοδομέω: 'build upon'; the manner of one's building will be tested (vv.12–15).
11

θεμέλιον γὰρ ἄλλον οὐδεὶς δύναται θεῖναι παρὰ τὸν κείμενον, ὅς ἐστιν Ἰησοῦς Χριστός.

for no one can lay another foundation than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Ground (the one foundation)γάρThe ground of the warning: the foundation is fixed and singular — Jesus Christ. Builders may differ, but the base is non-negotiable.
θεμέλιονfoundationAccusativedirect object (fronted)θεμέλιος: 'foundation'; fronted for emphasis — there is but one.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἄλλονanotherAccusativeattributive adjectiveἄλλος: 'another'; no rival foundation is possible.
οὐδεὶςno oneNominativesubject (negative pronoun)οὐδείς: 'no one'; absolute negation — the exclusivity of Christ as foundation.
δύναταιis ablePres Mid/Pass Indic 3 Sg · δύναμαιmain verb→ gnomic presentδύναμαι: 'be able'; a standing impossibility, not merely a prohibition.
θεῖναιto layAor Act Inf · τίθημιcomplementary infinitive→ constative aoristτίθημι: 'place, lay'; completes δύναται — to lay (a foundation).
παρὰbesides/thanpreposition + accusative (comparison/exclusion)παρά + acc.: here 'beside, contrary to, other than' — 'besides the one laid.'
τὸνthe (one)Accusativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
κείμενονalready laidPres Mid/Pass Ptc · Acc Sg Masc · κεῖμαιsubstantival participle (object of παρά)→ stative presentκεῖμαι: 'lie, be laid'; serves as the perfect-passive of τίθημι — 'the foundation that lies (already) set.'
ὅςwhichNominativerelative pronoun (subject)
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
ἸησοῦςJesusNominativepredicate nominativeἸησοῦς: Jesus; the foundation is a person, identified by name and title.
ΧριστόςChristNominativeapposition (title)Χριστός: 'Christ'; the crucified Messiah preached by Paul (cf. 2:2) is the sole base.
12

εἰ δέ τις ἐποικοδομεῖ ἐπὶ τὸν θεμέλιον χρυσόν, ἄργυρον, λίθους τιμίους, ξύλα, χόρτον, καλάμην,

Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,

Condition (the materials)δέA first-class condition opens the test: two triads of materials — durable (gold, silver, stones) versus combustible (wood, hay, straw) — that the fire will sort.
εἰifconditional conjunction (1st class)εἰ: 'if'; with the indicative, a real/assumed condition — 'if, as is the case.'
δέnow/butconnective particle (development)
τιςanyoneNominativesubject (indefinite pronoun)
ἐποικοδομεῖbuilds uponPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐποικοδομέωmain verb (protasis)→ progressive presentἐποικοδομέω: 'build upon'; the act whose materials now matter.
ἐπὶonpreposition + accusative (position)
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
θεμέλιονfoundationAccusativeobject of ἐπί (position)θεμέλιος: 'foundation'; the one and only base of v.11.
χρυσόνgoldAccusativedirect object (material)χρυσός: 'gold'; first of the fire-proof materials — costly, enduring work.
ἄργυρονsilverAccusativedirect object (material)ἄργυρος: 'silver'; durable, precious — work that endures testing.
λίθουςstonesAccusativedirect object (material)λίθος: 'stone'; with τιμίους, costly building stones (perhaps marble/gems).
τιμίουςpreciousAccusativeattributive adjectiveτίμιος: 'costly, precious'; of high value, fitting for an enduring temple.
ξύλαwoodAccusativedirect object (material)ξύλον: 'wood, timber'; first of the combustible triad — perishable work.
χόρτονhay/grassAccusativedirect object (material)χόρτος: 'grass, hay'; flammable, worthless when fire comes.
καλάμηνstraw/stubbleAccusativedirect object (material)καλάμη: 'stubble, straw'; the most readily consumed — useless under testing.
13

ἑκάστου τὸ ἔργον φανερὸν γενήσεται, ἡ γὰρ ἡμέρα δηλώσει· ὅτι ἐν πυρὶ ἀποκαλύπτεται, καὶ ἑκάστου τὸ ἔργον ὁποῖόν ἐστιν τὸ πῦρ αὐτὸ δοκιμάσει.

each one's work will become evident, for the Day will disclose it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will test what sort each one's work is.

Apodosis (the testing)asyndetonThe condition's outcome: the eschatological 'Day' brings fire that makes each one's work manifest and assays its quality — the central image of judgment by testing.
ἑκάστουof eachGenitivepossessive genitiveἕκαστος: 'each (one)'; individual works, individually assessed.
τὸtheNominativearticle
ἔργονworkNominativesubjectἔργον: 'work, deed'; the structure each has built — not salvation but ministry-product.
φανερὸνevident/manifestNominativepredicate adjectiveφανερός: 'visible, evident'; what is now hidden will be openly disclosed.
γενήσεταιwill becomeFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb→ predictive futureγίνομαι: 'become, come to be'; the future disclosure at the judgment.
theNominativearticle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἡμέραDayNominativesubjectἡμέρα: 'day'; absolutely, 'the Day' — the day of the Lord's judgment (cf. 1:8).
δηλώσειwill discloseFut Act Indic 3 Sg · δηλόωmain verb (γάρ clause)→ predictive futureδηλόω: 'make clear, reveal'; the Day brings everything to light.
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunctionὅτι: 'because'; gives the reason the Day discloses — it is 'revealed in fire.'
ἐνin/withpreposition + dative (means/manner)
πυρὶfireDativedat. of means (the testing agent)πῦρ: 'fire'; the standard biblical image of refining/testing judgment (cf. Mal 3:2–3).
ἀποκαλύπτεταιis revealedPres Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἀποκαλύπτωmain verb (ὅτι clause)→ futuristic presentἀποκαλύπτω: 'uncover, reveal'; the present vividly portrays the certain revelation (subject likely 'the Day').
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἑκάστουof eachGenitivepossessive genitive
τὸtheAccusativearticle
ἔργονworkAccusativedirect object (of δοκιμάσει)ἔργον: 'work'; the object the fire will assay.
ὁποῖόνof what sortNominativepredicate (correlative pronoun, indir. question)ὁποῖος: 'of what kind'; the quality, not quantity, of the work is in question.
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (indir. question)→ stative present
τὸtheNominativearticle
πῦρfireNominativesubjectπῦρ: 'fire'; here the active agent of testing.
αὐτὸitselfNominativeintensive pronoun (modifies πῦρ)αὐτός: intensive 'itself'; the fire itself does the proving.
δοκιμάσειwill test/proveFut Act Indic 3 Sg · δοκιμάζωmain verb→ predictive futureδοκιμάζω: 'test, prove (as metal by fire)'; assays for genuineness — the assessment of ministry.
14

εἴ τινος τὸ ἔργον μενεῖ ὃ ἐποικοδόμησεν, μισθὸν λήμψεται·

If anyone's work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward;

Condition (positive outcome)asyndetonThe first of two paired outcomes: work that withstands the fire earns reward — the durable builder is vindicated.
εἴifconditional conjunction (1st class)
τινοςanyone'sGenitivepossessive genitive (indefinite)
τὸtheNominativearticle
ἔργονworkNominativesubjectἔργον: 'work'; the ministerial product under test.
μενεῖwill remain/surviveFut Act Indic 3 Sg · μένωmain verb (protasis)→ predictive futureμένω: 'remain, abide'; here 'survive (the fire)' — note accent distinguishes future μενεῖ from present μένει.
whichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἐποικοδόμησεν)
ἐποικοδόμησενhe built uponAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐποικοδομέωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aoristἐποικοδομέω: 'build upon'; the completed act of building, now viewed as a whole.
μισθὸνrewardAccusativedirect objectμισθός: 'wage, reward'; the recompense for enduring work (cf. v.8).
λήμψεταιhe will receiveFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (apodosis)→ predictive futureλαμβάνω: 'receive'; the reward is granted at the judgment.
15

εἴ τινος τὸ ἔργον κατακαήσεται, ζημιωθήσεται, αὐτὸς δὲ σωθήσεται, οὕτως δὲ ὡς διὰ πυρός.

if anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

Condition (negative outcome)asyndetonThe paired negative outcome: combustible work is destroyed and the builder loses his reward — yet he himself is saved, though only as one escaping through flames. The verse safeguards against works-salvation.
εἴifconditional conjunction (1st class)
τινοςanyone'sGenitivepossessive genitive (indefinite)
τὸtheNominativearticle
ἔργονworkNominativesubjectἔργον: 'work'; the perishable building of v.12b.
κατακαήσεταιwill be burned upFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · κατακαίωmain verb (protasis)→ predictive futureκατακαίω: 'burn up completely' (κατά intensive); total consumption of the worthless work.
ζημιωθήσεταιhe will suffer lossFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · ζημιόωmain verb (apodosis)→ predictive futureζημιόω: 'suffer loss, be penalized'; he forfeits the reward, not his salvation.
αὐτὸςhe himselfNominativesubject (intensive pronoun, emphatic)αὐτός: intensive 'himself'; sets the builder over against his consumed work.
δὲbutadversative particle
σωθήσεταιwill be savedFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · σῴζωmain verb→ predictive futureσῴζω: 'save, rescue'; the divine passive — the builder is preserved, though stripped of reward.
οὕτωςso/thusadverb (manner)οὕτως: 'thus, in this manner'; qualifies the salvation — barely, as an escapee.
δὲyetadversative particle
ὡςascomparative particle
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (passage)
πυρόςfireGenitiveobject of διά (passage through)πῦρ: 'fire'; the image of one fleeing a burning house — saved, but with nothing but his life.
16

οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ναὸς θεοῦ ἐστε καὶ τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ θεοῦ οἰκεῖ ἐν ὑμῖν;

Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?

Application (the temple)asyndetonThe building image rises to its height: the church corporately is God's temple, indwelt by the Spirit. The rhetorical 'do you not know?' presses what they should already grasp.
οὐκnotinterrogative negative (expects 'yes')
οἴδατεyou knowPerf Act Indic 2 Pl · οἶδαmain verb (interrogative)→ intensive perfect (present sense)οἶδα: 'know'; perfect in form, present in meaning — 'do you not (already) know?'
ὅτιthatconjunction (content clause)
ναὸςtemple/sanctuaryNominativepredicate nominativeναός: 'temple, sanctuary' — specifically the inner shrine where the deity dwells (vs. ἱερόν, the whole precinct); the church is God's dwelling-place.
θεοῦGod'sGenitivegenitive of possession
ἐστεyou arePres Act Indic 2 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (copula, content clause)→ stative present
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὸtheNominativearticle
πνεῦμαSpiritNominativesubjectπνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; the divine presence that makes them the temple.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive of source/possession
οἰκεῖdwellsPres Act Indic 3 Sg · οἰκέωmain verb (content clause)→ stative presentοἰκέω: 'dwell, inhabit'; the Spirit's settled residence among them — the temple's glory.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
ὑμῖνyouDativeobject of ἐν (place; corporate 'you')
17

εἴ τις τὸν ναὸν τοῦ θεοῦ φθείρει, φθερεῖ τοῦτον ὁ θεός· ὁ γὰρ ναὸς τοῦ θεοῦ ἅγιός ἐστιν, οἵτινές ἐστε ὑμεῖς.

If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is holy, and that is what you are.

Warning (lex talionis)asyndetonA solemn warning in talionic form: the verb φθείρω turns back on the destroyer. Because the temple is holy, harming the community by faction invites God's own destroying judgment.
εἴifconditional conjunction (1st class)
τιςanyoneNominativesubject (indefinite pronoun)
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ναὸνtempleAccusativedirect objectναός: 'temple, sanctuary'; the community as God's dwelling, harmed by the divisive.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGod'sGenitivegenitive of possession
φθείρειdestroys/ruinsPres Act Indic 3 Sg · φθείρωmain verb (protasis)→ gnomic presentφθείρω: 'corrupt, ruin, destroy'; of marring the temple by strife — the same verb recoils in the apodosis.
φθερεῖwill destroyFut Act Indic 3 Sg · φθείρωmain verb (apodosis)→ predictive futureφθείρω: 'destroy'; the lex-talionis echo — the destroyer is himself destroyed by God.
τοῦτονthis one/himAccusativedirect object (demonstrative pronoun)
theNominativearticle
θεόςGodNominativesubject (emphatic, end position)θεός: God; the avenger of his own temple.
theNominativearticle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ναὸςtempleNominativesubjectναός: 'temple, sanctuary'; its holiness grounds the severity of the warning.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGod'sGenitivegenitive of possession
ἅγιόςholyNominativepredicate adjectiveἅγιος: 'holy, set apart'; consecrated to God and therefore inviolable.
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
οἵτινέςwhich (very thing)Nominativerelative pronoun (qualitative)ὅστις: qualitative relative, 'who/which is of such a kind'; here 'and that (holy temple) is precisely what you are.'
ἐστεarePres Act Indic 2 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)
18

Μηδεὶς ἑαυτὸν ἐξαπατάτω· εἴ τις δοκεῖ σοφὸς εἶναι ἐν ὑμῖν ἐν τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ, μωρὸς γενέσθω, ἵνα γένηται σοφός.

Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this age, let him become a fool, that he may become wise.

Exhortation (return to wisdom theme)asyndetonPaul recurs to the wisdom motif of chs. 1–2: the paradox that one must 'become a fool' by the world's measure to be truly wise — the antidote to the boasting behind the factions.
Μηδεὶςno oneNominativesubject (negative pronoun)μηδείς: 'no one'; the μη-form fits the prohibition/imperative mood.
ἑαυτὸνhimselfAccusativedirect object (reflexive pronoun)ἑαυτοῦ: reflexive 'himself'; self-deception is the danger in view.
ἐξαπατάτωlet him deceivePres Act Impv 3 Sg · ἐξαπατάωimperative (3rd person, prohibition)→ imperative of prohibitionἐξαπατάω: 'deceive thoroughly' (ἐκ intensive of ἀπατάω); a stronger 'utterly deceive.'
εἴifconditional conjunction (1st class)
τιςanyoneNominativesubject (indefinite pronoun)
δοκεῖthinks/seemsPres Act Indic 3 Sg · δοκέωmain verb (protasis)→ stative presentδοκέω: 'think, suppose, seem'; here 'reckons himself' to be wise.
σοφὸςwiseNominativepredicate nom. (of εἶναι)σοφός: 'wise'; the worldly wisdom prized at Corinth (cf. 1:18–25).
εἶναιto bePres Act Inf · εἰμίinfinitive (complement of δοκεῖ)→ stative present
ἐνamongpreposition + dative (sphere)
ὑμῖνyouDativeobject of ἐν (sphere)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (time)
τῷtheDativearticle
αἰῶνιageDativedat. of time (sphere)αἰών: 'age'; 'this age' — the present world-order, whose wisdom is folly to God.
τούτῳthisDativedemonstrative adjective
μωρὸςfoolNominativepredicate nom. (of γενέσθω)μωρός: 'foolish, a fool'; embracing the 'folly' of the cross (1:18) the world despises.
γενέσθωlet him becomeAor Mid Impv 3 Sg · γίνομαιimperative (3rd person)→ ingressive aoristγίνομαι: 'become'; the paradoxical command — embrace the cross's apparent foolishness.
ἵναthatconjunction (purpose)
γένηταιhe may becomeAor Mid Subj 3 Sg · γίνομαιsubjunctive (purpose clause)→ ingressive aoristγίνομαι: 'become'; the goal — true wisdom that is from God.
σοφόςwiseNominativepredicate nom. (of γένηται)σοφός: 'wise'; the genuine wisdom, over against the merely worldly.
19

ἡ γὰρ σοφία τοῦ κόσμου τούτου μωρία παρὰ τῷ θεῷ ἐστιν. γέγραπται γάρ· Ὁ δρασσόμενος τοὺς σοφοὺς ἐν τῇ πανουργίᾳ αὐτῶν·

For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness";

Ground (Scripture proof)γάρThe reason for the paradox, clinched by Scripture (Job 5:13): God turns the cleverness of the worldly-wise into a trap — their wisdom is folly before him.
theNominativearticle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
σοφίαwisdomNominativesubjectσοφία: 'wisdom'; the prized human cleverness of the age.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
κόσμουworldGenitivegenitive of source/possessionκόσμος: 'world'; the world-order alienated from God — its wisdom is the issue.
τούτουthisGenitivedemonstrative adjective
μωρίαfollyNominativepredicate nominativeμωρία: 'foolishness'; the divine appraisal of human wisdom (cf. 1:20).
παρὰwith/beforepreposition + dative (in the view of)παρά + dat.: 'beside, in the judgment of' — 'in God's estimation.'
τῷtheDativearticle
θεῷGodDativeobject of παρά (point of view)
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ gnomic present
γέγραπταιit is writtenPerf Pass Indic 3 Sg · γράφωmain verb (citation formula)→ intensive perfect (abiding authority)γράφω: 'write'; the perfect 'it stands written' — the standing authority of Scripture introducing the quotation.
γάρforexplanatory conjunction
the (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
δρασσόμενοςcatching/graspingPres Mid Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · δράσσομαιsubstantival participle (subject; = God)→ gnomic presentδράσσομαι: 'grasp, seize with the hand'; from Job 5:13 (LXX) — God ensnares the clever in their own scheming.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
σοφοὺςwiseAccusativedirect object (substantival adj.)σοφός: 'wise'; the self-styled wise are God's quarry.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (means/instrument)
τῇtheDativearticle
πανουργίᾳcraftinessDativedat. of means/instrumentπανουργία: 'cunning, craftiness' (lit. 'ready to do anything'); their very shrewdness becomes the snare.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession
20

καὶ πάλιν· Κύριος γινώσκει τοὺς διαλογισμοὺς τῶν σοφῶν ὅτι εἰσὶν μάταιοι.

and again: "The Lord knows the reasonings of the wise, that they are futile."

Ground (second proof-text)καὶ πάλινA second citation (Ps 94:11), reinforcing the first: the Lord sees through the calculations of the wise and judges them empty — doubling the scriptural witness.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
πάλινagainadverb (introducing further citation)πάλιν: 'again'; signals a second proof-text in the chain.
ΚύριοςLordNominativesubjectκύριος: 'Lord'; the LXX renders YHWH — the divine knower of human thought.
γινώσκειknowsPres Act Indic 3 Sg · γινώσκωmain verb→ gnomic presentγινώσκω: 'know'; God's penetrating knowledge of inner reasonings.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
διαλογισμοὺςreasonings/thoughtsAccusativedirect objectδιαλογισμός: 'reasoning, deliberation, scheme'; often with a negative cast — empty calculations.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle
σοφῶνwiseGenitivepossessive genitive (substantival adj.)σοφός: 'wise'; Paul substitutes 'the wise' for the psalm's 'men' (ἀνθρώπων), sharpening the application.
ὅτιthatconjunction (content clause)
εἰσὶνthey arePres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (content clause)→ gnomic present
μάταιοιfutile/emptyNominativepredicate nominativeμάταιος: 'vain, futile, empty'; without result or worth — the verdict on worldly reasoning.
21

ὥστε μηδεὶς καυχάσθω ἐν ἀνθρώποις· πάντα γὰρ ὑμῶν ἐστιν,

So let no one boast in men; for all things are yours,

Conclusion (no boasting)ὥστεThe practical conclusion of the whole argument: stop boasting in human leaders — a self-impoverishing folly, for in Christ 'all things' already belong to them.
ὥστεso/thereforeinferential conjunction (result)ὥστε: 'so that, therefore'; draws the conclusion from vv.18–20.
μηδεὶςno oneNominativesubject (negative pronoun)μηδείς: 'no one'; the μη-form suits the imperative.
καυχάσθωlet him boastPres Mid Impv 3 Sg · καυχάομαιimperative (3rd person, prohibition)→ imperative of prohibitionκαυχάομαι: 'boast, glory'; the root vice behind the factions — misplaced glorying in human teachers.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (basis/object)
ἀνθρώποιςmenDativeobject of ἐν (ground of boasting)ἄνθρωπος: 'human being'; the leaders are mere men — no ground for boasting.
πάνταall thingsNominativesubject (neuter plural)πᾶς: 'all'; the sweeping totality enumerated in v.22.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ὑμῶνyoursGenitivepredicate genitive of possession
ἐστινis/arePres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula; sg. with neut. pl. subject)→ stative present
22

εἴτε Παῦλος εἴτε Ἀπολλῶς εἴτε Κηφᾶς εἴτε κόσμος εἴτε ζωὴ εἴτε θάνατος εἴτε ἐνεστῶτα εἴτε μέλλοντα, πάντα ὑμῶν,

whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come — all are yours,

Expansion (the inventory)asyndetonA sweeping catalogue unpacks 'all things': the very teachers they fought over, and the whole order of existence, are gifts that serve them — boasting in any one is absurdly small.
εἴτεwhethercorrelative conjunctionεἴτε … εἴτε: 'whether … or'; strings the items into one totality.
ΠαῦλοςPaulNominativenom. in apposition to πάνταΠαῦλος: the teachers themselves belong to the church, not vice versa.
εἴτεorcorrelative conjunction
ἈπολλῶςApollosNominativenom. in appositionἈπολλῶς: the eloquent teacher — likewise a servant given for them.
εἴτεorcorrelative conjunction
ΚηφᾶςCephasNominativenom. in appositionΚηφᾶς: Aramaic 'rock' = Peter; the third named figure of the Corinthian parties (1:12).
εἴτεorcorrelative conjunction
κόσμοςworldNominativenom. in appositionκόσμος: 'world'; the created order itself serves the people of God.
εἴτεorcorrelative conjunction
ζωὴlifeNominativenom. in appositionζωή: 'life'; even life belongs to them as a possession in Christ.
εἴτεorcorrelative conjunction
θάνατοςdeathNominativenom. in appositionθάνατος: 'death'; even death now serves rather than terrifies the believer (cf. Rom 8:38).
εἴτεorcorrelative conjunction
ἐνεστῶταthings presentPerf Act Ptc · Nom Pl Neut · ἐνίστημιsubstantival participle (apposition)→ intensive perfectἐνίστημι: 'be present, have come'; the perfect ptc. τὰ ἐνεστῶτα = 'present realities.'
εἴτεorcorrelative conjunction
μέλλονταthings to comePres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Neut · μέλλωsubstantival participle (apposition)→ futuristic presentμέλλω: 'be about to'; τὰ μέλλοντα = 'things future' — past, present, and future alike are theirs.
πάνταall thingsNominativesubject (resumptive, neuter plural)πᾶς: 'all'; the summary repetition gathering the whole list.
ὑμῶνyoursGenitivepredicate genitive of possession
23

ὑμεῖς δὲ Χριστοῦ, Χριστὸς δὲ θεοῦ.

and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.

Climax (the chain of belonging)δέThe capstone: the hierarchy of belonging reverses all boasting — all things serve the church, but the church belongs to Christ, and Christ to God. Every claim of ownership terminates in God.
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)
δὲand/butconnective particle (contrast/development)
ΧριστοῦChrist'sGenitivepredicate genitive of possessionΧριστός: 'Christ'; though all things are theirs, they themselves belong wholly to Christ.
ΧριστὸςChristNominativesubject
δὲandconnective particle
θεοῦGod'sGenitivepredicate genitive of possessionθεός: God; the final term — Christ belongs to God (cf. 11:3; 15:28), so all ownership ends in God himself.