The Meaning of 1 Corinthians 3:11 Explained

1 Corinthians 3:11

KJV: For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

YLT: for other foundation no one is able to lay except that which is laid, which is Jesus the Christ;

Darby: For other foundation can no man lay besides that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

ASV: For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

For  other  foundation  can  no man  lay  than  that is laid,  which  is  Jesus  Christ. 

What does 1 Corinthians 3:11 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Christ Himself is the foundation of the church ( Matthew 16:18; cf. Isaiah 28:16; Romans 9:33; 1 Peter 2:6). Basing a church on the work of any other person, even Peter, is improper. Paul laid the foundation for the church in Corinth when he preached Christ and Him crucified there. The apostles and prophets are the foundation of the church in a secondary sense only ( Ephesians 2:20). [1]

Context Summary

1 Corinthians 3:10-23 - Build On The Sure Foundation
We are called upon to contribute our share to the building of saved souls which is rising through the ages, to be an habitation of God through the Spirit, Ephesians 2:21-22. But in addition, we must not neglect the building of our own character on the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ. God has placed Him to be the foundation of every structure which shall stand firm in all the tests of fire through which we are destined to pass. We must needs go on building day by day. Whatever we do or say is another stone or brick. It is for us to choose which heap of material we take it from; whether from that of the wood, hay, or stubble, or from that of the gold, silver, or precious stones.
All things serve the man or woman who serves Christ. The lowliest life may be a link in a chain of golden ministry which binds earth and heaven. Our Lord was constantly described in the Old Testament as the Servant of God. He said that He had come down to earth to do His Father's will. "I am among you as he that serveth." When we serve Him as He serves the great purposes of God, then everything begins to minister to us. The extremes of existence, of creation, and of duration, all serve us. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1 Corinthians 3

1  Milk is fit for children
3  Strife and division, arguments of a fleshly mind
7  He who plants and He who waters are nothing
9  The ministers are God's fellow workmen
11  Christ the only foundation
16  You are the temples of God, which must be kept holy
19  The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God

Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 3:11

Other foundation [τεμελιον αλλον]
The gender of the adjective is here masculine as is shown by αλλον — allon If neuter, it would be αλλο — allo It is masculine because Paul has Christ in mind. It is not here ετερον — heteron a different kind of gospel (ετερον ευαγγελιον — heteron euaggelion Galatians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 11:4) which is not another (αλλο — allo Galatians 1:7) in reality. But another Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:4, αλλον Ιησουν — allon Iēsoun) is a reflection on the one Lord Jesus. Hence there is no room on the platform with Jesus for another Saviour, whether Buddha, Mahomet, Dowie, Eddy, or what not. Jesus Christ is the one foundation and it is gratuitous impudence for another to assume the role of Foundation. [source]
Than that which is laid, which is Christ Jesus [παρα τον κειμενον ος εστιν Ιησους Χριστος]
Literally, “alongside Paul scouts the suggestion that one even in the interest of so-called “new thought” will dare to lay beside Jesus another foundation for religion. And yet I have seen an article by a professor in a theological seminary in which he advocates regarding Jesus as a landmark, not as a goal, not as a foundation. Clearly Paul means that on this one true foundation, Jesus Christ, one must build only what is in full harmony with the Foundation which is Jesus Christ. If one accuses Paul of narrowness, it can be replied that the architect has to be narrow in the sense of building here and not there. A broad foundation will be too thin and unstable for a solid and abiding structure. It can be said also that Paul is here merely repeating the claim of Jesus himself on this very subject when he quoted Psalm 118:22. to the members of the Sanhedrin who challenged his authority (Mark 11:10.; Matthew 21:42-45; Luke 20:17.). Apostles and prophets go into this temple of God, but Christ Jesus is the chief corner stone All believers are living stones in this temple (1 Peter 2:5). But there is only one foundation possible. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Corinthians 3:11

Romans 15:20 ambition [ambio, to go on both sides to carry one‘s point)]
(ambio, to go on both sides to carry one‘s point). Not where (ουχ οπου — ouch hopou). Paul was a pioneer preacher pushing on to new fields after the manner of Daniel Boone in Kentucky. That I might now build upon another man‘s foundation For αλλοτριος — allotrios (not αλλος — allos) see note on Romans 14:4. For τεμελιον — themelion see notes on Luke 6:48. and note on 1 Corinthians 3:11. This noble ambition of Paul‘s is not within the range of some ministers who can only build on another‘s foundation as Apollos did in Corinth. But the pioneer preacher and missionary has a dignity and glory all his own. [source]
Romans 15:20 That I might now build upon another man‘s foundation [ινα μη επ αλλοτριον τεμελιον οικοδομω]
For αλλοτριος — allotrios (not αλλος — allos) see note on Romans 14:4. For τεμελιον — themelion see notes on Luke 6:48. and note on 1 Corinthians 3:11. This noble ambition of Paul‘s is not within the range of some ministers who can only build on another‘s foundation as Apollos did in Corinth. But the pioneer preacher and missionary has a dignity and glory all his own. [source]
Romans 15:20 Making it my aim [πιλοτιμουμενον]
Present middle participle (accusative case agreeing with με — me) of πιλοτιμεομαι — philotimeomai old verb, to be fond of honour In N.T. only here and 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Corinthians 5:9. A noble word in itself, quite different in aim from the Latin word for ambition (ambio, to go on both sides to carry one‘s point). Not where (ουχ οπου — ouch hopou). Paul was a pioneer preacher pushing on to new fields after the manner of Daniel Boone in Kentucky. That I might now build upon another man‘s foundation For αλλοτριος — allotrios (not αλλος — allos) see note on Romans 14:4. For τεμελιον — themelion see notes on Luke 6:48. and note on 1 Corinthians 3:11. This noble ambition of Paul‘s is not within the range of some ministers who can only build on another‘s foundation as Apollos did in Corinth. But the pioneer preacher and missionary has a dignity and glory all his own. [source]
1 Corinthians 3:10 Another buildeth thereon [αλλος εποικοδομει]
Note the preposition επι — epi with the verb each time (1 Corinthians 3:10, 1 Corinthians 3:11, 1 Corinthians 3:12, 1 Corinthians 3:14). The successor to Paul did not have to lay a new foundation, but only to go on building on that already laid. It is a pity when the new pastor has to dig up the foundation and start all over again as if an earthquake had come. Take heed how he buildeth thereon (βλεπετω πως εποικοδομει — blepetō pōs epoikodomei). The carpenters have need of caution how they carry out the plans of the original architect. Successive architects of great cathedrals carry on through centuries the original design. The result becomes the wonder of succeeding generations. There is no room for individual caprice in the superstructure. [source]
Ephesians 2:20 The foundation [επι τωι τεμελιωι]
Repetition of επι — epi with the locative case. See note on 1 Corinthians 3:11 for this word. Of the apostles and prophets (τον αποστολων και προπητων — ton apostolōn kai prophētōn). Genitive of apposition with τεμελιωι — themeliōi consisting in. If one is surprised that Paul should refer so to the apostles, he being one himself, Peter does the same thing (2 Peter 3:2). Paul repeats this language in Ephesians 3:5. Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone Genitive absolute. The compound ακρογωνιαιος — akrogōniaios occurs only in the lxx (first in Isa 28:16) and in the N.T. (here, 1 Peter 2:6). Λιτος — Lithos (stone) is understood. Jesus had spoken of himself as the stone, rejected by the Jewish builders (experts), but chosen of God as the head of the corner (Matthew 21:42), εις κεπαλην γωνιας — eis kephalēn gōnias “The ακρογωνιαιος — akrogōniaios here is the primary foundation-stone at the angle of the structure by which the architect fixes a standard for the bearings of the walls and cross-walls throughout” (W. W. Lloyd). [source]
Colossians 1:23 Pistei []
is in the locative case (in faith). Grounded (τετεμελιωμενοι — tethemeliōmenoi). Perfect passive participle of τεμελιοω — themelioō old verb from τεμελιος — themelios (adjective, from τεμα — thema from τιτημι — tithēmi laid down as a foundation, substantive, 1 Corinthians 3:11.). Picture of the saint as a building like Ephesians 2:20. Steadfast Old adjective from εδρα — hedra (seat). In N.T. only here, 1 Corinthians 7:37; 1 Corinthians 15:58. Metaphor of seated in a chair. Not moved away (μη μετακινουμενοι — mē metakinoumenoi). Present passive participle (with negative μη — mē) of μετακινεω — metakineō old verb, to move away, to change location, only here in N.T. Negative statement covering the same ground. From the hope of the gospel Ablative case with απο — apo The hope given by or in the gospel and there alone. Which ye heard (ου ηκουσατε — hou ēkousate). Genitive case of relative either by attraction or after ηκουσατε — ēkousate The Colossians had in reality heard the gospel from Epaphras. Preached First aorist passive participle of κηρυσσω — kērussō to herald, to proclaim. In all creation (εν πασηι κτισει — en pasēi ktisei). Κτισις — Ktisis is the act of founding (Romans 1:20) from κτιζω — ktizō (Colossians 1:16), then a created thing (Romans 1:25), then the sum of created things as here and Revelation 3:14. It is hyperbole, to be sure, but Paul does not say that all men are converted, but only that the message has been heralded abroad over the Roman Empire in a wider fashion than most people imagine. A minister General term for service Our “deacon” is this word transliterated and given a technical meaning as in Philemon 1:1. [source]
Colossians 1:23 Grounded [τετεμελιωμενοι]
Perfect passive participle of τεμελιοω — themelioō old verb from τεμελιος — themelios (adjective, from τεμα — thema from τιτημι — tithēmi laid down as a foundation, substantive, 1 Corinthians 3:11.). Picture of the saint as a building like Ephesians 2:20. [source]
2 Timothy 2:19 The foundation of God standeth sure [ὁ στερεὸς θεμέλιος τοῦ θεοῦ ἕστηκεν]
Wrong. Στερεὸς sureis attributive, not predicative. Rend. the firm foundation of God standeth. The phrase foundation of God, N.T.o Θεμέλιος foundationis an adjective, and λίθος stoneis to be supplied. It is not to be taken by metonymy for οἰκία house(2 Timothy 2:20), but must be interpreted consistently with it, and, in a loose way, represents or foreshadows it. So we speak of an endowed institution as a foundation. By “the sure foundation of God” is meant the church, which is “the pillar and stay of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15), by means of which the truth of God is to withstand the assaults of error. The church has its being in the contents of “the sound teaching” (1 Timothy 1:10), which is “according to godliness” (1 Timothy 6:3), and which is deposited in it. “The mystery of godliness “ is intrusted to it (1 Timothy 3:16). Its servants possess “the mystery of the faith” (1 Timothy 3:9). In 1 Corinthians 3:11, Christ is represented as “ the chief corner-stone.” In Ephesians 2:20, the church is built “upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,” with Christ as the corner-stone, and grows into a “holy temple ( ναὸν ) in the Lord.” Here, the church itself is the foundation, and the building is conceived as a great dwelling-house. While the conception of the church here does not contradict that of Paul, the difference is apparent between it and the conception in Ephesians, where the church is the seat of the indwelling and energy of the Holy Spirit. Comp. 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 3:17. Στερεός firmonly here, Hebrews 5:12, Hebrews 5:14, and 1 Peter 5:9(note). Ἕστηκεν standethin contrast with overthrow (2 Timothy 2:18). [source]
2 Timothy 2:19 Firm [στερεος]
Old adjective, solid, compact, in N.T. only here, 1 Peter 5:9; Hebrews 5:12, Hebrews 5:14. See στερεωμα — stereōma in Colossians 2:5. For τεμελιος — themelios see note on 1 Corinthians 3:11; Romans 15:20; 1 Timothy 6:19. Cf. εδραιωμα — hedraiōma in 1 Timothy 3:15. Seal (σπραγις — sphragis). See 1 Corinthians 9:2; Romans 4:11. Knoweth Timeless aorist active indicative of γινωσκω — ginōskō Quotation from Numbers 16:5. Let every one depart (αποστητω πας — apostētō pās). Paraphrase of Numbers 16:27; Isaiah 26:13; Isaiah 52:11; Jeremiah 20:9. Second aorist active imperative of απιστημι — aphistēmi (intransitive use), “Let every one stand off from.” Probably another echo of the rebellion of Korah. [source]
Hebrews 6:1 Wherefore [διο]
Because of the argument already made about the difficulty of the subject and the dulness of the readers. Let us cease to speak Second aorist active participle of απιημι — aphiēmi to leave off or behind. Of the first principles of Christ Objective genitive Χριστου — Christou (about Christ). “Leaving behind the discussion of the beginning about Christ,” another way of saying again τα στοιχεια της αρχης των λογιων του τεου — ta stoicheia tēs archēs tōn logiōn tou theou of Hebrews 5:12. And press on Volitive present subjunctive passive, “Let us be borne on” (both the writer and the readers). The Pythagorean Schools use περωμετα — pherōmetha in precisely this sense of being borne on to a higher stage of instruction. Bleek quotes several instances of Greek writers using together as here of απεντες περωμετα — aphentes pherōmetha (Eurip., Androm. 393, for instance). Unto perfection Old word from τελειος — teleios mature, adults as in Hebrews 5:14. Only twice in N.T. (here and Colossians 3:14). Let us go on to the stage of adults, not babes, able to masticate solid spiritual food. The writer will assume that the readers are adults in his discussion of the topic. Not laying again the foundation The regular idiom for laying down the foundation of a building The metaphor is common (1 Corinthians 3:11) and the foundation is important, but one cannot be laying the foundation always if he is to build the house. There are six items mentioned here as part of the “foundation,” though the accusative διδαχην — didachēn in apposition with τεμελιον — themelion may mean that there are only four included in the τεμελιον — themelion Two are qualitative genitives after τεμελιον — themelion What is meant by “dead works” There are frequent allusions to the deadening power of sin (James 2:17, James 2:26; John 7:25; Romans 6:1, Romans 6:11; Romans 7:8; Colossians 2:13; Ephesians 2:1, Ephesians 2:5). The use of repentance and faith together occurs also elsewhere (Mark 1:15; Acts 20:21; 1 Thessalonians 1:9). [source]
Revelation 21:14 Twelve foundations [τεμελιους δωδεκα]
Foundation stones, old adjective (from τεμα — thema from τιτημι — tithēmi), here as in 1 Corinthians 3:11.; 2 Timothy 2:19, with λιτους — lithous (stones understood), though often neuter substantive to τεμελιον — themelion (Luke 6:48.; Acts 16:26). See Isaiah 28:16; Hebrews 11:10. Twelve because of the twelve apostles as foundation stones (Ephesians 2:20).On them (επ αυτων — ep' autōn). On the twelve foundation stones.Names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb Jesus had spoken of twelve thrones for the apostles (Matthew 19:28); names of all twelve are here written, not just that of Peter, as some would argue from Matthew 16:18. As a matter of fact, Christ is the corner stone or ακρογωνιαιον — akrogōniaion (1 Peter 2:6; 1 Corinthians 3:10; Ephesians 2:20), though rejected by the Sanhedrin (Matthew 21:42.). One may wonder if the name of Judas is on that stone or that of Matthias. [source]

What do the individual words in 1 Corinthians 3:11 mean?

Foundation for another no one is able to lay besides the [one] being already laid which is Jesus Christ
θεμέλιον γὰρ ἄλλον οὐδεὶς δύναται θεῖναι παρὰ τὸν κείμενον ὅς ἐστιν Ἰησοῦς Χριστός

θεμέλιον  Foundation 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: θεμέλιον 
Sense: laid down as a foundation, the foundation (of a building, wall, city).
ἄλλον  another 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: ἄλλος  
Sense: another, other.
οὐδεὶς  no  one 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: οὐδείς 
Sense: no one, nothing.
δύναται  is  able 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: δύναμαι  
Sense: to be able, have power whether by virtue of one’s own ability and resources, or of a state of mind, or through favourable circumstances, or by permission of law or custom.
θεῖναι  to  lay 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Infinitive Active
Root: τίθημι  
Sense: to set, put, place.
παρὰ  besides 
Parse: Preposition
Root: παρά  
Sense: from, of at, by, besides, near.
τὸν  the  [one] 
Parse: Article, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
κείμενον  being  already  laid 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: κεῖμαι  
Sense: to lie.
Ἰησοῦς  Jesus 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰησοῦς  
Sense: Joshua was the famous captain of the Israelites, Moses’ successor.
Χριστός  Christ 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Χριστός  
Sense: Christ was the Messiah, the Son of God.