New International VersionFor no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
New Living TranslationFor no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.
English Standard VersionFor no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Berean Standard BibleFor no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Berean Literal BibleFor no one is able to lay another foundation, besides the one being already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
King James BibleFor other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
New King James VersionFor no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
New American Standard BibleFor no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
NASB 1995For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
NASB 1977For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Legacy Standard BibleFor no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Amplified Biblefor no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is [already] laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Christian Standard BibleFor no one can lay any foundation other than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ.
Holman Christian Standard BibleFor no one can lay any other foundation than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ.
American Standard VersionFor other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Contemporary English Versionbecause Christ is the only foundation.
English Revised VersionFor other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationAfter all, no one can lay any other foundation than the one that is already laid, and that foundation is Jesus Christ.
Good News TranslationFor God has already placed Jesus Christ as the one and only foundation, and no other foundation can be laid.
International Standard VersionAfter all, no one can lay any other foundation than the one that is already laid, and that is Jesus the Messiah.
NET BibleFor no one can lay any foundation other than what is being laid, which is Jesus Christ.
New Heart English BibleFor no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Webster's Bible TranslationFor other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Weymouth New TestamentFor no one can lay any other foundation in addition to that which is already laid, namely Jesus Christ. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
World English BibleFor no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor no one is able to lay another foundation except that which is laid, which is Jesus the Christ;
Berean Literal BibleFor no one is able to lay another foundation, besides the one being already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Young's Literal Translation for other foundation no one is able to lay except that which is laid, which is Jesus the Christ;
Smith's Literal TranslationFor none is able to lay another foundation above that laid, which is Jesus the Christ. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor other foundation no man can lay, but that which is laid; which is Christ Jesus.
Catholic Public Domain VersionFor no one is able to lay any other foundation, in place of that which has been laid, which is Christ Jesus.
New American Biblefor no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ.
New Revised Standard VersionFor no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor other foundation can no man lay than that which is already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishFor no man can lay another foundation than that which has been laid, which is Yeshua The Messiah. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which, is Jesus Christ.
Godbey New TestamentFor other foundation no one is able to lay beside the one which is laid, who is Jesus Christ.
Haweis New TestamentFor other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus the Messiah.
Mace New Testamentfor no one can lay any other foundation, than what is laid, which is, that Jesus is the Messias.
Weymouth New TestamentFor no one can lay any other foundation in addition to that which is already laid, namely Jesus Christ.
Worrell New Testamentfor other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Worsley New TestamentFor no one can lay any other foundation, but that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ: and if any build upon this foundation gold,
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Christ Our Foundation10By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. 11Forno onecanlayafoundationother thanthe onealready laid,whichisJesusChrist.12If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw,…
Cross References Ephesians 2:20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.
Matthew 16:18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
Isaiah 28:16So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.
1 Peter 2:4-6As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight, / you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. / For it stands in Scripture: “See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”
Acts 4:11-12This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ / Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
Psalm 118:22The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
Romans 9:33as it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”
Matthew 21:42Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?
Luke 20:17But Jesus looked directly at them and said, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’?
1 Peter 2:7To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”
John 1:1-3In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. / He was with God in the beginning. / Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.
Colossians 1:17-18He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. / And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence.
Hebrews 6:1Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith in God,
Zechariah 10:4The cornerstone will come from Judah, the tent peg from him, as well as the battle bow and every ruler together.
Ephesians 1:22-23And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church, / which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
Treasury of Scripture For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Acts 4:11,12 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner… Jump to Previous AbleAdditionAlreadyBaseBesidesBuildingChristExceptFoundationJesusLayNamelyJump to Next AbleAdditionAlreadyBaseBesidesBuildingChristExceptFoundationJesusLayNamely1 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.For no one can lay a foundationThis phrase emphasizes the exclusivity and singularity of the foundation in Christian faith. In the context of 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses divisions within the church at Corinth, where various leaders were being followed. The metaphor of a foundation is significant in biblical literature, often symbolizing stability and permanence. In ancient construction, the foundation was crucial for the integrity of the entire structure, much like the role of foundational beliefs in a faith community. This imagery is consistent with Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders ( Matthew 7:24-27), where the foundation determines the endurance of the house. other than the one already laid,
Paul asserts that the foundation has already been established, indicating that it is not subject to change or replacement. This reflects the early church's understanding of the gospel as a completed work through Jesus Christ. Historically, the early Christian community faced challenges from various teachings and philosophies, both Jewish and Gentile, that threatened to alter the core message of the gospel. Paul's insistence on the pre-existing foundation underscores the continuity and consistency of Christian doctrine from its inception. which is Jesus Christ.
The identification of Jesus Christ as the foundation is central to Christian theology. This statement affirms the belief in Christ's unique role in salvation and the church's existence. In the broader biblical narrative, Jesus is often depicted as the cornerstone (Psalm 118:22,Isaiah 28:16,Ephesians 2:20), a critical element in construction that aligns and supports the entire structure. Theologically, this underscores the belief in Christ's divinity and his fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. The early church's confession of Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9) and the cornerstone of faith is foundational to Christian identity and mission. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth, emphasizing the centrality of Jesus Christ as the foundation of faith. 2. CorinthA major city in ancient Greece, known for its diverse population and cultural influences, which presented challenges for the early Christian church in maintaining doctrinal purity. 3. Jesus ChristThe foundation of the Christian faith, whose life, death, and resurrection are the cornerstone of salvation and the church. 4. The Corinthian ChurchThe recipients of Paul's letter, struggling with divisions and the influence of worldly wisdom, needing a reminder of their true foundation. 5. Builders of the ChurchRefers to leaders and teachers in the church who are responsible for building upon the foundation of Christ with sound doctrine and teaching. Teaching Points Christ as the Sole FoundationEmphasize that Jesus Christ is the only true foundation for the church and individual believers. Any attempt to build on another foundation will ultimately fail. Unity in the ChurchRecognize that divisions and factions within the church often arise when individuals or groups attempt to lay their own foundations. Unity is found in Christ alone. Building with CareChurch leaders and members must be diligent in building upon the foundation of Christ with sound doctrine, love, and integrity, ensuring that their work aligns with the teachings of Jesus. Personal ReflectionEncourage believers to examine their own lives to ensure that Christ is the foundation of their faith, decisions, and actions, rather than worldly wisdom or personal ambition. Endurance through TrialsA foundation in Christ provides stability and strength to endure life's challenges and trials, as He is unchanging and eternal. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 3:11?
2.How does 1 Corinthians 3:11 emphasize Christ as the foundation of our faith?
3.What are the implications of building on the foundation mentioned in 1 Corinthians 3:11?
4.How does Matthew 7:24-27 relate to 1 Corinthians 3:11's foundation theme?
5.In what ways can we ensure Christ remains our foundation daily?
6.How can 1 Corinthians 3:11 guide church leadership in their ministry approach?
7.What does 1 Corinthians 3:11 mean by "no one can lay a foundation other than Jesus Christ"?
8.How does 1 Corinthians 3:11 challenge the idea of multiple paths to God?
9.Why is Jesus Christ considered the only foundation according to 1 Corinthians 3:11?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 3?
11.What defines the true gospel?
12.How does 1 Corinthians 3:9 align with actual historical and archaeological records, given its metaphor of believers as God’s building and field?
13.If Jesus is the foundation of the church in other parts of the New Testament, why does Matthew 16:18 single out Peter’s role, and how is that not inconsistent?
14.Why does Paul focus on faith over Jesus' actual teachings?What Does 1 Corinthians 3:11 Mean for no one• Paul starts with an absolute: “For no one…” (1 Corinthians 3:11). No human, however gifted, is exempt. • This echoesRomans 3:10–12, where “there is no one righteous.” God alone sets the terms for salvation and the church. •Job 9:12 reminds us that no one can question God’s deeds; here, no one can change His blueprint for redemption.
can lay a foundation• Foundations determine the stability of any structure. Jesus used the same picture inMatthew 7:24–27, showing wise builders anchoring on rock. •Ephesians 2:20 calls believers “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.” • Anything we build—ministries, families, personal lives—must begin at the same footing if we expect it to last (Psalm 127:1).
other than the one already laid• The foundation is past-tense, “already laid.” It is not up for revision, upgrade, or replacement. •Galatians 1:6–9 warns against “another gospel.” Altering the foundation invites God’s curse. •2 Timothy 2:19 affirms, “Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm.” Paul’s language underscores finality and permanence.
which is Jesus Christ• Paul names the foundation: “which is Jesus Christ.” Salvation, doctrine, and Christian living rest on His person and work alone. •Acts 4:11–12 states, “There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” •Isaiah 28:16 prophesied a tested cornerstone; Peter applies it to Jesus in1 Peter 2:6–7. •John 14:6 records Jesus’ own words: “I am the way and the truth and the life.” Anything built apart from Him collapses (1 Corinthians 3:12–15).
summaryPaul’s sentence packs four ironclad truths: no one is free to innovate the gospel; God alone establishes the starting point; that point cannot be altered; and the point is Jesus Christ, the unshakable foundation. All faithful ministry and personal growth stand or fall on embracing and honoring Him alone. Verse 11. - Other foundation can no man lay. Any "other" gospel is not merely "another," but "a different" gospel ( Galatians 1:9). That which is laid; rather, that is lying (comp. 1 Peter 2:6). It has not been placed there ( τεθέντα) by any human bands, but lies there by the eternal will. Which is Jesus Christ. "The doctrine of Jesus Christ is the foundation of all theology; his person of all life." This is again and again inculcated in Scripture: Isaiah 28:16, "Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation." On this rock the Church is built ( Matthew 16:18: Acts 4:11, 12; Ephesians 2:20).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.no oneοὐδεὶς(oudeis)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3762:No one, none, nothing.canδύναται(dynatai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1410:(a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.layθεῖναι(theinai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 5087:To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.aἄλλον(allon)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 243:Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different.foundationθεμέλιον(themelion)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2310:From a derivative of tithemi; something put down, i.e. A substruction.other thanπαρὰ(para)Preposition
Strong's 3844:Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of.the [one]τὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.already laid,κείμενον(keimenon)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2749:To lie, recline, be placed, be laid, set, specially appointed, destined. Middle voice of a primary verb; to lie outstretched.whichὅς(hos)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.isἐστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.JesusἸησοῦς(Iēsous)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.Christ.Χριστός(Christos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547:Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.
Links 1 Corinthians 3:11 NIV1 Corinthians 3:11 NLT1 Corinthians 3:11 ESV1 Corinthians 3:11 NASB1 Corinthians 3:11 KJV
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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay any other (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) |
