1 Corinthians 3:12
New International Version
If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw,

New Living Translation
Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw.

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

Berean Standard Bible
If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw,

Berean Literal Bible
Now if anyone builds upon the foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw,

King James Bible
Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

New King James Version
Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,

New American Standard Bible
Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw,

NASB 1995
Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,

NASB 1977
Now if any man builds upon the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,

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

Amplified Bible
But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,

Christian Standard Bible
If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If anyone builds on that foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw,

American Standard Version
But if any man buildeth on the foundation gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble;

English Revised Version
But if any man buildeth on the foundation gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
People may build on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw.

Good News Translation
Some will use gold or silver or precious stones in building on the foundation; others will use wood or grass or straw.

International Standard Version
Whether a person builds on this foundation with gold, silver, expensive stones, wood, hay, or straw,

Majority Standard Bible
If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw,

NET Bible
If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw,

New Heart English Bible
But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw;

Webster's Bible Translation
Now if any man buildeth upon this foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

Weymouth New Testament
And whether the building which any one is erecting on that foundation be of gold or silver or costly stones, of timber or hay or straw--

World English Bible
But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and if anyone builds on this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—

Berean Literal Bible
Now if anyone builds upon the foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw,

Young's Literal Translation
and if any one doth build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw --

Smith's Literal Translation
And if any one build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, grass, stalks;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now if any man build upon this foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble:

Catholic Public Domain Version
But if anyone builds upon this foundation, whether gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or stubble,

New American Bible
If anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw,

New Revised Standard Version
Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now if any man build on this foundation gold, silver, or precious stones, or wood, or hay, or stubble;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And if a man builds on this foundation, gold or silver or precious stones, or wood, hay or stubble,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
If any man builds on this foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble,

Godbey New Testament
But if any one builds upon the foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

Haweis New Testament
But if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, timbers, hay, stubble;

Mace New Testament
now if upon this foundation somebody builds gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble: he that builds such work,

Weymouth New Testament
And whether the building which any one is erecting on that foundation be of gold or silver or costly stones, of timber or hay or straw--

Worrell New Testament
And, if any one builds on the foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

Worsley New Testament
silver, precious stones, or wood, hay, stubble;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Christ Our Foundation
11For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work.…

Cross References
Matthew 7:24-27
Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ...

Ephesians 2:20-22
built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. / In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. / And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit.

1 Peter 2:4-5
As 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.

2 Timothy 2:20-21
A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use. / So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.

Revelation 21:18-21
The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself of pure gold, as pure as glass. / The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, / the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. ...

Isaiah 28:16
So 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.

Isaiah 60:17
Instead of bronze I will bring you gold; I will bring silver in place of iron, bronze instead of wood, and iron instead of stones. I will appoint peace as your governor and righteousness as your ruler.

Jeremiah 23:29
“Is not My word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?”

Malachi 3:2-3
But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap. / And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness.

Proverbs 17:3
A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts.

1 Peter 1:7
so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Romans 15:20
In this way I have aspired to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.

1 Timothy 6:19
treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.

Colossians 2:7
rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.


Treasury of Scripture

Now if any man build on this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

gold.

Psalm 19:10
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Psalm 119:72
The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

Proverbs 8:10
Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

precious.

Isaiah 54:11-13
O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires…

Revelation 21:18
And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

wood.

Proverbs 30:6
Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

Jeremiah 23:28
The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.

Matthew 15:6-9
And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition…

Jump to Previous
Base Build Buildeth Building Builds Costly Dry Foundation Gold Grass Great Hay Precious Price Silver Stones Straw Stubble Timber Using Whether Wood
Jump to Next
Base Build Buildeth Building Builds Costly Dry Foundation Gold Grass Great Hay Precious Price Silver Stones Straw Stubble Timber Using Whether Wood
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.














If anyone builds
The phrase "If anyone builds" suggests an open invitation and responsibility to all believers. The Greek word for "builds" is "oikodomei," which implies constructing or edifying. In the context of the early church, this construction is not physical but spiritual, referring to the development of one's faith and the community of believers. Historically, the early Christians were tasked with spreading the Gospel and nurturing the fledgling church, much like builders working on a new structure.

on this foundation
The "foundation" refers to the fundamental teachings of Jesus Christ, as Paul previously established in 1 Corinthians 3:11. The Greek word "themelion" denotes a base or groundwork, essential for any structure's stability. In a spiritual sense, this foundation is the core of Christian doctrine and faith. Archaeologically, foundations were critical in ancient architecture, symbolizing strength and endurance, much like Christ's teachings are to the church.

using gold, silver, precious stones
These materials—gold, silver, and precious stones—are symbolic of enduring, valuable, and high-quality works in the life of a believer. In the Greek, "chrysos" (gold), "argyros" (silver), and "lithous timious" (precious stones) suggest materials that withstand fire and time, representing deeds and teachings aligned with God's will. Historically, these materials were used in the construction of temples and palaces, indicating their worth and durability. Spiritually, they symbolize the eternal value of actions rooted in faith and love.

wood, hay, or straw
In contrast, "wood, hay, or straw" are materials that are perishable and easily consumed by fire. The Greek words "xylon" (wood), "chorton" (hay), and "kalamen" (straw) imply works that are temporary and lack eternal significance. These materials were commonly used in everyday construction in ancient times but were not meant to last. In a spiritual context, they represent actions and teachings that are superficial or self-serving, lacking the depth and permanence of those built on the foundation of Christ.

(12) Now if any man . . .--Better, But if any man.

Precious stones.--Not gems, but grand and costly stones, such as marble. "Hay," dried grass used to fill up chinks in the walls. "Stubble," stalks with the ears of corn cut off, and used for making a roof of thatch.

Many ingenious attempts have been made to apply the imagery of this passage in detail to various doctrines or Christian virtues, but it seems best to regard it as broadly and in outline bringing before the reader the two great ideas of permanent and ephemeral work, and the striking contrast between them. The truth brought forward is primarily, if not exclusively, for teachers. The image is taken from what would have met the eye of a traveller in Ephesus where St. Paul now was, or in Corinth where his letter was to be first read. It is such a contrast as may be seen (though not in precisely the same striking form of difference) in London in our own day. The stately palaces of marble and of granite, with roof and column glittering with gold and silver decorations, and close by these the wretched hovels of the poor and outcast, the walls made of laths of wood, with the interstices stuffed with straw, and a thatched roof above. Then arose before the Apostle's vision the thought of a city being visited by a mighty conflagration, such as desolated Corinth itself in the time of Mummius. The mean structures of perishable wood and straw would be utterly consumed, while, as was actually the case in Corinth, the mighty palaces and temples would stand after the fire had exhausted itself. Thus, says St. Paul, it will be with the work of Christian teachers when the "day of the Lord is revealed in fire." The fire of that day will prove and test the quality of each work.

Verse 12. - Gold, silver. Perhaps St. Paul thought for a moment of the gorgeous metals . rod rich marbles used in the Corinthian temples, as well as in the temple at Jerusalem. But it is surely fantastic to suggest that his reference is an historical reminiscence of the melting of gold and silver in the burning of Corinth by Mummius, nearly two hundred years before. Costly stones; i.e. costly marble from Paros, Phrygia, etc. Wood, hay, stubble. These words seem to symbolize erroneous or imperfect doctrines, which would not stand the test, and which led to evil practices. Such were the" philosophy and vain deceit," "the weak and beggarly dements," "the rudiments of the world," of which he speaks in Galatians 4:9; Colossians 2:8. So in the Midrash Tehillin, the words of false teachers are compared to hay. The doctrines to which he alludes are not and christian, but imperfect and human - such, for instance, as, "Humanas constitutiunculas de cultu, de victo, de frigidis ceremoniis" (Erasmus).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
If
Εἰ (Ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

anyone
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

builds
ἐποικοδομεῖ (epoikodomei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2026: To build upon (above) a foundation. From epi and oikodomeo; to build upon, i.e. to rear up.

on
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

[this]
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.

foundation
θεμέλιον (themelion)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2310: From a derivative of tithemi; something put down, i.e. A substruction.

[using] gold,
χρυσόν (chryson)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5557: Perhaps from the base of chraomai; gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin.

silver,
ἄργυρον (argyron)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 696: Silver as a metal. From argos; silver.

precious
τιμίους (timious)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5093: Of great price, precious, honored.

stones,
λίθους (lithous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3037: A stone; met: of Jesus as the chief stone in a building. Apparently a primary word; a stone.

wood,
ξύλα (xyla)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3586: From another form of the base of xestes; timber; by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance.

hay,
χόρτον (chorton)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5528: Grass, herbage, growing grain, hay. Apparently a primary word; a 'court' or 'garden', i.e. herbage or vegetation.

[or] straw,
καλάμην (kalamēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2562: Stubble, straw, the stalk. Feminine of kalamos; a stalk of grain, i.e. stubble.


Links
1 Corinthians 3:12 NIV
1 Corinthians 3:12 NLT
1 Corinthians 3:12 ESV
1 Corinthians 3:12 NASB
1 Corinthians 3:12 KJV

1 Corinthians 3:12 BibleApps.com
1 Corinthians 3:12 Biblia Paralela
1 Corinthians 3:12 Chinese Bible
1 Corinthians 3:12 French Bible
1 Corinthians 3:12 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 3:12 But if anyone builds on the foundation (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 3:11
Top of Page
Top of Page