1 Corinthians 3:11
New International Version
For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

New Living Translation
For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.

English Standard Version
For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Berean Standard Bible
For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Berean Literal Bible
For no one is able to lay another foundation, besides the one being already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

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

New King James Version
For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

New American Standard Bible
For no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

NASB 1995
For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

NASB 1977
For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Legacy Standard Bible
For no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Amplified Bible
for no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is [already] laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Christian Standard Bible
For no one can lay any foundation other than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For no one can lay any other foundation than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ.

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

Contemporary English Version
because Christ is the only foundation.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
After all, no one can lay any other foundation than the one that is already laid, and that foundation is Jesus Christ.

Good News Translation
For God has already placed Jesus Christ as the one and only foundation, and no other foundation can be laid.

International Standard Version
After all, no one can lay any other foundation than the one that is already laid, and that is Jesus the Messiah.

Majority Standard Bible
For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

NET Bible
For no one can lay any foundation other than what is being laid, which is Jesus Christ.

New Heart English Bible
For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Webster's Bible Translation
For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Weymouth New Testament
For no one can lay any other foundation in addition to that which is already laid, namely Jesus Christ.

World English Bible
For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for no one is able to lay another foundation except that which is laid, which is Jesus the Christ;

Berean Literal Bible
For 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 Translation
For none is able to lay another foundation above that laid, which is Jesus the Christ.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For other foundation no man can lay, but that which is laid; which is Christ Jesus.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For no one is able to lay any other foundation, in place of that which has been laid, which is Christ Jesus.

New American Bible
for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ.

New Revised Standard Version
For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For other foundation can no man lay than that which is already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For no man can lay another foundation than that which has been laid, which is Yeshua The Messiah.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which, is Jesus Christ.

Godbey New Testament
For other foundation no one is able to lay beside the one which is laid, who is Jesus Christ.

Haweis New Testament
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus the Messiah.

Mace New Testament
for no one can lay any other foundation, than what is laid, which is, that Jesus is the Messias.

Weymouth New Testament
For no one can lay any other foundation in addition to that which is already laid, namely Jesus Christ.

Worrell New Testament
for other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Worsley New Testament
For 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 Foundation
10By 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. 11For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw,…

Cross References
Ephesians 2:20
built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.

Matthew 16:18
And 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 28:16
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.

1 Peter 2:4-6
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. / 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 4:11-12
This 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 118:22
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

Romans 9:33
as 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 21:42
Jesus 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 20:17
But 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 2:7
To 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 1:1-3
In 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 1:17-18
He 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 6:1
Therefore 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 10:4
The cornerstone will come from Judah, the tent peg from him, as well as the battle bow and every ruler together.

Ephesians 1:22-23
And 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 corner stone, 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…

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Able Addition Already Base Besides Building Christ Except Foundation Jesus Lay Namely
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Able Addition Already Base Besides Building Christ Except Foundation Jesus Lay Namely
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.














For no one
This phrase emphasizes the universality and exclusivity of the statement that follows. In the Greek, "οὐδεὶς" (oudeis) means "no one" or "none," underscoring that there are no exceptions to this rule. Historically, this reflects the early church's struggle against false teachings and the need to establish a clear, unified doctrine. The Apostle Paul is asserting that regardless of human wisdom or authority, no person has the power to alter the foundational truth of the Christian faith.

can lay
The Greek word "δύναται" (dunatai) translates to "can" or "is able," indicating capability or power. "Lay" comes from "τίθημι" (tithēmi), meaning to place or establish. This phrase suggests that it is beyond human ability to establish any other foundation. Theologically, this speaks to the sovereignty of God in determining the basis of salvation and truth, which is not subject to human alteration.

a foundation
The term "θεμέλιον" (themelion) refers to a foundation, a base upon which a structure is built. In ancient construction, the foundation was critical for the stability and longevity of a building. Spiritually, this metaphor highlights the importance of a solid and unchanging base for the Christian life and doctrine. The foundation is not just any teaching or philosophy but something divinely ordained and essential for spiritual growth and stability.

other than the one already laid
This phrase emphasizes the pre-existence and sufficiency of the foundation that has been established. The Greek "ἤ" (ē) means "other than," and "κεῖται" (keitai) means "laid" or "set." Historically, this reflects the early church's understanding that the foundation of their faith was not a new invention but something that had been divinely revealed and established through Jesus Christ. It underscores the continuity and consistency of God's plan throughout history.

which is Jesus Christ
The foundation is explicitly identified as "Jesus Christ," leaving no room for ambiguity. In Greek, "Ἰησοῦς Χριστός" (Iēsous Christos) refers to Jesus, the Messiah, the anointed one. This declaration is central to Christian doctrine, affirming that Jesus is the cornerstone of faith, as prophesied in the Old Testament (e.g., Isaiah 28:16) and fulfilled in the New Testament. Historically, this was a radical claim in a polytheistic society, asserting the uniqueness and supremacy of Christ over all other religious figures or systems. Theologically, it affirms that salvation and truth are found solely in Jesus, who is both the foundation and the builder of the church. This is a call to believers to root their lives and teachings in Christ alone, ensuring that their faith is built on the unshakeable truth of His life, death, and resurrection.

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
For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

no one
οὐδεὶς (oudeis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3762: No one, none, nothing.

can
δύναται (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.

lay
θεῖναι (theinai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 5087: To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.

a
ἄλλον (allon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 243: Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different.

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

other than
παρὰ (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.

which
ὅς (hos)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

is
ἐστιν (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.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (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.


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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)
1 Corinthians 3:10
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