This verse is so closely connected with the content of the previous verses, that most translations rightly omit the Greek word for “and” or “but” that King James Version translates “Now.” The first part of the verse in Greek says literally “The planter and the waterer are one thing,” continuing the series of neuter pronouns that began in verse 5. Translations vary in how they understand this clause, depending mainly on whether they think of the planter and waterer as (1) equal in status or (2) sharing in the same work. Revised Standard Version and Translator’s New Testament choose “equally important” (compare Bijbel in Gewone Taal, Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente); Moffatt has “on the same level”; Phillips opts for “alike insignificant.” In favor of (1) is the fact that the context explicitly states that the work of the planter and waterer are different. In favor of (2) are Revised English Bible‘s “they work as a team,” New Revised Standard Version‘s “have a common purpose,” and Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch‘s “both work at the same work.” Good News Bible‘s rendering “there is no difference” also follows (2). In support of (2) is the fact that verse 5 has linked Paul and Apollos as servants, and the wider context of this chapter contrasts the unity of the evangelists’ work with the disunity of the parties in Corinth. It appears, therefore, that (2) gives the better sense.

In this passage Paul is speaking mainly of himself and Apollos; but the fact that they were both men is not in focus, so Good News Bible avoids male-oriented language, as does New Revised Standard Version.

The Greek word that is translated as wages (Good News Bible‘s “reward”) has two meanings: the literal meaning “pay” or “wages,” as in 9.17-18 (Good News Bible), and the figurative meaning “reward,” usually referring to something good. It is the same Greek word that Revised Standard Version translates “reward” in verse 14. “Reward” is probably the better translation in this verse, as it helps to prepare the reader for reference to the final day of judgment in verse 13.

An alternative translation model for this verse is:
• The one who plants the seed and the one who waters the plant are equally important. God will give a reward to each one for his work.

Quoted with permission from Ellingworth, Paul and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, 2nd edition. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1985/1994. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .