1 Corinthians 3

was not able to speak
While many translations have “could not speak” here, the phrase “was not able to speak” better captures the grammar of the Greek phrase οὐκ ἠδυνήθην λαλῆσαι (ouk ēdunēthēn lalēsai) because it preserves the form of the infinitive (“to speak”). The preservation of this infinitive form is important because rather than focusing on the content of his message, Paul wants them to consider his very ability to speak to them. In context (chapters 1–2), the word is what brings them all sorts of blessings, and yet here Paul tells them he is hindered from speaking the deeper things of Christ because of their spiritual inability to receive these “meatier” truths (cf. v. 2; Heb 5:14). As Christians, they ought to desire that he speak to them as to spiritual men who can receive and appreciate such wisdom, and therefore they must take care to ensure that they are able to receive such truth by living as spiritual men and not as “fleshly men.”

fleshly men
Some translations say “men of the flesh,” but the phrase “fleshly men” better matches the Greek parallel between this phrase and that for “spiritual men” earlier in the verse. Paul says he could not speak to them “as to spiritual men” (ὡς πνευματικοῖς; hōs pneumatikois), but instead spoke to them “as to fleshly men” (ὡς σαρκίνοις; hōs sarkinois). This strengthens the parallel and thus helps readers to see the contrast between those who walk consistently by the Spirit and those believers who are still walking according to the flesh (cf. Rom 7:14).

still not able
“Still not able” translates the Greek phrase οὐδὲ ἔτι…δύνασθε (oude eti…dunasthe). The current translation helps to distinguish this adverb for “still” (ἔτι; eti) from the previous adverb translated as “not yet” (οὔπω; oupō). The distinction helps to show how this last phrase stresses the enduring inability in the Corinthian church to receive the deeper things of Christ.

no one
The phrase “no one” provides a literal translation of the Greek term οὐδείς (oudeis). So while some may translate this as “no man,” the rhetorical emphasis is not on men specifically (as opposed to women), but rather on the universal application of this principle that once a foundation is laid, it cannot be changed by anyone at all.

anyone
The word “anyone” provides a literal translation of the Greek term τίς (tis), and is better than a translation as “no man” for the same reason that “no one” translates the word οὐδείς (oudeis) in the previous verse (refer to the discussion on v. 11 above).

indicate
The word “indicate” captures the root sense of the Greek term δηλόω (dēloō), which refers to the act of making something known (see BDAG on δηλόω). In this one verse, Paul uses several terms that convey the general idea of revelation. He first says that each man’s work will be exposed and made plain so that its quality is clearly seen. He then explains how that will happen by saying that “the day will indicate it,” and he further explains that by saying that the fire of that day will ultimately reveal the quality of the work. In that sense, Paul, through the Spirit, guarantees the exposure of every man’s work and describes both the time and the means by which it will be revealed. Before that time and without those means, the true quality of each man’s work will not be made evident.

sanctuary
The word for “sanctuary” here is νάος (naos). It is an important and specific word in the New Testament referring to the innermost and most sacred part of the temple where the altar, holy place, and holy of holies were located. As such, it is more specific than the term ἱερόν (hieron; “temple”), which usually refers to the entire temple complex. Thus, the translation “sanctuary” accurately captures the meaning of νάος (naos) and properly differentiates it from ἱερόν (hieron). In this context, the nuanced translation helps to emphasize the immense privilege of the church in being the very location of the Spirit’s dwelling (cf. v. 9). As such, God desires to protect and preserve its holiness from attack (v. 17), and in light of this men must be careful in how they “build” the church (cf. v. 10).

sanctuary
See to the discussion above on verse 16. The significance of the church being God’s dwelling place, the holy of holies as it were, means that all men must recognize that an attempt to destroy the church will be met with destruction from God Himself, for He will protect what is holy, namely, His people.

CRAFTINESS
One of the advantages of consistent translation, especially in relaying New Testament quotes and allusions to Old Testament passages, is that one can more clearly see connections to other parts of the Bible. Here, “craftiness” harkens back through Genesis 3:1 to Job 5:13 (also translated with “craftiness”), which affirms that no level of worldly wisdom or craftiness is any match for God. Even Satan, the craftiest one (cf. Gen 3:1), will be caught by God. Certainly crafty men will be also. Paul reaffirms this truth here to enforce his point in verse 18 just prior.