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1 Corinthians 12

BSB·31 verses ·New Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Nowδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → aboutΠερὶPeri — about, concerning, around, on behalf ofG4012 — Full Word Study → spiritual gifts, brothersἀδελφοίadelphoi — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →, I do not wantθέλωthelō — to desire, wish, or will; to be inclined towardG2309 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → to be uninformedἀγνοεῖνagnoein — to be ignorant of; not to know or understandG50 — Full Word Study →. 2You knowΟἴδατεOidate — to see, perceive, understand, knowG1492 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → whenὅτεhote — when, at the time thatG3753 — Full Word Study → you wereἦτεēte — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → pagansἔθνηethnē — Gentiles, nationsG1484 — Full Word Study →, you were influencedἤγεσθεēgesthe — to lead, bring, or carryG71 — Full Word Study → and led astray toπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → muteἄφωναaphōna — unable to speak; mute; voicelessG880 — Full Word Study → idolsεἴδωλαeidōla — idol; object of false worshipG1497 — Full Word Study →. 3Thereforeδιὸdio — therefore, for this reason, whereforeG1352 — Full Word Study → I informγνωρίζωgnōrizō — to make known, reveal, declareG1107 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → no oneοὐδεὶςoudeis — no one, nothing, none at allG3762 — Full Word Study → who is speakingλαλῶνlalōn — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the Spirit of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → saysλέγειlegei — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study →, “JesusΙΗΣΟΥΣIĒSOUS — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → be cursed,” andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → no oneοὐδεὶςoudeis — no one, nothing, none at allG3762 — Full Word Study → canδύναταιdynatai — To be able; to have power or capacityG1410 — Full Word Study → sayεἰπεῖνeipein — to speak, say, or tellG2036 — Full Word Study →, “JesusΙΗΣΟΥΣIĒSOUS — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → is Lord,” exceptεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the Holy SpiritΠνεύματιPneumati — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study →. 4There areεἰσίνeisin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → differentΔιαιρέσειςDiaireseis — Varieties, divisions, distributions of gifts or functionsG1243 — Full Word Study → giftsχαρισμάτωνcharismatōn — spiritual gift or divine grace-giftG5486 — Full Word Study →, butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → sameαὐτὸauto — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → SpiritΠνεῦμαPneuma — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study →. 5There areεἰσινeisin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → differentδιαιρέσειςdiaireseis — Varieties, divisions, distributions of gifts or functionsG1243 — Full Word Study → ministriesδιακονιῶνdiakoniōn — Service, ministry, or officeG1248 — Full Word Study →, butκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → sameαὐτὸςautos — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → LordΚύριοςKyrios — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study →. 6There areεἰσίνeisin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → different waysδιαιρέσειςdiaireseis — Varieties, divisions, distributions of gifts or functionsG1243 — Full Word Study → of workingἐνεργημάτωνenergēmatōn — A working, operation, or effect producedG1755 — Full Word Study →, butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → sameαὐτὸςautos — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → GodΘεόςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → worksἐνεργῶνenergōn — to work, be active, operate with powerG1754 — Full Word Study → all thingsπάνταpanta — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → all people. 7Nowδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → to each oneἙκάστῳHekastō — eachG1538 — Full Word Study → thehē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → manifestationφανέρωσιςphanerōsis — Revelation, disclosure, manifestationG5321 — Full Word Study → of theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → SpiritΠνεύματοςPneumatos — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study → is givenδίδοταιdidotai — to give, grant, or bestowG1325 — Full Word Study → forπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → common goodσυμφέρονsympheron — to be profitable, expedient, or beneficialG4851 — Full Word Study →. 8To onehō — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → there is givenδίδοταιdidotai — to give, grant, or bestowG1325 — Full Word Study → throughδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → SpiritΠνεύματοςPneumatos — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study → the message of wisdomσοφίαςsophias — Wisdom; divine insight and practical understandingG4678 — Full Word Study →, to anotherἄλλῳallō — another, other, different oneG243 — Full Word Study → the message of knowledgeγνώσεωςgnōseōs — Knowledge, understanding, recognitionG1108 — Full Word Study → byκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → sameαὐτὸauto — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → SpiritΠνεῦμαPneuma — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study →, 9to anotherἑτέρῳheterō — another, different, otherG2087 — Full Word Study → faithπίστιςpistis — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → sameαὐτῷautō — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → SpiritΠνεύματιPneumati — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study →, to anotherἄλλῳallō — another, other, different oneG243 — Full Word Study → giftsχαρίσματαcharismata — spiritual gift or divine grace-giftG5486 — Full Word Study → of healingἰαμάτωνiamatōn — healing, cure, remedyG2386 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → thatτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → oneἑνὶheni — one, a single unit, unifiedG1520 — Full Word Study → SpiritΠνεύματιPneumati — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study →, 10to anotherἄλλῳallō — another, other, different oneG243 — Full Word Study → the working of miraclesδυνάμεωνdynameōn — Power, strength, ability, or mighty workG1411 — Full Word Study →, to anotherἄλλῳallō — another, other, different oneG243 — Full Word Study → prophecyπροφητείαprophēteia — Divine utterance or prophetic declarationG4394 — Full Word Study →, to anotherἄλλῳallō — another, other, different oneG243 — Full Word Study → distinguishingδιακρίσειςdiakriseis — Discernment; the ability to distinguish or judge between thingsG1253 — Full Word Study → between spiritsπνευμάτωνpneumatōn — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study →, to anotherἑτέρῳheterō — another, different, otherG2087 — Full Word Study → speaking in various tonguesγλωσσῶνglōssōn — tongue; language; speechG1100 — Full Word Study →, andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → to still another the interpretation of tonguesγλωσσῶνglōssōn — tongue; language; speechG1100 — Full Word Study →. 11Allπάνταpanta — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → theseταῦταtauta — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → are the workἐνεργεῖenergei — to work, be active, operate with powerG1754 — Full Word Study → of oneἓνhen — one, a single unit, unifiedG1520 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → sameαὐτὸauto — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → SpiritΠνεῦμαPneuma — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study →, who apportions them to eachἑκάστῳhekastō — eachG1538 — Full Word Study → oneἰδίᾳidia — one's own; private; personalG2398 — Full Word Study → asκαθὼςkathōs — just as; in the manner that; according toG2531 — Full Word Study → He determinesβούλεταιbouletai — to desire, wish, or intend; to exercise one's willG1014 — Full Word Study →. 12Theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → bodyσῶμαsōma — Physical body; corporeal formG4983 — Full Word Study → isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → a unitἕνhen — one, a single unit, unifiedG1520 — Full Word Study →, thoughκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → it is composedἔχειechei — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → of manyπολλὰpolla — much, many, great in quantity or degreeG4183 — Full Word Study → partsμέληmelē — bodily member; part of a wholeG3196 — Full Word Study →. And although its partsμέληmelē — bodily member; part of a wholeG3196 — Full Word Study → areὄνταonta — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → manyπολλὰpolla — much, many, great in quantity or degreeG4183 — Full Word Study →, they allπάνταpanta — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → formἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → oneἕνhen — one, a single unit, unifiedG1520 — Full Word Study → bodyσῶμαsōma — Physical body; corporeal formG4983 — Full Word Study →. Soοὕτωςhoutōs — in this manner; thus; soG3779 — Full Word Study → it is with ChristΧριστόςChristos — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →. 13Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → oneἑνὶheni — one, a single unit, unifiedG1520 — Full Word Study → SpiritΠνεύματιPneumati — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study → weἡμεῖςhēmeis — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → were all baptizedἐβαπτίσθημενebaptisthēmen — to immerse in water; to baptizeG907 — Full Word Study → intoεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → oneἓνhen — one, a single unit, unifiedG1520 — Full Word Study → bodyσῶμαsōma — Physical body; corporeal formG4983 — Full Word Study →, whetherεἴτεeite — whether; if; or (disjunctive conjunction)G1535 — Full Word Study → JewsἸουδαῖοιIoudaioi — A Jewish personG2453 — Full Word Study → orεἴτεeite — whether; if; or (disjunctive conjunction)G1535 — Full Word Study → GreeksἝλληνεςHellēnes — Greek person or non-Jewish personG1672 — Full Word Study →, slaveδοῦλοιdouloi — Slave; servant in bondage or serviceG1401 — Full Word Study → orεἴτεeite — whether; if; or (disjunctive conjunction)G1535 — Full Word Study → freeἐλεύθεροιeleutheroi — Free; released from bondage or constraintG1658 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → we were all givenἐποτίσθημενepotisthēmen — to give drink to; to water or irrigateG4222 — Full Word Study → oneἓνhen — one, a single unit, unifiedG1520 — Full Word Study → Spirit to drink. 14Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → bodyσῶμαsōma — Physical body; corporeal formG4983 — Full Word Study → does not consistἔστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → of oneἓνhen — one, a single unit, unifiedG1520 — Full Word Study → partμέλοςmelos — bodily member; part of a wholeG3196 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → of manyπολλάpolla — much, many, great in quantity or degreeG4183 — Full Word Study →. 15Ifἐὰνean — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → footπούςpous — foot; the bodily extremity used for walkingG4228 — Full Word Study → should sayεἴπῃeipē — to speak, say, or tellG2036 — Full Word Study →, “BecauseὍτιHoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → I amεἰμὶeimi — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → notοὐκouk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → a handχείρcheir — hand; power, authority, or controlG5495 — Full Word Study →, I doεἰμὶeimi — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → notοὐκouk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → belongἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → to theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → bodyσώματοςsōmatos — Physical body; corporeal formG4983 — Full Word Study →,” thatπαρὰpara — from, beside, with, nearG3844 — Full Word Study → wouldἔστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → notοὐou — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → make it any less a part ofἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → bodyσώματοςsōmatos — Physical body; corporeal formG4983 — Full Word Study →. 16Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → ifἐὰνean — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → earοὖςous — The physical organ of hearing; an earG3775 — Full Word Study → should sayεἴπῃeipē — to speak, say, or tellG2036 — Full Word Study →, “BecauseὍτιHoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → I amεἰμὶeimi — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → notοὐκouk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → an eyeὀφθαλμόςophthalmos — Eye; sight; vision; spiritual perceptionG3788 — Full Word Study →, I doεἰμὶeimi — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → notοὐκouk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → belongἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → to theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → bodyσώματοςsōmatos — Physical body; corporeal formG4983 — Full Word Study →,” thatπαρὰpara — from, beside, with, nearG3844 — Full Word Study → wouldἔστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → notοὐou — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → make it any less a part ofἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → bodyσώματοςsōmatos — Physical body; corporeal formG4983 — Full Word Study →. 17Ifεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → wholeὅλονholon — whole, entire, all, completeG3650 — Full Word Study → body were an eyeὀφθαλμόςophthalmos — Eye; sight; vision; spiritual perceptionG3788 — Full Word Study →, whereποῦpou — where? (interrogative adverb of place)G4226 — Full Word Study → would the sense of hearing be? Ifεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → the whole body were an ear, whereποῦpou — where? (interrogative adverb of place)G4226 — Full Word Study → would the sense of smell be? 18Butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → in factΝυνὶ*Nyni — now, at the present time, at this momentG3570 — Full Word Study →, GodΘεὸςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → has arrangedἔθετοetheto — To place, set, or lay downG5087 — Full Word Study → theτὰta — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → membersμέληmelē — bodily member; part of a wholeG3196 — Full Word Study → ofἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → bodyσώματιsōmati — Physical body; corporeal formG4983 — Full Word Study →, everyἕκαστονhekaston — eachG1538 — Full Word Study → oneἓνhen — one, a single unit, unifiedG1520 — Full Word Study → of themαὐτῶνautōn — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →, according toκαθὼςkathōs — just as; in the manner that; according toG2531 — Full Word Study → His designἠθέλησενēthelēsen — to desire, wish, or will; to be inclined towardG2309 — Full Word Study →. 19Ifεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → they wereἦνēn — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → allπάνταpanta — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → oneἓνhen — one, a single unit, unifiedG1520 — Full Word Study → partμέλοςmelos — bodily member; part of a wholeG3196 — Full Word Study →, whereποῦpou — where? (interrogative adverb of place)G4226 — Full Word Study → would the body be? 20As it isνῦνnyn — now, at the present timeG3568 — Full Word Study →, there are many partsμέληmelē — bodily member; part of a wholeG3196 — Full Word Study →, butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → oneἓνhen — one, a single unit, unifiedG1520 — Full Word Study → bodyσῶμαsōma — Physical body; corporeal formG4983 — Full Word Study →. 21Theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → eyeὀφθαλμὸςophthalmos — Eye; sight; vision; spiritual perceptionG3788 — Full Word Study → cannotδύναταιdynatai — To be able; to have power or capacityG1410 — Full Word Study → sayεἰπεῖνeipein — to speak, say, or tellG2036 — Full Word Study → to theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → handχειρίcheiri — hand; power, authority, or controlG5495 — Full Word Study →, “I doἔχωechō — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → notοὐκouk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → needΧρείανChreian — physical need, necessity, requirementG5532 — Full Word Study → youσουsou — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →.” Nor can thehē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → head say to theτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → feetποσίνposin — foot; the bodily extremity used for walkingG4228 — Full Word Study →, “I doἔχωechō — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → notοὐκouk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → needΧρείανChreian — physical need, necessity, requirementG5532 — Full Word Study → youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →.” 22On the contraryἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study →, theτὰta — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → partsμέληmelē — bodily member; part of a wholeG3196 — Full Word Study → of theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → bodyσώματοςsōmatos — Physical body; corporeal formG4983 — Full Word Study → that seemδοκοῦνταdokounta — to seem, appear, or think; to suppose or judgeG1380 — Full Word Study → to beὑπάρχεινhyparchein — to be, exist, or be presentG5225 — Full Word Study → weakerἀσθενέστεραasthenestera — Weak, feeble, lacking strength or powerG772 — Full Word Study → areἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → indispensableἀναγκαῖάanankaia — Necessary, essential, indispensableG316 — Full Word Study →, 23andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → theha — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → parts we considerδοκοῦμενdokoumen — to seem, appear, or think; to suppose or judgeG1380 — Full Word Study → less honorableἀτιμότεραatimotera — Dishonored, without honor, held in contemptG820 — Full Word Study →, we treatπεριτίθεμενperitithemen — to put around, wrap about, place uponG4060 — Full Word Study → with greaterπερισσοτέρανperissoteran — excessive, abundant, beyond measureG4053 — Full Word Study → honorτιμὴνtimēn — honor, respect, or monetary valueG5092 — Full Word Study →. Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → unpresentable parts are treated withἔχειechei — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → specialπερισσοτέρανperissoteran — excessive, abundant, beyond measureG4053 — Full Word Study → modestyεὐσχημοσύνηνeuschēmosynēn — Propriety, decorum, or dignified appearanceG2157 — Full Word Study →, 24whereasδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → presentable parts haveἔχειechei — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → no such needχρείανchreian — physical need, necessity, requirementG5532 — Full Word Study →. ButἈλλὰAlla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → Godθεὸςtheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → has composedσυνεκέρασενsynekerasen — to mix together, blend, uniteG4786 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → bodyσῶμαsōma — Physical body; corporeal formG4983 — Full Word Study → and has given greaterπερισσοτέρανperissoteran — excessive, abundant, beyond measureG4053 — Full Word Study → honorτιμήνtimēn — honor, respect, or monetary valueG5092 — Full Word Study → to the parts that lacked itὑστερουμένῳhysteroumenō — to lack, fall short, come behindG5302 — Full Word Study →, 25so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → there should beē — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → noμὴmē — Not; negation; lestG3361 — Full Word Study → divisionσχίσμαschisma — A split, tear, or divisionG4978 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → bodyσώματιsōmati — Physical body; corporeal formG4983 — Full Word Study →, but thatἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → its membersμέληmelē — bodily member; part of a wholeG3196 — Full Word Study → should have mutualαὐτὸauto — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → concernμεριμνῶσινmerimnōsin — to be anxious, worry, or have concernG3309 — Full Word Study → forὑπὲρhyper — on behalf of, for the sake of, above, beyondG5228 — Full Word Study → one anotherἀλλήλωνallēlōn — one another; mutual relationshipG240 — Full Word Study →. 26Ifεἴτεeite — whether; if; or (disjunctive conjunction)G1535 — Full Word Study → oneἓνhen — one, a single unit, unifiedG1520 — Full Word Study → partμέλοςmelos — bodily member; part of a wholeG3196 — Full Word Study → suffersπάσχειpaschei — to suffer or endure hardshipG3958 — Full Word Study →, everyπάνταpanta — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → partμέληmelē — bodily member; part of a wholeG3196 — Full Word Study → suffers with it; ifεἴτεeite — whether; if; or (disjunctive conjunction)G1535 — Full Word Study → one[ἓν]hen — one, a single unit, unifiedG1520 — Full Word Study → partμέλοςmelos — bodily member; part of a wholeG3196 — Full Word Study → is honoredδοξάζεταιdoxazetai — To glorify, honor, or magnify with praiseG1392 — Full Word Study →, everyπάνταpanta — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → partμέληmelē — bodily member; part of a wholeG3196 — Full Word Study → rejoices with it. 27Nowδέde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → youὙμεῖςHymeis — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → areἐστεeste — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → the body of ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → each of you is a member of it. 28AndΚαὶKai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → churchἐκκλησίᾳekklēsia — Assembly of called-out believers; the churchG1577 — Full Word Study → GodΘεὸςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → has appointedἔθετοetheto — To place, set, or lay downG5087 — Full Word Study → first of allπρῶτονprōton — first; before; at the beginningG4412 — Full Word Study → apostlesἀποστόλουςapostolous — One sent as an official messenger or delegateG652 — Full Word Study →, secondδεύτερονdeuteron — second in order or time; secondlyG1208 — Full Word Study → prophetsπροφήταςprophētas — One who speaks for God; a messenger of divine truthG4396 — Full Word Study →, thirdτρίτονtriton — Third in sequence or orderG5154 — Full Word Study → teachersδιδασκάλουςdidaskalous — teacherG1320 — Full Word Study →, thenἔπειταepeita — then, afterward, next in sequenceG1899 — Full Word Study → workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healingἰαμάτωνiamatōn — healing, cure, remedyG2386 — Full Word Study →, helpingἀντιλήμψειςantilēmpseis — Divine assistance or support; help from GodG484 — Full Word Study →, administrationκυβερνήσειςkybernēseis — Leadership, administration, or skilled governanceG2941 — Full Word Study →, and various tonguesγλωσσῶνglōssōn — tongue; language; speechG1100 — Full Word Study →. 29Are allπάντεςpantes — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → apostlesἀπόστολοιapostoloi — One sent as an official messenger or delegateG652 — Full Word Study →? Are allπάντεςpantes — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → prophetsπροφῆταιprophētai — One who speaks for God; a messenger of divine truthG4396 — Full Word Study →? Are allπάντεςpantes — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → teachersδιδάσκαλοιdidaskaloi — teacherG1320 — Full Word Study →? Do all work miraclesδυνάμειςdynameis — Power, strength, ability, or mighty workG1411 — Full Word Study →? 30Do allπάντεςpantes — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → haveἔχουσινechousin — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → giftsχαρίσματαcharismata — spiritual gift or divine grace-giftG5486 — Full Word Study → of healingἰαμάτωνiamatōn — healing, cure, remedyG2386 — Full Word Study →? Do allπάντεςpantes — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → speakλαλοῦσινlalousin — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → in tonguesγλώσσαιςglōssais — tongue; language; speechG1100 — Full Word Study →? Do allπάντεςpantes — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → interpretδιερμηνεύουσινdiermēneuousin — To interpret, explain, or translateG1329 — Full Word Study →? 31Butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → eagerly desireζηλοῦτεzēloute — to be zealous, earnestly desire, envyG2206 — Full Word Study → theτὰta — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → greaterμείζοναmeizona — Great in size, power, or intensityG3173 — Full Word Study → giftsχαρίσματαcharismata — spiritual gift or divine grace-giftG5486 — Full Word Study →. AndΚαὶKai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → nowἔτιeti — Still, yet, furthermore; continuation or additionG2089 — Full Word Study → I will showδείκνυμιdeiknymi — To show, display, or demonstrateG1166 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → the most excellentὑπερβολὴνhyperbolēn — Surpassing greatness; exceeding measure or excellenceG5236 — Full Word Study → wayὁδὸνhodon — road, way, path, journeyG3598 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — 1 Corinthians 12
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul addresses a critical problem in the Corinthian church: spiritual pride and misunderstanding about how God distributes spiritual gifts. The believers were impressed by certain spectacular gifts (especially speaking in tongues) and may have ranked themselves and others by these abilities, creating division and discord. Paul's solution is brilliant and pastoral: he reminds them that all spiritual gifts come from the same Holy Spirit, are designed to serve the common good, and are distributed to different members of the church body according to God's wisdom. The famous body metaphor teaches that every gift and every person matters, regardless of how prominent or impressive their gifting appears.

Verses 1–3: The Foundation—Testing Spiritual Claims

Paul opens by saying he does not want the Corinthians to be ignorant about spiritual gifts. He reminds them of their pagan past (verse 2)—they once followed idols that could not speak—and then establishes a crucial test for any spiritual claim: no one speaking by God's Spirit would curse Jesus, and no one can truly confess "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit (verse 3). This is Paul's foundational safeguard. In Corinth, some may have been confused about which spiritual experiences were genuinely from God. The test remains simple: Does it honor Christ as Lord? Does it align with the gospel? If not, it is not of God's Spirit.

Verses 4–7: Unity and Diversity in the Trinity

Paul now reveals the structure underlying spiritual gifts: there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit; differences of administrations (ministries), but the same Lord; diversities of operations, but the same God (verses 4–6). Notice the Trinitarian framework—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit working in unified purpose. Then comes the key principle: the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every believer to profit all (verse 7). Not for personal exaltation or status, but for the common good of the body. This shifts the Corinthian mindset from "What gift do I have that makes me important?" to "How does my gift serve others?"

Verses 8–11: The Nine Gifts Listed

Paul catalogs nine spiritual gifts: word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, diverse kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues. Notice that speaking in tongues appears near the end of the list—not the pinnacle, but one gift among many. All are distributed by the one Spirit, who divides to each person as He wills (verse 11). The emphasis falls on the Spirit's sovereignty and the believer's acceptance of what the Spirit grants, not human striving or pride.

Verses 12–27: The Body Metaphor

Paul's extended body metaphor is pastoral genius. As a human body has many parts yet remains one unit, so the church is Christ's body, and each believer is a member in particular (verse 27). The Corinthians are unified by one baptism in one Spirit (verse 13). Different members have different functions (verses 14–20), but no member can claim independence or superiority (verses 21–26). Weaker, less honorable members receive more honor from God and from the body. When one member suffers, all suffer; when one is honored, all rejoice. This beautiful teaching demolishes spiritual pride and builds genuine community.

Verses 28–31: God's Ordering and the Call to Earnestness

God has positioned different gifts in the church in an order: apostles, prophets, teachers, then workers of miracles, gifts of healing, helps, governments, and tongues (verse 28). The rhetorical questions (verses 29–30) make plain: not everyone has every gift. Paul concludes by encouraging believers to covet earnestly the best gifts (verse 31)—but he immediately signals that he will show them a more excellent way (verse 31), pointing to chapter 13 and the supremacy of love.

Application for Today

Spiritual gifts are real, wonderful, and important—but they are not the measure of a Christian's worth or maturity. If you sense God has given you certain abilities, use them humbly to build others up. If your gift is less visible or less celebrated, remember that God has placed you in the body exactly as He chose. The congregation that truly honors all its members, values the quiet workers alongside the public speakers, and seeks above all to serve Christ in love will experience the unity and power God intends.

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