1 Corinthians 12:14 kjv
For the body is not one member, but many.
1 Corinthians 12:14 nkjv
For in fact the body is not one member but many.
1 Corinthians 12:14 niv
Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
1 Corinthians 12:14 esv
For the body does not consist of one member but of many.
1 Corinthians 12:14 nlt
Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part.
1 Corinthians 12 14 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Corinthians 12:12 | As the body is one, and hath many members... | Unity in Christ's Body |
| 1 Corinthians 12:27 | Now ye are the body of Christ... | Believers as Christ's Body |
| Romans 12:4 | For as we have many members in one body... | Diversity of Gifts in the Body |
| Ephesians 4:15-16 | ...but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things... | Spiritual Maturity and Unity |
| Colossians 1:18 | And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning... | Christ as Head of the Church |
| Romans 12:5 | So we, being many, are one body in Christ... | Believers united in Christ |
| Genesis 1:27 | So God created man in his own image... | Humanity created in God's image |
| Psalm 139:14 | I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made... | God's marvelous creation |
| Isaiah 29:16 | Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay... | God as Creator and Craftsman |
| Jeremiah 18:6 | At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; | God's sovereignty in creation |
| Ephesians 2:20 | And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; | Foundation of the Church |
| Galatians 3:28 | There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. | Unity in Christ despite differences |
| Philippians 2:2-4 | That ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. | Unity and humility in service |
| 1 Peter 4:10 | As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. | Stewardship of spiritual gifts |
| Romans 12:6-8 | Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy... | Variety of gifts and functions |
| 1 Corinthians 12:28 | And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles... | God's appointments in the Church |
| 1 Corinthians 12:31 | But covet earnestly the best gifts. And yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. | The supremacy of love |
| 1 Corinthians 14:12 | Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. | Edifying the Church through gifts |
| Hebrews 12:23 | To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven... | The heavenly assembly |
| Ephesians 5:23 | For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church... | Christ as head of the Church |
1 Corinthians 12 verses
1 Corinthians 12 14 Meaning
The body is not a single part, but many parts. This verse emphasizes that just as a human body functions with various distinct parts, the Church, which is Christ's body, also comprises many different members, each with a unique role and function. This diversity of gifts and ministries is essential for the healthy functioning of the whole body.
1 Corinthians 12 14 Context
This verse is part of 1 Corinthians chapter 12, which addresses the topic of spiritual gifts within the church at Corinth. Paul is responding to a division and disunity caused by the Corinthians' misuse and pride concerning spiritual gifts. He uses the analogy of the human body to illustrate the interdependence and diversity of believers, each essential to the overall health and functioning of the Church, Christ's body. The previous verses (1 Corinthians 12:12) establish the fundamental principle of unity within diversity. This verse builds upon that by concretely presenting the analogy of the body's many parts.
1 Corinthians 12 14 Word Analysis
- For (γάρ - gar): A conjunction indicating a reason or explanation for the preceding statement. It signals that what follows justifies or illustrates the point made about unity within diversity.
- the body (τὸ σῶμα - to sōma): Refers to a physical body, in this context, specifically the human body as an analogy for the Church. It denotes a complete, integrated whole.
- is not (οὐκ ἔστιν - ouk estin): A negative statement, denying that the body consists of only one part.
- one member (ἓν μέλος - hen melos): "One" (ἓν - hen) signifying a singular entity, and "member" (μέλος - melos) referring to a limb or organ. It contrasts the multiplicity of parts with a single component.
- , but (ἀλλὰ - alla): A conjunction used to introduce a contrast or opposition to what has just been stated. It shifts the focus from what the body is not, to what it truly is.
- many members (πολλὰ μέλη - polla melē): "Many" (πολλὰ - polla) indicating a large number and diversity of components, and "members" (μέλη - melē) plural of μέλος (melos), signifying the numerous distinct parts of the body.
Words-group by words-group Analysis
- "For the body is not one member, but many members": This phrase clearly lays out the central thesis of the analogy. The body is a unified entity, yet it is composed of numerous distinct and specialized parts. This speaks to both unity (the body as a whole) and diversity (the individual members). It emphasizes that for a body to be functional, it requires differentiation, not homogeneity.
1 Corinthians 12 14 Bonus Section
The analogy of the body extends beyond this verse, as detailed in the following verses in 1 Corinthians 12. The contrast between "one member" and "many members" powerfully illustrates that in the body of Christ, true identity and function are not found in isolation but in relation to the whole. This concept is fundamental to understanding Christian fellowship and the proper exercise of spiritual gifts, underscoring that each believer, regardless of their gift or role, is indispensable. The concept of the Church as Christ’s body was also a prominent teaching of Paul, highlighting Christ’s headship and the intimate connection between Him and His followers.
1 Corinthians 12 14 Commentary
Paul uses a very common and understandable analogy of the human body to explain a profound spiritual truth: the unity and diversity within the Church. Just as no single organ or limb can function on its own, or represent the entirety of a body, so too no single believer or group of believers can fulfill the purpose of the Church alone. Each part, from the smallest finger to the largest organ, has a crucial role. This principle warns against any form of spiritual pride or exclusivity based on giftedness. It highlights that all gifts are necessary for the healthy functioning and edification of the Church, which is Christ's body on earth. The diversity of gifts is not a cause for division but a testament to the richness of Christ's provision for His body.