1 Corinthians 12 21

1 Corinthians 12:21 kjv

And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

1 Corinthians 12:21 nkjv

And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."

1 Corinthians 12:21 niv

The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!"

1 Corinthians 12:21 esv

The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."

1 Corinthians 12:21 nlt

The eye can never say to the hand, "I don't need you." The head can't say to the feet, "I don't need you."

1 Corinthians 12 verses

1 Corinthians 12 21 Meaning

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again, the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” This verse highlights the interdependence and mutual necessity of different parts within a unified body, emphasizing that no single part can function or thrive in isolation. Every member possesses distinct gifts, yet each is vital to the overall health and function of the collective whole.

1 Corinthians 12 21 Context

This verse is found in 1 Corinthians chapter 12, which addresses the proper use and understanding of spiritual gifts within the Corinthian church. The Corinthian believers were experiencing divisions and pride related to their perceived spiritual superiority or the manifestation of certain gifts. Paul is using an analogy of the human body to illustrate that the church, as the body of Christ, is a unified entity composed of many diverse members, each essential to the functioning of the whole. He is combating the idea that some members are more important than others and emphasizes the need for harmony and mutual dependence.

1 Corinthians 12 21 Word Analysis

• Old (ὀφθαλμός - ophthalmós): Literally "eye." The eye is an organ of sight, essential for perception and awareness.
• Cannot (οὐ δύναται - ou dýnatai): "is not able," "does not have the power." Expresses an inability, a lack of capacity.
• Say (λέγειν - légein): "to speak," "to say," "to declare." The act of vocal communication.
• To (πρὸς - prós): A preposition indicating direction towards.
• The (τοὺς - toús): Definite article, plural accusative masculine.
• Hand (χεῖρα - cheîra): "hand." The hand is a primary instrument for action, work, and manipulation.
• I (ἐγώ - egṓ): First-person singular pronoun.
• Have need of (χρείαν ἔχω - chreían échō): "to have need," "to require," "to lack." It implies dependence and necessity.
• You (ὑμῶν - humṓn): Second-person plural pronoun, possessive form, often used to indicate "of you." Here, it means "of you" in the sense of needing you.
• Nor (οὔτε - oúte): A negative correlative, meaning "and not," "neither."
• Again (πάλιν - pálin): "again," "once more."
• The (ἡ - hē): Definite article, nominative singular feminine.
• Head (κεφαλή - kephalḗ): "head." The head is the control center, the seat of thought and direction.
• To (πρὸς - prós): Again, indicating direction towards.
• The (τοὺς - toús): Definite article, plural accusative masculine.
• Feet (πόδας - pódas): "feet." The feet are responsible for support, movement, and stability.
• I (ἐγώ - egṓ): First-person singular pronoun.
• Have need of (χρείαν ἔχω - chreían échō): Again, "to have need," "to require."
• You (ὑμῶν - humṓn): Second-person plural pronoun, "of you."

Group analysis: The parallel structure, "The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you,' nor again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you'," emphasizes the self-sufficiency fallacy. Both pairs (eye/hand, head/feet) represent distinct but interconnected functions. The phrase "have no need of you" signifies a complete lack of dependence. Paul uses these common, recognizable body parts to make an immediately understandable point about functional interdependence. The repeated phrase reinforces the pervasive nature of this potential, yet erroneous, sense of independence that could afflict the church body.

1 Corinthians 12 21 Bonus Section

The choice of "eye" and "hand," "head" and "feet" highlights key relationships: perception and action (eye/hand), and control/direction and stability/movement (head/feet). This structure reinforces the idea that even parts with seemingly higher or more directive functions (eye, head) are useless without the active, supporting roles of other parts (hand, feet). The emphasis is not merely on acknowledging diversity, but on the inherent, indispensable interconnectedness. This concept aligns with the Old Testament's call for unity among God's people, as seen in the communal aspects of worship and the collective identity of Israel, and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament's depiction of the church as Christ's unified body. The doctrine of "one body" is a fundamental aspect of Pauline theology, central to maintaining unity amidst the diversity of gifts and experiences within the early churches.

1 Corinthians 12 21 Commentary

Paul masterfully employs the analogy of the human body to underscore the truth of the church’s interdependence. No spiritual gift or member of the body of Christ is to consider itself self-sufficient or superior to others. Each part, from the most prominent like the head (representing leadership, thought, perhaps apostles) to the essential, yet seemingly less visible parts like the feet (representing foundational support, or those serving in humble roles), contributes uniquely and is necessary for the whole organism to function effectively and harmoniously. This truth calls for humility, recognition of others' value, and active reliance on each member's contribution, preventing arrogance and schism. The principle is that true strength and completeness in Christ come from functioning together as one diverse, yet unified, body.