1 Corinthians 12 24

1 Corinthians 12:24 kjv

For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.

1 Corinthians 12:24 nkjv

but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it,

1 Corinthians 12:24 niv

while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it,

1 Corinthians 12:24 esv

which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it,

1 Corinthians 12:24 nlt

while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity.

1 Corinthians 12 verses

1 Corinthians 12 24 Meaning

The body of Christ, comprised of diverse members, is not presented by God with outward comeliness or preference. Rather, that which is considered weak, dishonorable, or less attractive is given a greater measure of attractiveness or respect, thus promoting unity and preventing division within the church.

1 Corinthians 12 24 Context

This verse is part of Paul's extended discussion on spiritual gifts within the Corinthian church, found in 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14. The Corinthians were evidently overemphasizing certain visible and charismatic gifts, leading to pride, division, and a sense of superiority among those who possessed them. Paul is reordering their understanding by illustrating the interconnectedness and mutual dependence of all members of the body of Christ, regardless of their specific gift. He emphasizes that God designed the church with diverse members, and he intentionally gave greater honor to the parts of the body that are less physically attractive or prominent, precisely to foster unity and eliminate strife.

1 Corinthians 12 24 Word Analysis

• ἀλλὰ (alla): "but," "rather." This is a strong adversative conjunction, introducing a contrast to what might be expected. It signals a shift in emphasis from outward appearance to God's design.
• ὁ (ho): "the" (masculine singular nominative article). Refers to "God."
• θεός (theos): "God." The subject of the verse, the divine source of the body's arrangement.
• τὰ (ta): "the" (neuter plural accusative article). Modifies "unseemly" and "less comely" parts.
• ἀσχήμονα (aschēmona): Accusative plural of ἀσχήμων (aschēmōn). Literally, "without comeliness," "unseemly," "indecent," "ugly." It refers to parts of the body that lack beauty or proper form, those considered shameful or inelegant.
• περισσοτέραν (perissoteran): Accusative singular feminine of περισσότερος (perissoteron), the comparative form of περισσός (perisson), meaning "more abundant," "greater," "more excellent." This highlights the increased "honor" or "comeliness" bestowed.
• εὐσχημοσύνην (euschēmosynēn): Accusative singular of εὐσχημοσύνη (euschēmosynē). "Comeliness," "propriety of form," "grace," "beauty." It refers to that which is seemly, beautiful, or well-ordered.
• περιτίθεται (peritithetai): Third person singular middle/passive indicative of περιτίθημι (peritithēmi). Means "to place around," "to bestow upon," "to clothe with," "to assign." The middle voice often suggests an action done for oneself, while the passive implies something done to it. In this context, it implies God bestows this greater comeliness.

Words Group Analysis:

• "that the unseemly and the less comely": This phrase encompasses the weaker, less visible, or seemingly less valuable members of the body of Christ. It challenges a worldly view of worth based on prominence or outward attractiveness.
• "might have more abundant comeliness": This points to the divine bestowal of value and honor upon these less prominent members. It is not about inherent superiority, but about God's sovereign arrangement for the body's function and harmony.
• "that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another": This is the crucial telos or purpose. The intentional elevation of the less "comely" parts serves the overarching goal of unity, mutual care, and interdependence, directly countering the division that characterized the Corinthian church.

1 Corinthians 12 24 Bonus Section

This principle of elevating the "lesser" is a recurring theme in Scripture, often tied to God’s sovereign choice and the nature of true spiritual value, as seen in figures like David (chosen as a youth despite not appearing kingly) and Paul himself (whose weakness became a platform for Christ's power). The deliberate ordering of the body by God to ensure equal care, not equal function, underscores that spiritual maturity and service are about faithfulness to one's assigned role, not about seeking the most prominent position. The concept echoes the self-emptying nature of Christ (kenosis), who though divine, took on the form of a servant.

1 Corinthians 12 24 Commentary

Paul is explaining the divine strategy for building a unified and functioning body of Christ. God doesn't operate with favoritism based on outward "impressiveness." Instead, he deliberately adorns the parts considered less attractive or honorable with greater "comeliness" or care. This is counterintuitive to human pride. By giving higher status or emphasis to the "weaker" or less visible members, God ensures that all members feel valued and necessary. This prevents any part from thinking it can function independently or is insignificant. The result is solidarity and mutual concern among believers, mirroring Christ's own selfless service and the reciprocal relationship within the Trinity.

• Practical application: Acknowledge and honor those who serve quietly or in less visible capacities within the church. Avoid valuing spiritual gifts or individuals solely by their outward impact or perceived spiritual "power." Cultivate deep appreciation for every member's unique role, seeing them as essential to the health of the whole body.