1 Corinthians 12 4

1 Corinthians 12:4 kjv

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:4 nkjv

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:4 niv

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.

1 Corinthians 12:4 esv

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit;

1 Corinthians 12:4 nlt

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all.

1 Corinthians 12 verses

1 Corinthians 12 4 Meaning

The verse states that there are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but they all originate from the same Spirit. This highlights the unity within diversity of the body of Christ, emphasizing that the source of all spiritual empowerments is divine and singular. It speaks to a unified purpose and divine origin for the varied manifestations of God's grace in believers.

1 Corinthians 12 4 Context

This verse is found in 1 Corinthians chapter 12, a chapter dedicated to discussing spiritual gifts (charismata) within the church at Corinth. The Corinthian church was experiencing significant disunity and misuse of spiritual gifts, likely due to pride and a misunderstanding of their purpose. Paul is addressing this disorder by first establishing the divine origin of all these gifts. He is laying the groundwork to explain that just as the human body has many diverse parts that function together for a common purpose, so too the body of Christ has various spiritual gifts given by the same Spirit for the building up of the church. This contrasts with the Corinthians' likely emphasis on the spectacular or the prestigious over the functional and unified.

1 Corinthians 12 4 Word Analysis

• νῦν (nun) - Now, at the present time. Indicates a transition in thought, moving from the previous points about receiving Christ to the present discussion of spiritual gifts.
• δὲ (de) - But, and. A conjunction introducing a new but related topic, marking a slight contrast or progression from what was just said.
• περὶ (peri) - Concerning, about, regarding. Sets the subject matter to follow.
• δωρημάτων (dōrēmatōn) - Gifts, gifts of grace. Plural of dōrēma. Refers to the supernatural abilities and empowerments given by God, particularly the Holy Spirit, to believers for the common good of the church. It is related to dōrea (gift freely given) and dōron (a gift), emphasizing divine bestowal.
• πνευματικῶν (pneumatikōn) - Spiritual. Plural neuter adjective modifying dōrēmatōn. Refers to things pertaining to or proceeding from the Spirit, or that are endowed with the Spirit. The gifts are distinctly "spiritual."
• οὐ (ou) - Not. A negative particle.
• θέλω (thelō) - I wish, I want, I will. Paul expresses his intention to inform them.
• ὑμᾶς (humas) - You (plural). The recipients of the letter.
• ἀγνοεῖν (agnoein) - To be ignorant, to not know. Paul's strong desire is to prevent their ignorance on this matter.
• ὅτι (hoti) - That. A conjunction introducing a subordinate clause explaining what they should not be ignorant of.
• ὅσοι (osoi) - As many as, all who. Refers to all believers who have been born of the Spirit.
• τοῦ (tou) - Of the (genitive masculine article).
• Χριστοῦ (Christou) - Christ. The Anointed One, Jesus Christ. The possessive genitive here likely indicates the source or sphere to which they belong.
• Ἰησοῦ (Iesou) - Jesus.
• εἰσιν (eisinen) - Are. The third person plural of the verb 'to be'.
• διακονίαι (diakoníai) - Services, ministries, distinctions of service. Plural of diakonia. Refers to the various ways believers serve in the church, often related to the functioning of gifts. This suggests an emphasis on active participation and ministration.
• ἀλλὰ (alla) - But, yet. A conjunction introducing a contrast or exception.
• ἡ (hē) - The (nominative feminine article).
• αὐτὴ (autē) - Same, one and the same. Feminine pronoun emphasizing singularity.
• τοῦ (tou) - Of the (genitive feminine article).
• αὐτοῦ (autou) - Same, His. Masculine possessive pronoun referring back to the Spirit.
• Πνεύματος (Pneumatos) - Spirit. Genitive singular of pneuma. Referring to the Holy Spirit.
• ἐστὶν (estin) - Is. The third person singular of the verb 'to be'.

Words Group by Words Group Analysis:

• "But concerning spiritual gifts, I do not want you to be ignorant": This opening sets Paul's purpose to correct misunderstanding regarding spiritual manifestations. The word "spiritual" (pneumatikōn) directly links these gifts to the Holy Spirit, underscoring their divine nature and distinguishing them from purely natural abilities. "I do not want you to be ignorant" is a strong statement, implying that the ignorance among the Corinthians is causing real harm to the church.
• "You know that when you were Gentiles you were led away to mute idols": This part is absent from verse 4. However, verse 4 in the ESV reads "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant." (This might be a slight confusion with a previous thought or intention for a different verse analysis). Assuming the intended focus is strictly on 1 Cor 12:4 (KJV): "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ."
  • "For as the body is one": This initiates an analogy, emphasizing foundational unity ("one body").
  • "and hath many members": Introduces the concept of diversity within that unity.
  • "and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body": Reinforces the idea that plurality does not negate unity; the many members collectively constitute the one body.
  • "so also is Christ": Applies the analogy to the spiritual body, the church, which is identified with Christ.

(Note: If verse 4 from a specific translation differs, the analysis above has adapted to the common Greek text structure but might differ if the user implicitly referred to a different translation of 1 Cor 12:4 or a prior part of the thought.)For 1 Corinthians 12:4 (ESV): "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant."

1 Corinthians 12 4 Bonus Section

The Greek word "pneumatikōn" (spiritual) refers not only to things given by the Spirit but also to people who are spiritual. In this context, it describes the gifts themselves as being of spiritual origin. The focus on "spiritual gifts" (charismata) in this chapter addresses the Corinthians' apparent tendency to value certain gifts (like speaking in tongues) over others, leading to divisions. Paul’s instruction here sets the stage for the analogy of the body, which will illustrate how each gift, no matter how seemingly small or great, is essential and interconnected within the unified whole of the Church. The ultimate goal is the edification of the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12 4 Commentary

Paul begins to address the Corinthians' misunderstandings about spiritual gifts by first stating his intention to educate them. He emphasizes that ignorance concerning these gifts has led to their misuse. This verse directly addresses the theme of spiritual giftedness, declaring that diverse gifts stem from a singular divine source. This establishes unity and order before detailing the specific gifts, indicating that the operation of any gift is ultimately an act of the one Holy Spirit. It implies that each believer has been given a gift to serve the larger body, reinforcing the interdependence and unity of believers.