1 Corinthians 12:8 kjv
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
1 Corinthians 12:8 nkjv
for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,
1 Corinthians 12:8 niv
To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,
1 Corinthians 12:8 esv
For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit,
1 Corinthians 12:8 nlt
To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice ; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.
1 Corinthians 12 8 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 12:8 | To another the word of wisdom through the Spirit | Direct statement of the gift |
| 1 Cor 12:10 | ...to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another... | Lists of spiritual gifts |
| 1 Cor 12:31 | But eagerly desire the higher gifts. | Encouragement to seek gifts |
| Gal 6:6 | Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who instructs. | Sharing of God's word |
| Col 1:9 | And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you... | Prayer for wisdom and understanding |
| James 1:5 | If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously... | Command to ask for wisdom |
| James 3:17 | But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving,... | Qualities of divine wisdom |
| Prov 2:6 | For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. | God as the source of wisdom |
| Prov 3:13-18 | Blessed is the one who finds wisdom... | The benefits of wisdom |
| Isa 11:2 | And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom... | Spirit bestows wisdom |
| Dan 2:20-23 | Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might." | God grants wisdom to Daniel |
| Matt 13:10-11 | Then the disciples came and said to him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" He answered them, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven..." | Jesus grants understanding (wisdom) |
| Luke 21:15 | For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to contradict or refute. | Jesus promises wisdom to disciples |
| Acts 6:3,10 | ...look out for from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. ... But they could not stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. | The disciples endowed with wisdom |
| Acts 7:10 | and rescued him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and over all his household. | Joseph's wisdom from God |
| Romans 11:33 | Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! | God's profound wisdom |
| Eph 1:8 | ...which he lavished upon us in all wisdom and insight. | God's wisdom imparted to believers |
| Eph 3:10 | so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known... | God's wisdom displayed through the church |
| Eph 4:11-13 | And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, equipping the saints for the work of ministry... | Gifts for equipping the church |
| 2 Pet 3:15 | and count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him. | Paul's writings characterized by wisdom |
| Rev 5:12 | "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" | Christ's exalted wisdom |
1 Corinthians 12 verses
1 Corinthians 12 8 Meaning
The gift of wisdom from the Spirit enables believers to speak a word of knowledge. This is distinct from factual recall; it is a divinely imparted insight and understanding regarding a specific situation, often leading to sound judgment and effective counsel. It's not merely having information but knowing what to do with it for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 12 8 Context
First Corinthians chapter 12 discusses spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit to the church. Paul is addressing a church in Corinth that was particularly focused on the more spectacular, observable gifts, leading to disorder and division. He aims to clarify the purpose of these gifts, emphasizing that they are diverse manifestations of the same Spirit for the common good of the body of Christ. This verse specifically introduces "the word of wisdom" as one of these gifts, positioning it within a list that highlights the Spirit's diverse work in equipping believers.
1 Corinthians 12 8 Word Analysis
- καὶ (kai): And; also. This conjunction links this gift to the preceding one (word of knowledge).
- ἕτερῳ (heterō): To another; a different person. This implies a distribution of gifts among various individuals in the church.
- λόγος (logos): Word; speech; discourse. Here it signifies a divinely inspired utterance or message.
- σοφίας (sophias): Of wisdom. From sophia, meaning wisdom, deep understanding, skillful insight, especially practical wisdom concerning how to live and conduct oneself. This isn't mere academic knowledge but a God-given discernment.
- διὰ (dia): Through; by means of. Indicates the agency through which the word of wisdom is conveyed.
- τοῦ (tou): The. The definite article preceding "Spirit."
- πνεύματος (pneumatos): Spirit. Refers to the Holy Spirit, the divine source of all spiritual gifts.
Group Analysis:
- "Word of Wisdom" (λόγος σοφίας - logos sophias): This phrase denotes a specific communication from God. It is a Spirit-given ability to articulate God's wisdom in a particular situation. This wisdom is not theoretical but practical, aimed at right judgment and effective action within the community or in evangelism. It’s a divinely timed and inspired counsel.
1 Corinthians 12 8 Bonus Section
This gift contrasts with the "word of knowledge" mentioned next in verse 8. While knowledge might refer to the divine imparting of facts or truths, wisdom refers to the application of that knowledge. Think of it as the difference between knowing the ingredients of a meal and knowing how to prepare a delicious and nutritious dish from those ingredients. Both are vital, and both originate from the Holy Spirit for the effective functioning of the church. The focus is on practical and situational insight rather than accumulated knowledge. This gift was particularly vital in the early church for resolving disputes, guiding evangelistic efforts, and maintaining unity amidst diverse challenges.
1 Corinthians 12 8 Commentary
The gift of the word of wisdom, bestowed by the Holy Spirit, functions as divine insight. It enables a believer to speak forth the correct application of God’s truth to specific circumstances, offering sound counsel and judgment. This gift is crucial for the edification and guidance of the church, preventing rash decisions and promoting godly living. It’s distinct from intellectual brilliance; it’s a supernatural understanding that illuminates how God’s principles apply to immediate needs. The Spirit distributes these gifts as He wills for the building up of the entire body.