1 Corinthians 12 8

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 verses

1 Corinthians 12 8 meaning

1 Corinthians 12:8 states that the Holy Spirit sovereignly bestows specific gifts upon individuals within the Body of Christ. Specifically, it highlights the "word of wisdom" and the "word of knowledge." The "word of wisdom" is a divine utterance of profound insight and understanding, enabling the recipient to apply God's truth to complex situations and discern His will. The "word of knowledge" is a divinely imparted revelation of facts, truths, or understanding that cannot be acquired by natural means, often related to present or past circumstances, or deeper spiritual doctrines. Both are manifestations of the Holy Spirit's work, distributed for the common good and the edification of the church, emphasizing unity in their divine source despite their diverse expressions.

1 Corinthians 12 8 Context

1 Corinthians chapter 12 is part of Paul's larger discussion (chapters 12-14) addressing disorders and misunderstandings regarding spiritual gifts within the Corinthian church. The Corinthians, living in a vibrant, syncretistic cultural hub with various pagan ecstatic practices, struggled to discern true spiritual experiences from false ones and to properly value and use genuine spiritual gifts. There was a tendency to elevate certain gifts, particularly the more outwardly impressive ones like tongues, over others, leading to division and pride. Paul begins chapter 12 by emphasizing that the ultimate source of all genuine spiritual gifts is the Holy Spirit (vv. 4-6). Verse 8 then starts a list of specific gifts, illustrating the diversity that exists within the unity of the Spirit's work. This verse serves to affirm the reality of different divine endowments while immediately tying them back to the single source, setting the stage for his powerful metaphor of the church as a body with many interdependent parts.

1 Corinthians 12 8 Word analysis

• For (γὰρ - gar): Connects this verse to the preceding one (1 Cor 12:7), explaining how the Spirit's manifestation is given "for the common good" by listing specific gifts. It signals an explanation or elaboration.
• to one (ᾧ μὲν - hō men): A distributive pronoun and particle indicating a particular individual. It introduces the idea that gifts are distributed uniquely, not universally, to every believer.
• is given (δίδοται - didotai): A present tense, passive voice verb meaning "it is given." It emphasizes that the gift is received from an external source (the Spirit) rather than earned or generated by human effort, and that this giving is ongoing.
• by the (διὰ τοῦ - dia tou): The preposition "through" or "by means of." It explicitly names the Holy Spirit as the agent or channel through whom the gift is imparted.
• Spirit (Πνεύματος - Pneumatos): Refers to the Holy Spirit, the divine source of these supernatural endowments. Its repeated emphasis throughout the chapter underscores the divine origin of all gifts.
• the word (λόγος - logos): This term signifies "utterance," "discourse," or "message." It implies a verbal expression or articulation, meaning it's not merely possessing wisdom or knowledge privately, but the Spirit's enabling to communicate it.
• of wisdom (σοφίας - sophias): This denotes divine insight into God's plans and purposes, and the practical application of spiritual truth to specific situations. It is not earthly cleverness or accumulated human learning but a supernatural perception and counsel from God, often revealed at a particular moment for a specific need. It encompasses knowing what to do and how to do it from a divine perspective.
• to another (ἄλλῳ δὲ - allō de): The conjunctive particle de introduces a contrast or continuation, here specifically differentiating the recipient of the second gift from the first. It reinforces the diversity of gift distribution.
• the word (λόγος - logos): Again, signifies a divinely-inspired utterance or message.
• of knowledge (γνώσεως - gnōseōs): This refers to a supernatural insight into facts or truths, perhaps regarding the nature of God, spiritual doctrines, or specific information about individuals or situations that could not be naturally known. It is a divine revelation of understanding, distinct from learned theological understanding. It often involves knowing what is true or what God is doing or has done.
• by the (κατὰ τὸ - kata to): The preposition "according to" or "by." Similar to "through," it reinforces the source of the gift.
• same Spirit (αὐτὸ Πνεῦμα - auto Pneuma): A critical reiteration. By emphasizing "the same Spirit," Paul powerfully counters any potential division or pride in the Corinthian church based on differing gifts. It binds all diverse manifestations back to a single, unifying divine giver.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "ᾧ μὲν γὰρ... ἄλλῳ δὲ..." (For to one... to another...): This literary device highlights the selective and diversified distribution of spiritual gifts among believers, stressing that no one individual possesses all gifts, but rather each receives a unique measure. It directly supports Paul's argument for the interdependent nature of the Body of Christ.
• "διὰ τοῦ Πνεύματος... κατὰ τὸ αὐτὸ Πνεῦμα" (through the Spirit... by the same Spirit): This emphatic repetition ensures that the divine origin and unified source of all spiritual gifts are undeniable. It strongly counters any pagan or humanistic notions about spiritual experiences, grounding them firmly in the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit. It also combats internal church divisions arising from overvaluing specific gifts.
• "λόγος σοφίας" (word of wisdom): This phrase signifies an extraordinary, Spirit-inspired capacity to speak into complex situations with divine insight, providing practical guidance aligned with God's ultimate purposes. It is often about the 'why' and 'how' of God's will in application, cutting through human perplexity.
• "λόγος γνώσεως" (word of knowledge): This phrase describes a miraculous capacity to convey divinely revealed information—facts, truths, or hidden understanding—that the recipient could not have known through natural means. It is often about the 'what' of God's truth or immediate insight, discerning deep spiritual realities.

1 Corinthians 12 8 Commentary

1 Corinthians 12:8 introduces the first two of a list of nine spiritual gifts, the "word of wisdom" and the "word of knowledge." These are not inherent intellectual abilities or natural intelligence but supernatural endowments from the Holy Spirit, enabling individuals to speak forth divine insights. The "word of wisdom" transcends human sagacity, providing supernatural counsel, discerning God's will, and applying truth effectively to specific circumstances. It moves beyond facts to their ultimate divine meaning and practical implementation. The "word of knowledge" is an immediate, God-given revelation of facts, events, or truths that could not have been known by ordinary means. It's not theological training, but a Spirit-imparted understanding of hidden things, divine mysteries