1 Corinthians 12:1
What does 1 Corinthians 12:1 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 12:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 12:1 means
Paul opens a new section to instruct the church about spiritual gifts. He recognizes both their interest and confusion, and he wants them to have clarity rather than ignorance. This means learning what the gifts are for, who gives them, and how they should function among believers. He treats the subject pastorally and doctrinally, not to quench zeal, but to guide it well. The verse signals that understanding spiritual matters is not automatic; believers need teaching. By addressing them as brethren, he affirms their unity in Christ even as he prepares to correct misunderstandings that threaten their fellowship.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now concerning spiritualgifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now concerning spiritualgifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But about the things of the spirit, my brothers, it is not right for you to be without teaching.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And concerning the spiritual things, brethren, I do not wish you to be ignorant;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now concerning spiritual things, my brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But concerning spiritual [manifestations], brethren, I do not wish you to be ignorant.
Context
This opening verse transitions from previous corrections in the letter to a focused teaching on spiritual gifts. The Corinthians prized impressive spiritual experiences, yet they lacked sound understanding. Paul begins by stating his aim: informed instruction. What follows will offer both tests of what is truly from the Spirit and a framework for how the gifts operate. Verse 2 will recall their past idolatry, and verse 3 will provide a foundational test related to confessing Jesus. Then verses 4–11 will describe the variety and source of gifts.
v.1This passage
v.2Ye know that when ye were Gentiles ye were led away unto those dumb idols, howsoever ye might be led.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 4:11
And he gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
- 1 Corinthians 12:4
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
- 1 Corinthians 14:37
If any man thinketh himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him take knowledge of the things which I write unto you, that they are the commandment of the Lord.
- 1 Corinthians 14:1
Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritualgifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
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