1 Corinthians 12:11
What does 1 Corinthians 12:11 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 12:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 12:11 means
Paul crowns the list with the central assertion: one and the same Spirit works all these gifts, distributing to each person individually just as He wills. This affirms both unity and sovereignty. Gifts are not earned, purchased, or demanded; they are assigned by the Spirit’s wisdom. This keeps envy and pride in check. It also encourages contentment and faithfulness in whatever gift one has received. The Spirit’s will governs the church’s variety, ensuring that no member has everything and that all must rely on one another. The gifts thus foster interdependence rather than isolation or competition.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000but all these worketh the one and the same Spirit, dividing to each one severally even as he will.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901but all these worketh the one and the same Spirit, dividing to each one severally even as he will.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But all these are the operations of the one and the same Spirit, giving to every man separately as his pleasure is.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and all these doth work the one and the same Spirit, dividing to each severally as he intendeth.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But all these things, one and the same Spirit worketh, dividing to every one according as he will.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But all these things operates the one and the same Spirit, dividing to each in particular according as he pleases.
Context
Having named various gifts, Paul now emphasizes their single source and God’s sovereign choice. This ends the first major unit (verses 4–11) which developed the theme of unity in diversity under the triune God. Next, in verses 12–27, he will illustrate this truth with the body metaphor, showing how the church is one body with many members. The pivot from distribution (verse 11) to embodiment (verse 12) moves the discussion from cataloging gifts to nurturing relationships and mutual care within the church.
v.10and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discernings of spirits: to another divers kinds of tongues; and to another the interpretation of tongues:
v.11This passage
v.12For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 5:21
For as the Father raiseth the dead and giveth them life, even so the Son also giveth life to whom he will.
- Matthew 20:15
Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? or is thine eye evil, because I am good?
- Romans 9:18
So then he hath mercy on whom he will, and whom he will he hardeneth.
- James 1:18
Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
- 1 Corinthians 7:7
Yet I would that all men were even as I myself. Howbeit each man hath his own gift from God, one after this manner, and another after that.
- Hebrews 2:4
God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders, and by manifold powers, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Corinthians 12
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Corinthians 12.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About The Church
The church, in its various forms, is a central theme in Scripture, revealing God's plan for humanity's redemption and community
Topic
Bible Verses About Spiritual Gifts
Explore what the Bible says about spiritual gifts, their purpose, and how believers are called to use them for God's glory.
Topic
Bible Verses About Teachers
Explore how the Bible defines and encourages those who teach, emphasizing both their noble calling and weighty responsibility.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Your Marriage Is Falling Apart
When the silence at home is louder than the words — verses to pray for your marriage.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You're Struggling With Addiction
When the cycle won't break — verses for the long road home.