Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 12:14

What does 1 Corinthians 12:14 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 12:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 12:14 means

Paul reiterates a simple truth with profound implications: a body is not a single member but many. This prepares the way to challenge self-diminishing attitudes. In a healthy body, diversity is essential; one part cannot be all. Applied to the church, no single gift or role should be treated as the measure of belonging. This statement clears ground for the coming examples where lesser-esteemed parts might feel unnecessary. By emphasizing plurality within unity, Paul upholds the dignity of every member and undercuts the notion that sameness would be better than God’s varied design.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For the body is not one member, but many.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For the body is not one member, but many.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For the body is not one member, but many.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For the body is not one part, but a number of parts.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for also the body is not one member, but many;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For the body also is not one member, but many.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For also the body is not one member but many.

Context

After stating the Spirit’s role in forming the one body (verse 13), Paul turns to the practical error of thinking only certain roles matter. Verse 14 functions as a hinge, asserting multiplicity. Verses 15–16 will personify members who undervalue themselves, and verse 17 will show the absurdity of a one-part body. Verse 18 will then point to God’s sovereign arrangement. The sequence helps readers replace envy or despair with gratitude for their God-given place.

v.13For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit.

v.14This passage

v.15If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; it is not therefore not of the body.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:12

    For 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.

  • Ephesians 4:25

    Wherefore, putting away falsehood, speak ye truth each one with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:19

    And if they were all one member, where were the body?

  • 1 Corinthians 12:27

    Now ye are the body of Christ, and severally members thereof.

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