Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 12:16

What does 1 Corinthians 12:16 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 12:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 12:16 means

Paul continues with the ear envying the eye and concluding it does not belong. The error is the same: difference is mistaken for disqualification. Yet the ear’s function is unique and indispensable. In Christ’s body, diversity of gifts means diversity of vantage points and services. Not being one kind of member does not erase genuine membership. The verse encourages those who feel overshadowed by more celebrated gifts to recognize their God-assigned role. The body suffers when any part silences itself. True humility is not denial of one’s place but faithful use of it for the body’s good.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; it is not therefore not of the body.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; it is not therefore not of the body.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And if the ear says, Because I am not the eye, I am not a part of the body; it is a part of the body all the same.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and if the ear may say, `Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body;' it is not, because of this, not of the body?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And if the ear should say: Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body: Is it therefore not of the body?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And if the ear say, Because I am not an eye I am not of the body, is it on account of this not indeed of the body?

Context

Paired with verse 15, this verse continues addressing self-doubt among less prominent members. Paul’s strategy is to show that each part contributes something the other cannot. Verse 17 will reinforce the absurdity of a uniform body, preparing the way for verse 18’s affirmation of God’s wise design. The movement is pastoral, restoring confidence to overlooked members and inviting the church to appreciate complementary functions.

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.

v.16This passage

v.17If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

Cross references

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

  • Philippians 2:3

    doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself;

  • 1 Corinthians 12:22

    Nay, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be more feeble are necessary:

  • Romans 12:10

    In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another;

  • Romans 12:3

    For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but so to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith.

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