Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 12:21

What does 1 Corinthians 12:21 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 12:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 12:21 means

Paul rebukes the attitude of self-sufficiency: the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor the head to the feet. Superior visibility or perceived leadership does not remove dependence on other members. Every part needs the others. In the church, those with public gifts or authority must recognize their reliance on quieter ministries. This verse protects against arrogance and isolation among the influential. It also dignifies supportive roles by showing that even the most prominent members are incomplete without them. The body’s strength is in interdependence, not independence.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee: or again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee: or again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the eye may not say to the hand, I have no need of you: or again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and an eye is not able to say to the hand, `I have no need of thee;' nor again the head to the feet, `I have no need of you.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the eye cannot say to the hand: I need not thy help. Nor again the head to the feet: I have no need of you.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

The eye cannot say to the hand, I have not need of thee; or again, the head to the feet, I have not need of you.

Context

After affirming many members in one body (verse 20), Paul now confronts dismissive pride. Verse 21 names the error: prominent parts denying need of others. Verses 22–23 will respond by calling the seemingly weaker or less honorable parts “necessary” and deserving of abundant honor. Verse 24 will attribute this balancing of honor to God’s design, and verse 25 will state the aim—no schism but mutual care. The argument shifts from self-perception to how we regard others.

v.20But now they are many members, but one body.

v.21This passage

v.22Nay, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be more feeble are necessary:

Cross references

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

  • Ezra 10:1

    Now while Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there was gathered together unto him out of Israel a very great assembly of men and women and children; for the people wept very sore.

  • Job 29:11

    For when the ear heardme, then it blessed me; And when the eye sawme, it gave witness unto me:

  • Nehemiah 4:16

    And it came to pass from that time forth, that half of my servants wrought in the work, and half of them held the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the coats of mail; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.

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