1 Corinthians 12:27
What does 1 Corinthians 12:27 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 12:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 12:27 means
Paul brings the metaphor home: the Corinthians are the body of Christ, and each is a part of it. This is not merely an illustration but a spiritual reality. Their identity is corporate and Christ-centered; He is the Lord who animates and directs them. Individually, they are distinct members with particular functions, not interchangeable pieces. This affirmation both humbles and dignifies them: they belong to Christ and to each other. It challenges them to live consistently with this identity by valuing every member and by contributing their gifts for the common good.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now ye are the body of Christ, and severally members thereof.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now ye are the body of Christ, and severally members thereof.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now you are the body of Christ, and every one of you the separate parts of it.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now you are the body of Christ and members of member.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Now ye are Christ's body, and members in particular.
Context
After describing the body’s unity and mutual care (verses 25–26), Paul applies the truth directly to the church at Corinth. With identity established, he will outline in verse 28 a divinely ordered array of roles in the church and then, in verses 29–30, ask a series of questions to show that not all are the same. This leads to verse 31’s exhortation to desire the greater gifts and introduces a “most excellent way,” preparing for the love chapter that follows.
v.26And whether one member suffereth, all the members suffer with it; or one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
v.27This passage
v.28And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, divers kinds of tongues.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 1:23
which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
- 1 Corinthians 12:14
For the body is not one member, but many.
- Ephesians 5:23
For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, being himself the saviour of the body.
- Romans 12:5
so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another.
- Ephesians 4:12
for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ:
- Ephesians 5:30
because we are members of his body.
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