1 Corinthians 12:29
What does 1 Corinthians 12:29 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 12:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 12:29 means
Paul asks a series of rhetorical questions—are all apostles, prophets, teachers, workers of miracles? The implied answer is no. Not every believer holds the same office or performs the same kind of ministry. This counters any pressure to conform to a single model of spirituality. The church thrives when each member embraces his or her God-given role rather than chasing another’s. By framing the point as questions, Paul draws the Corinthians into agreement, reducing defensiveness and highlighting the obvious: unity does not require uniformity of function.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Are all Apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? have all the power of working wonders?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862<FI> are<Fi> all apostles? <FI>are<Fi> all prophets? <FI>are<Fi> all teachers? <FI>are<Fi> all powers?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all doctors?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890[Are] all apostles? [are] all prophets? [are] all teachers? [are] all [in possession of] miraculous powers?
Context
This verse follows the listing of God-appointed roles in verse 28. The questions challenge any assumption that one role defines spiritual legitimacy. Verse 30 will continue in the same pattern with other gifts, again expecting negative answers. The cumulative effect supports the body metaphor’s central lesson: many members, diverse gifts, one body. The argument is preparing for verse 31’s closing directive to desire greater gifts, which will be clarified by the emphasis on love in the next chapter.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 12:4
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
- 1 Corinthians 12:14
For the body is not one member, but many.
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.