1 Corinthians 12:3
What does 1 Corinthians 12:3 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 12:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 12:3 means
Here Paul gives a simple, decisive test of spiritual authenticity: the Holy Spirit will never move someone to curse Jesus. Conversely, the confession “Jesus is Lord” arises from the Spirit’s work in the heart. This is not about mere utterance of words, but sincere acknowledgment of Christ’s lordship. The Spirit’s purpose is to exalt the Son; any influence that dishonors Jesus is not from God. This test guards the church from false inspiration while centering their faith on Christ. True spiritual power leads to humble submission to Jesus, recognizing Him as the living Lord who rules His people.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Wherefore I make known unto you, that no man speaking in the Spirit of God saith, Jesus is anathema; and no man can say, Jesus is Lord, but in the Holy Spirit.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Wherefore I make known unto you, that no man speaking in the Spirit of God saith, Jesus is anathema; and no man can say, Jesus is Lord, but in the Holy Spirit.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So it is my desire for you to be clear about this; that no one is able to say by the Spirit of God that Jesus is cursed; and no one is able to say that Jesus is Lord, but by the Holy Spirit.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862wherefore, I give you to understand that no one, in the Spirit of God speaking, saith Jesus <FI>is<Fi> anathema, and no one is able to say Jesus <FI>is<Fi> Lord, except in the Holy Spirit.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Wherefore, I give you to understand that no man, speaking by the Spirit of God, saith Anathema to Jesus. And no man can say The Lord Jesus, but by the Holy Ghost.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I give you therefore to know, that no one, speaking in [the power of the] Spirit ofGod, says, Curse [on] Jesus; and no one can say, Lord Jesus, unless in [the power of the] Holy Spirit.
Context
This verse follows the reminder of pagan deception and establishes Christ-centered discernment for evaluating spiritual claims. With that foundation laid, Paul will now discuss the diverse gifts that the Spirit gives. The point is that any gift, to be genuine, must align with the Spirit’s mission to honor Jesus. Verses 4–6 will highlight unity amid diversity rooted in the Spirit, the Lord, and God. Verses 7–11 will detail specific gifts, all governed by this Christ-exalting purpose introduced here.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Deuteronomy 21:23
his body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt surely bury him the same day; for he that is hanged is accursed of God; that thou defile not thy land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.
- 1 Corinthians 8:6
yet to us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we unto him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we through him.
- Mark 9:39
But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man who shall do a mighty work in my name, and be able quickly to speak evil of me.
- 1 Corinthians 16:22
If any man loveth not the Lord, let him be anathema. Maranatha.
- 2 Corinthians 11:4
For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or if ye receive a different spirit, which ye did not receive, or a different gospel, which ye did not accept, ye do well to bear with him.
- John 15:26
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall bear witness of me:
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.