Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 12:4

What does 1 Corinthians 12:4 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 12:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 12:4 means

Paul affirms that there are many different spiritual gifts, yet they share one origin: the same Spirit. Diversity is not a problem but a design feature. The Spirit does not clone believers; He equips each for distinct functions that together bless the whole church. This unity in source curbs rivalry and comparison, reminding believers that no gift is self-made. It also frees them to appreciate differences, because each gift bears the Spirit’s signature. The verse lays a cornerstone for harmony: variety does not compete with unity when all flows from the Spirit’s gracious giving.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now there are different qualities given to men, but the same Spirit.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And there are diversities of gifts, and the same Spirit;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now there are diversities of graces, but the same Spirit.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But there are distinctions of gifts, but the same Spirit;

Context

Having set a Christ-centered test in verse 3, Paul begins a threefold statement about diversity and unity. Verse 4 names diverse gifts from the same Spirit. Verse 5 will speak of various ministries under the same Lord, and verse 6 of diverse workings from the same God. This triadic pattern underscores divine harmony as the foundation for church life. After establishing this, verse 7 will state the shared purpose of the gifts, and verses 8–10 will list representative examples. The sequence builds a theological framework before practical enumeration.

v.3Wherefore 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.

v.4This passage

v.5And there are diversities of ministrations, and the same Lord.

Cross references

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

  • Hebrews 2:4

    God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders, and by manifold powers, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:8

    For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom; and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit:

  • Ephesians 4:4

    There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling;

  • 1 Peter 4:10

    according as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God;

  • 1 Corinthians 12:28

    And 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.

  • Ephesians 4:11

    And he gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

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