Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 12:6

What does 1 Corinthians 12:6 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 12:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 12:6 means

Paul adds that there are different kinds of workings—varied ways God’s power shows itself—yet behind them stands the same God who energizes all things in all people. This reminder places God’s sovereignty at the center. The variety of effects does not imply multiple gods or competing powers, but one God accomplishing His will through many channels. This curbs boasting, since outcomes are God’s doing. It also reassures the church that even unusual manifestations fit within God’s governance. Diversity in activity and effect is compatible with deep unity, because the one God is at work in every true manifestation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And there are diversities of workings, but the same God, who worketh all things in all.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And there are diversities of workings, but the same God, who worketh all things in all.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And there are different operations, but the same God, who is working all things in all.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and there are diversities of workings, and it is the same God--who is working the all in all.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And there are diversities of operations, but the same God, who worketh all in all.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and there are distinctions of operations, but the sameGod who operates all things in all.

Context

Completing the triad from verses 4–6, Paul has shown diversity of gifts, ministries, and workings, all under the one Spirit, Lord, and God. With this theological groundwork, he now turns to the purpose of these manifestations (verse 7): they are given for the common good. After stating the purpose, he will provide an illustrative list of gifts (verses 8–10) and then stress the Spirit’s sovereign distribution (verse 11). The flow moves from unity of source to purpose to practical examples.

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

v.6This passage

v.7But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit to profit withal.

Cross references

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

  • Colossians 1:29

    whereunto I labor also, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

  • Ephesians 4:6

    one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all.

  • Job 33:29

    Lo, all these things doth God work, Twice, yea thrice, with a man,

  • Colossians 3:11

    where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:11

    but all these worketh the one and the same Spirit, dividing to each one severally even as he will.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:28

    And when all things have been subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, that God may be all in all.

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