Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 12:7

What does 1 Corinthians 12:7 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 12:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 12:7 means

Every believer receives some manifestation of the Spirit, and it is given for the common good. This verse dismantles elitism by affirming participation for each one, and it corrects individualism by stating the purpose: to benefit others. The Spirit’s work is not a private badge but a public blessing. When the gifts operate as intended, the whole church is strengthened. This principle helps evaluate motives: if an exercise of a gift does not build up others, it misses its aim. God’s generosity equips the community through its members, making mutual edification the hallmark of spiritual life.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But to every man some form of the Spirit's working is given for the common good.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And to each hath been given the manifestation of the Spirit for profit;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man unto profit.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But to each the manifestation of the Spirit is given for profit.

Context

After establishing the unified source of all gifts (verses 4–6), Paul states the shared purpose: edification. This prepares the reader to receive the list in verses 8–10 not as a hierarchy of importance but as examples of Spirit-given benefits. The catalog will show variety, but verse 11 will bring the emphasis back to the one Spirit who distributes as He wills. The next section (verses 12–27) will apply this principle in the body metaphor, teaching mutual dependence and care.

v.6And there are diversities of workings, but the same God, who worketh all things in all.

v.7This passage

v.8For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom; and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit:

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 14:19

    howbeit in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:22

    Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to the unbelieving: but prophesying is for a sign, not to the unbelieving, but to them that believe.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:17

    For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:5

    Now I would have you all speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy: and greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

  • Romans 12:6

    And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith;

  • Ephesians 4:7

    But unto each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

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