Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 12:8

What does 1 Corinthians 12:8 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 12:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 12:8 means

Paul names two gifts: a word of wisdom and a word of knowledge, both given by the same Spirit. The “word of wisdom” suggests Spirit-enabled counsel or insight into God’s purposes applied to practical situations. The “word of knowledge” points to Spirit-given understanding or articulation of truth. These are not mere intelligence or education; they are timely, edifying utterances that help the church know and obey God. By pairing them, Paul shows that different kinds of speech gifts can coexist, each contributing uniquely. The shared source underscores that the church needs both wisdom’s skill and knowledge’s clarity, supplied by the Spirit.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For to one are given words of wisdom through the Spirit; and to another words of knowledge through the same Spirit:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for to one through the Spirit hath been given a word of wisdom, and to another a word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

To one indeed, by the Spirit, is given the word of wisdom: and to another, the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For to one, by the Spirit, is given [the] word of wisdom; and to another [the] word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit;

Context

This begins the representative list of gifts promised in verse 7. Paul starts with verbal gifts tied to understanding and guidance. He will proceed in verses 9–10 to gifts of faith, healings, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, and interpretation. The flow is not a rigid taxonomy but a sampling that illustrates diversity. Verse 11 will then re-center the reader on the Spirit’s single agency in all these varied endowments, keeping unity in view amid the enumeration.

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

v.8This passage

v.9to another faith, in the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, in the one Spirit;

Cross references

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

  • Job 32:8

    But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:6

    We speak wisdom, however, among them that are fullgrown: yet a wisdom not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are coming to nought:

  • 2 Corinthians 8:7

    But as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

  • Nehemiah 9:20

    Thou gavest also thy good Spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.

  • Exodus 31:3

    and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,

  • Proverbs 2:6

    For Jehovah giveth wisdom; Out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding:

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