Keraia
1 Corinthians 12

1 Corinthians 12:17

The Body of Christ · 1 Corinthians 12:12–26
Read 1 Corinthians 12

Translations

Modern
If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?
Traditional
If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
Literal
If the whole body were an eye, where is the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where is the sense of smell?
Latin
Si totum corpus oculus: ubi auditus? Si totum auditus: ubi odoratus?

Original

Greek
English
If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?

Notes

1 Corinthians 12:14–21

These verses shift from the image of a physical body to the image of the church as a spiritual body. Every part of the body is important and essential for it to work well. Believers should not brag about their spiritual roles or think less of them compared to others. God, who created the body, has placed each part exactly where he wants it (12:18).

1 Corinthians 12:12–31

The church is like a body (see 12:27) made up of many different parts. Each part has its own role, as determined by God (see 12:11, 18, 28; Romans 12:4–5).

1 Corinthians 12:1–14:40

The church in Corinth focused too much on the gift of speaking in tongues (see 14:1–25, 27; compare the lists in 12:8–10, 28, where Paul lists tongues last). Paul offers advice to correct their understanding of the value and use of spiritual gifts.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Body of Christ Charismata Church First Letter to the Corinthians Head Heal, Healing Mystery Ordain, Ordination Prophecy Spirit of God Spiritual Gifts

Topics

Church: Membership In Selfishness: Inconsistent with Communion of Saints