Keraia
1 Corinthians 12

1 Corinthians 12:21

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

Translations

Modern
The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you.” Nor can the head say to the feet, “I do not need you.”
Traditional
And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
Literal
Now the eye is not able to say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”
Latin
Non potest autem oculus dicere manui: Opera tua non indigeo: aut iterum caput pedibus: Non estis mihi necessarii.

Original

Greek
English
The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you.” Nor can the head say to the feet, “I do not need you.”

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 Spiritual Gifts

Topics

Church: Membership In Head: All the Other Members Necessary To Selfishness: Inconsistent with Communion of Saints The Feet: Necessary Members of the Body The Hands: Necessary Members of the Body