For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; to another faith, by the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, by the same Spirit; and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discerning of spirits; to another different kinds of languages; and to another the interpretation of languages.
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1 Corinthians 12:8-10 sits inside this longer paragraph.
Now there are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are various kinds of service, and the same Lord. There are various kinds of workings, but the same God, who works all things in all. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all. For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; to another faith, by the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, by the same Spirit; and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discerning of spirits; to another different kinds of languages; and to another the interpretation of languages. But the one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing to each one separately as he desires.
Parallel Translations
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For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit;
to another faith, by the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, by the same Spirit;
and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discerning of spirits; to another different kinds of languages; and to another the interpretation of languages.
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To one is geven thorow the spirite the vtteraunce of wisdome? To another is geven the vtteraunce of knowledge by ye same sprete.
To another is geuen fayth by the same sprete. To another the gyftes of healynge by the same sprete.
To another power to do myracles. To another prophesie? To another iudgement of spretes. To another divers tonges. To another the interpretacion of toges.
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For to one is giuen by the Spirit the word of wisdome: and to an other the word of knowledge, by the same Spirit:
And to another is giuen faith by the same Spirit: and to another the giftes of healing, by the same Spirit:
And to another the operations of great workes: and to another, prophecie: and to another, the discerning of spirits: and to another, diuersities of tongues: and to another, the interpretation of tongues.
Cross-references (76)
- 1 Corinthians 14:39 (v10) Therefore, brothers, desire earnestly to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking with other languages.
- 1 John 4:1 (v10) Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the…
- James 5:14-15 (v9) Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the assembly, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the…
- Mark 16:17 (v10) These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new languages;
- Proverbs 2:6 (v8) For Yahweh gives wisdom. Out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.
Show all 74 cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 4:13 (v9) But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, “I believed, and therefore I spoke.” We also believe, and…
- Ephesians 2:8 (v9) for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
- 1 Corinthians 12:28-30 (v10) God has set some in the assembly: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracle workers, then gifts of healings, helps,…
- 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 (v8) We speak wisdom, however, among those who are full grown, yet a wisdom not of this world nor of the rulers of this world who are coming to…
- Ephesians 1:17-18 (v8) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him,…
- Hebrews 11:33 (v9) who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked out righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
- 1 Corinthians 13:2 (vv8–9) If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don’t…
- Psalms 143:10 (v8) Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.
- Joel 2:28 (v10) “It will happen afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; and your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your old men will…
- Matthew 17:19-20 (v9) Then the disciples came to Jesus privately, and said, “Why weren’t we able to cast it out?” He said to them, “Because of your unbelief. For…
- 1 Corinthians 1:5 (v8) that in everything you were enriched in him, in all speech and all knowledge;
- 1 Corinthians 14:31-32 (v10) For you all can prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be exhorted. The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets,
- 2 Corinthians 8:7 (v8) But as you abound in everything, in faith, utterance, knowledge, all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that you also abound in this…
- 1 Corinthians 12:28 (v9) God has set some in the assembly: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracle workers, then gifts of healings, helps,…
- Genesis 41:38-39 (v8) Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?” Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Because God…
- Nehemiah 9:20 (v8) You gave also your good Spirit to instruct them, and didn’t withhold your manna from their mouth, and gave them water for their thirst.
- Isaiah 11:2-3 (v8) Yahweh’s Spirit will rest on him: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of…
- Matthew 21:21 (v9) Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, if you have faith, and don’t doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree,…
- Mark 16:20 (v10) They went out, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen.
- 1 Corinthians 1:30 (v8) Because of him, you are in Christ Jesus, who was made to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:
- 1 Corinthians 14:26-29 (v10) What is it then, brothers? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has another language, or…
- Galatians 3:5 (v10) He therefore who supplies the Spirit to you and does miracles among you, does he do it by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith?
- 1 Corinthians 13:8 (vv8, 10) Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will be done away with. Where there are various languages, they will cease. Where…
- Exodus 31:3 (v8) I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all kinds of workmanship,
- 1 Kings 3:5-12 (v8) In Gibeon, Yahweh appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask for what I should give you.” Solomon said, “You have shown to…
- Job 32:8 (v8) But there is a spirit in man, and the Spirit of the Almighty gives them understanding.
- Isaiah 50:4 (v8) The Lord Yahweh has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with words him who is weary. He awakens…
- Isaiah 59:21 (v8) “As for me, this is my covenant with them,” says Yahweh. “My Spirit who is on you, and my words which I have put in your mouth shall not…
- Daniel 2:21 (v8) He changes the times and the seasons. He removes kings, and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those who have…
- Matthew 13:11 (v8) He answered them, “To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them.
- Mark 11:22-23 (v9) Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. For most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the…
- Mark 16:18 (v9) they will take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will in no way hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will…
- Luke 17:5-6 (v9) The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” The Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you would tell this…
- Acts 4:29-31 (v9) Now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal;…
- 1 Corinthians 12:30 (v9) Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with various languages? Do all interpret?
- 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 (v10) Follow after love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in another language speaks…
- 1 Corinthians 14:23-24 (v10) If therefore the whole assembly is assembled together and all speak with other languages, and unlearned or unbelieving people come in,…
- 2 Peter 1:20-21 (v10) knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation. For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but holy men…
- Revelation 2:2 (v10) “I know your works, and your toil and perseverance, and that you can’t tolerate evil men, and have tested those who call themselves…
- Numbers 11:25-29 (v10) Yahweh came down in the cloud, and spoke to him, and took of the Spirit that was on him, and put it on the seventy elders. When the Spirit…
- 1 Samuel 10:10-13 (v10) When they came there to the hill, behold, a band of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came mightily on him, and he prophesied among…
- 1 Samuel 19:20-24 (v10) Saul sent messengers to seize David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as head over them,…
- 2 Samuel 23:1-2 (v10) Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse says, the man who was raised on high says, the anointed of the God of Jacob,…
- Matthew 10:8 (v9) Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give.
- Mark 6:13 (v9) They cast out many demons, and anointed many with oil who were sick, and healed them.
- Luke 9:2 (v9) He sent them out to preach God’s Kingdom and to heal the sick.
- Luke 10:9 (v9) Heal the sick who are there, and tell them, ‘God’s Kingdom has come near to you.’
- Luke 24:49 (v10) Behold, I send out the promise of my Father on you. But wait in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high.”
- John 14:12 (v10) Most certainly I tell you, he who believes in me, the works that I do, he will do also; and he will do greater works than these, because I…
- John 16:13 (v10) However when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he…
- Acts 1:8 (v10) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and…
- Acts 2:17-18 (v10) ‘It will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young…
- Acts 2:29-30 (v10) “Brothers, I may tell you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Therefore,…
- Acts 3:6-8 (v9) But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” He…
- Acts 5:3 (v10) But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the price of the land?
- Acts 5:15 (v9) They even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mattresses, so that as Peter came by, at the least his shadow…
- Acts 11:28 (v10) One of them named Agabus stood up, and indicated by the Spirit that there should be a great famine all over the world, which also happened…
- Acts 19:6 (v10) When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke with other languages and prophesied.
- Acts 21:9-10 (v10) Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. As we stayed there some days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
- Romans 12:6 (v10) having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us: if prophecy, let’s prophesy according to the proportion of our faith;
- Romans 15:19 (v10) in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of God’s Spirit; so that from Jerusalem, and around as far as to Illyricum, I have fully…
- 1 Corinthians 13:1-2 (v10) If I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but don’t have love, I have become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. If I have the…
- 1 Thessalonians 5:20 (v10) Don’t despise prophecies.
- Acts 2:4-12 (v10) They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak. Now there…
- Acts 10:38 (v9) even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were…
- Acts 10:46-47 (v10) For they heard them speaking in other languages and magnifying God. Then Peter answered, “Can anyone forbid these people from being…
- Acts 19:11-12 (v9) God worked special miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were carried away from his body to the sick, and the…
- Hebrews 2:4 (v10) God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders, by various works of power and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own…
- Acts 6:3 (v8) Therefore select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this…
74 distinct cross-references across this passage (76 total citations).
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (21 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
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John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain On v8 8. To one is given He now subjoins an…
8. To one is given He now subjoins an enumeration, or, in other words, specifies particular kinds — not indeed all of them, but such as are sufficient for his present purpose. “Believers,” says he, “are endowed with different gifts, but let every one acknowledge, that he is indebted for whatever he has to the Spirit of God, for he pours forth his gifts as the sun scatters his rays in every direction. As to the difference between these gifts, knowledge (or understanding) and wisdom are taken in different senses in the Scriptures, but here I take them in the way of less and greater, as in Colossians 2:3, where they are also joined together, when Paul says, that in Christ are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Knowledge, therefore, in my opinion, means acquaintance with sacred things — Wisdom, on the other hand, means the perfection of it. Sometimes prudence is put, as it were, in the middle place between these two, and in that case it denotes skill in applying knowledge to some useful purpose. They are, it is true, very nearly allied; but still you observe a difference when they are put together. Let us then take knowledge as meaning ordinary information, and wisdom, as including revelations that are of a more secret and sublime order.
The term faith is employed here to mean a special faith, as we shall afterwards see from the context. A special faith is of such a kind as does not apprehend Christ wholly, for redemption, righteousness, and sanctification, but only in so far as miracles are performed in his name. Judas had a faith of this kind, and he wrought miracles too by means of it. Chrysostom distinguishes it in a somewhat different manner, calling it the faith of miracles, not of doctrines. This, however, does not differ much from the interpretation previously mentioned. By the gift of healings every one knows what is meant.
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As to the workings of powers, or, as some render it, the operations of influences, there is more occasion for doubt. I am inclined, however, to think, that what is meant is the influence which is exercised against devils, and also against hypocrites. When, therefore, Christ and his Apostles by authority restrained devils, or put them to flight, that was ἐνέργημα, (powerful working,) and, in like manner, when Paul smote the sorcerer with blindness, (Acts 13:11,) and when Peter struck Ananias and Sapphira dead upon the spot with a single word. The gifts of healing and of miracles, therefore, serve to manifest the goodness of God, but this last, his severity for the destruction of Satan.
By prophecy, I understand the singular and choice endowment of unfolding the secret will of God, so that a Prophet is a messenger, as it were, between God and man. My reason for taking this view will be explained more fully afterwards.
The discerning of spirits, was a clearness of perception in forming a judgment as to those who professed to be something. (Acts 5:36.) I speak not of that natural wisdom, by which we are regulated in judging. It was a special illumination, with which some were endowed by the gift of God. The use of it was this: that they might not be imposed upon by masks, of mere pretences, but might by that spiritual judgment distinguish, as by a particular mark, the true ministers of Christ from the false.
There was a difference between the knowledge of tongues, and the interpretation of them, for those who were endowed with the former were, in many cases, not acquainted with the language of the nation with which they had to deal. The interpreters rendered foreign tongues into the native language. These endowments they did not at that time acquire by labor or study, but were put in possession of them by a wonderful revelation of the Spirit.
John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv8, 10 Wisdom is a most excellent gift, very requisite, not…
Wisdom is a most excellent gift, very requisite, not only for them which teach, but also for them that exhort and comfort, which thing is proper to the Pastor’s office, as the word of knowledge agreeth to the Doctors.
He declareth this manifold diversity, and reckoneth up the chiefest gifts, beating that into their heads, which he said before, to wit, that all these things proceeded from one selfsame Spirit.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv8–10 8 For to one is given by the Spirit…
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
Ver. 8. The word of wisdom] "The tongue of the learned," to time a word, Isa 50:4, to set it upon its circumferences, Pro 25:11, to declare unto man his righteousness, when not one of a thousand can do it like him, Job 33:23.
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The word of knowledge] This, say some, is the doctor’s office, as the former word of wisdom is the pastor’s (Mr Edwards). But the essential difference between pastors and doctors in each congregation is much denied by many learned and good divines. Others by "the word of wisdom" will have understood knowledge infused by divine revelation; as by "the word of knowledge," that knowledge that is acquired by study and industry. (Barlow. Taylor upon Titus.)
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv8–10 There are different apprehensions as to the particular gifts…
There are different apprehensions as to the particular gifts here enumerated, and it is no wonder, these extraordinary gifts being ceased, if we be now at a loss to determine what is to be understood by the terms whereby they are expressed. Some by
the word of wisdom, here, understand a faculty to deliver grave sentences; others, an ability to open the deep mysteries of religion; others, a singular knowledge of spiritual things, joined with a great authority, &c.; others, an ability to explain the deep wisdom of God. But it is most probable, that he meaneth by it what we ordinarily understand by wisdom, viz. a faculty, from a good judgment of the circumstances of actions, to do them at the best time, and in the best manner, wherein they may be serviceable to their ends. It is as uncertain, whether by
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the word of knowledge he meaneth a capacity to comprehend things in our knowledge, or to communicate it to others, or the actual communication of it by preaching, which was the work of the pastors and teachers; or the prophetical knowledge of future contingencies; or an ability to speak of spiritual things doctrinally, without any great faculty of applying them.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv8–10 For to one is given by the Spirit,.... Now…
For to one is given by the Spirit,.... Now follows a distinct and particular enumeration of the operations of the Spirit, though not all of them, yet as many as the apostle thought necessary; and which are called the manifestation of him, and which most clearly show him to be the author of them to different persons;
the word of wisdom: by which is meant "the manifold wisdom of God"; the wonderful scheme of salvation through the incarnation, sufferings, and death of Christ, in which God has "abounded in all wisdom and prudence"; together with all other deep, mysterious, and sublime doctrines of the Gospel, the knowledge of which were peculiarly given to the apostles in the first place, who have the first office or ministry in the church, by "the spirit of wisdom"; and which they had a faculty, a gift of declaring, opening, and explaining unto others.
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To another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; meaning either knowledge of future events; or an universal knowledge of the Scriptures of truth, and the doctrines contained in them, of the whole mind and will of God therein, which is a distinct thing from saving grace: see Co1 13:2 and is what was given to the prophets, the second office in the church, by him who is the spirit of prophecy, and by whom the prophetical writings were dictated; and therefore he is the best interpreter of them, and who only can lead into the true knowledge thereof.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv8–10 The word of wisdom - A power of understanding…
The word of wisdom - A power of understanding and explaining the manifold wisdom of God in the grand scheme of gospel salvation. The word of knowledge - Perhaps an extraordinary ability to understand and explain the Old Testament types and prophecies.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On v8 Verse 8. Word of wisdom] In all these places…
Verse 8. Word of wisdom] In all these places I consider that the proper translation of λογος is doctrine, as in many other places of the New Testament. It is very difficult to say what is intended here by the different kinds of gifts mentioned by the apostle: they were probably all supernatural, and were necessary at that time only for the benefit of the Church. On the 8th, 9th, and 10th verses, much may be seen in Lightfoot, Whitby, Pearce, and others. 1Co 12:8-10
By doctrine of wisdom we may understand, as Bp. Pearce and Dr. Whitby observe, the mystery of our redemption, in which the wisdom of God was most eminently conspicuous: see 1Co 2:7; 1Co 2:10; and which is called the manifold wisdom of God, Eph 3:10. Christ, the great teacher of it, is called the wisdom of God, 1Co 1:24; and in him are said to be contained all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, Col 2:3. The apostles to whom this doctrine was committed are called σοφοι, wise men; (Mt 23:34;) and they are said to teach this Gospel according to the wisdom given them, 2Pe 3:15.
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2. By the doctrine of knowledge we may understand either a knowledge of the types, c., in the Old Testament or what are termed mysteries; the calling of the Gentiles, the recalling of the Jews, the mystery of iniquity, of the beast, c., and especially the mystical sense or meaning of the Old Testament, with all its types, rites, ceremonies, c., &c.
3. By faith, 1Co 12:9, we are to understand that miraculous faith by which they could remove mountains, 1Co 13:2 or a peculiar impulse, as Dr: Whitby calls it, that came upon the apostles when any difficult matter was to be performed, which inwardly assured them that God's power would assist them in the performance of it. Others think that justifying faith, received by means of Gospel teaching, is what is intended.
4. Gifts of healing simply refers to the power which at particular times the apostles received from the Holy Spirit to cure diseases; a power which was not always resident in them; for Paul could not cure Timothy, nor remove his own thorn in the flesh; because it was given only on extraordinary occasions, though perhaps more generally than many others.
5. The working of miracles, ενεργηματα δυναμεων, 1Co 12:10. This seems to refer to the same class as the operations, ενεργηματων, 1Co 12:6, as the words are the same; and to signify those powers by which they were enabled at particular times to work miraculously on others; ejecting demons, inflicting punishments or judgments, as in the cases mentioned under 1Co 12:6. It is a hendyadis for mighty operations.
6. Prophecy. This seems to import two things: 1st, the predicting future events, such as then particularly concerned the state of the Church and the apostles; as the dearth foretold by Agabus, Ac 11:28; and the binding of St. Paul, and delivering him to the Romans, Ac 21:10, c. and St. Paul's foretelling his own shipwreck on Malta, Ac 27:25, c. And 2dly, as implying the faculty of teaching or expounding the Scriptures, which is also a common acceptation of the word.
7. Discerning of spirits. A gift by which the person so privileged could discern a false miracle from a true one or a pretender to inspiration from him who was made really partaker of the Holy Ghost. It probably extended also to the discernment of false professors from true ones, as appears in Peter in the case of Ananias and his wife.
8. Divers kinds of tongues. γενη γλωσσων, Different languages, which they had never learned, and which God gave them for the immediate instruction of people of different countries who attended their ministry.
9. Interpretation of tongues. It was necessary that while one was speaking the deep things of God in a company where several were present who did not understand, though the majority did, there should be a person who could immediately interpret what was said to that part of the congregation that did not understand the language. This power to interpret was also an immediate gift of God's Spirit, and is classed here among the miracles.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On v10 1Co 12:10-11. To another, the working of miracles —…
1Co 12:10-11. To another, the working of miracles — That is, miracles of a different kind; such as taking up serpents, drinking any deadly draught without hurt, and especially casting out devils. But it may not be improper to observe here, that the original expression, ενεργηματα δυναμεων, here rendered the working of miracles, is translated by Dr. Macknight, the inworkings of powers, the former word being derived from ενεργεω, signifying not to work simply, but to work in another. And he thinks it is here intended to express the power which the apostles had of conferring the miraculous gifts of the Holy Ghost on those on whom they laid their hands: a power which was peculiar to the apostles, by which they were raised above all the other spiritual men, and by which they spread the gospel everywhere with the greatest success. To another, prophecy — The foretelling of things to come. To another, the discerning of spirits — That is, ability to discern whether professors of Christianity were of an upright spirit, or not; whether they had natural or supernatural gifts for offices in the church; and whether they who professed to speak by inspiration spoke from a divine, a natural, or diabolical spirit; and consequently to distinguish, with certainty, true doctrine from false. For, as there appeared very early among the professed disciples of Christ, false teachers, who, to gain credit to their errors, pretended to deliver them by inspiration, a gift of this kind was very necessary for preventing the faithful from being led away by them, especially in the first age, before the writings of the apostles and evangelists were generally spread abroad. Hence the caution, 1Jn 4:1, Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are from God, because many false prophets are gone forth into the world. Again, the gift of discerning spirits was bestowed on some, to enable them, on certain occasions, to discover what passed in the minds of their enemies, that they might make it known for the benefit of the church; 1Co 14:25. Thus Peter knew the fraudulent purpose of Ananias and Sapphira, and Paul the malice of Elymas. But here it is to be observed, that neither the knowledge of what passed in the minds of enemies, nor the knowledge of the characters of private Christians, or of the qualifications of those who aspired after sacred offices, was bestowed as a habit. On most occasions, it seems, the rulers were left in these matters to guide themselves by their own sagacity, or by that ordinary illumination which they received from the Spirit of wisdom.
To another, divers kinds of tongues — Ability to speak languages which they had not learned. This gift was one of the primary causes of the rapid growth of Christianity. For by it the preachers of the gospel were able, immediately on their coming into any country, to declare the wonderful things of God, without waiting till, in the ordinary course, they learned the language of the country. The persons who were endowed with this faculty, had not the knowledge of all languages communicated to them, but of such only as they had occasion for. This appears from 1Co 14:18, where the apostle told the Corinthians that he spake more foreign tongues than they all did. And even the languages which were given them, may not have been communicated to them all at once, but only as they had occasion for them. To another, the interpretation of tongues — Ability to interpret into a language known, suppose into the common language of the place, that which others, suppose foreigners, or those to whom a language was given by inspiration, delivered in a tongue with which the hearers were not acquainted. From this being mentioned as a distinct gift from that of speaking foreign languages, Macknight infers, that not every one who understood the foreign language, in which an inspired teacher spake, was allowed to interpret what he spake. The only person, he thinks, permitted to do this, was the interpreter, endowed with an especial inspiration for that end. Because, “the doctrines of the gospel, being entirely different from all the ideas which the heathen had been accustomed to entertain on religious subjects, any interpretation of what was delivered by the Spirit in a foreign language, made without a supernatural direction, might have led the church into errror. Further, the faculty of interpreting foreign languages by inspiration was, in another respect, a gift very necessary in the first age; for the books of the Old Testament being written in Hebrew, a language not then understood by the vulgar, even in Judea, and the writings of the apostles and evangelists being all in the Greek tongue, on account of its emphasis and precision; and that tongue being nowhere spoken by the common people, except in Greece and some cities of the Lesser Asia, if there had not been in every church inspired interpreters, who could translate these divinely-inspired writings into the common language, they would have been, in a great measure, useless; especially at the beginning, when the knowledge of them was most wanted. Whereas every church having inspired interpreters of foreign languages commonly present in their religious assemblies, to translate the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures into the language of the country, the common people, everywhere, had an opportunity of deriving from these writings all the knowledge and comfort they are fitted to yield. Such were the supernatural gifts with which the first preachers and ministers of the gospel were endowed; and by which they effectually and speedily established the gospel in the most populous and civilized provinces of the Roman empire.” And all these — Diversities of gifts, the apostle adds, worketh that one and the self-same Spirit — They all flow from one and the same fountain; dividing to every man severally, καθως βουλεται, as he willeth — An expression which does not so much imply arbitrary pleasure, as a determination founded on wise counsel.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv8–10 For to one is given - In order to…
For to one is given - In order to show what endowments he refers to, the apostle here particularizes the various gifts which the Holy Spirit imparts in the church.
By the Spirit - By the Holy Spirit; by his agency on the mind and heart.
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The word of wisdom - One he has endowed with wisdom, or has made distinguished for wise, and prudent, and comprehensive views of the scheme of redemption, and with a faculty of clearly explaining it to the apprehension of people. It is not certain that the apostle meant to say that this was the most important or most elevated endowment because he places it first in order. His design does not seem to be to observe the order of importance and value, but to state, as it occurred to him, the fact that these various endowments had been conferred on different people in the church. The sense is, that one man would be prominent and distinguished as a wise man - a prudent counsellor, instructor, and adviser.
To another the word of knowledge - Another would be distinguished for knowledge. He would be learned; would have a clear view of the plan of salvation, and of the doctrines and duties of religion. The same variety is observed in the ministry at all times. One man is eminent as a wise man; another as a man of intelligence and knowledge; and both may be equally useful in their place in the church.
By the same Spirit - All is to be traced to the same Spirit; all, therefore, may be really useful and necessary; and the one should not pride himself in his endowments above the other.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv8–9 Word of wisdom, which differs from that of knowledge,…
Word of wisdom, which differs from that of knowledge, inasmuch as wisdom is a more eminent and sublime knowledge. These are numbered among the gifts of the Holy Ghost. (Isaias, chap. xi.) --- To another faith, by which, confidence of working miracles, grounded on faith, and on the power and goodness of God. --- The same Spirit worketh, dividing to every one according as he will; by which words, they that valued themselves on the gifts of prophesying, and speaking tongues, are put in mind, that all these were purely the gifts of God, to whom alone the honour is due. (Witham)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv8–10 Three classes of gifts are distinguished by a distinct…
Three classes of gifts are distinguished by a distinct Greek word for "another" (a distinct class), marking the three several genera: allo marks the species, hetero the genera (compare Greek, Co1 15:39-41). I. Gifts of intellect, namely, (1) wisdom; (2) knowledge. II. Gifts dependent on a special faith, namely, that of miracles (Mat 17:20): (1) healings; (2) workings of miracles; (3) prophecy of future events; (4) discerning of spirits, or the divinely given faculty of distinguishing between those really inspired, and those who pretended to inspiration. III. Gifts referring to the tongues: (1) diverse kinds of tongues; (2) interpretation of tongues. The catalogue in Co1 12:28 is not meant strictly to harmonize with the one here, though there are some particulars in which they correspond. The three genera are summarily referred to by single instances of each in Co1 13:8. The first genus refers more to believers; the second, to unbelievers.
by . . . by . . . by--The first in Greek is, "By means of," or "through the operation of"; the second is, "according to" the disposing of (compare Co1 12:11); the third is, "in," that is, under the influence of (so the Greek, Mat 22:43; Luk 2:27).
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word of wisdom--the ready utterance of (for imparting to others, Eph 6:19) wisdom, namely, new revelations of the divine wisdom in redemption, as contrasted with human philosophy (Co1 1:24; Co1 2:6-7; Eph 1:8; Eph 3:10; Col 2:3).
word of knowledge--ready utterance supernaturally imparted of truths ALREADY REVEALED (in this it is distinguished from "the word of wisdom," which related to NEW revelations). Compare Co1 14:6, where "revelation" (answering to "wisdom" here) is distinguished from "knowledge" [HENDERSON]. Wisdom or revelation belonged to the "prophets"; knowledge, to the "teachers." Wisdom penetrates deeper than knowledge. Knowledge relates to things that are to be done. Wisdom, to things eternal: hence, wisdom is not, like knowledge, said to "pass away" (Co1 13:8), [BENGEL].
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv8–10 8. Word of wisdom… knowledge—Our knowledge is the amount…
8. Word of wisdom… knowledge—Our knowledge is the amount we know; that is, the mass of facts and principles embraced in our memory. Or, wisdom is the capacity for applying our knowledge in judgments or practice. The word of knowledge would draw from the stores laid up in the mind of the Christ-history and the Old Testament records, with the whole mass of Christian truths. Wisdom would unfold itself in profound maxims, and sagacious counsels, plans, and courses of conduct.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv8–10 8. the word of wisdom] Rather, discourse of wisdom,…
8. the word of wisdom] Rather, discourse of wisdom, i.e. discourse characterized by and disseminating wisdom. See note on ch. 1Co_2:7. I have ventured to regard wisdom as the direct effect of intuition, knowledge as the result of a process. See ch. 1Co_8:1. This was the view taken by St Paul’s contemporary Philo, and by the Gnostics who immediately succeeded him. Wisdom, according to Philo, was the highest of the Divine attributes, and human wisdom a reflection of the Divine. Wisdom, according to the Gnostics, was an Æon or emanation from Divinity; Gnosis or knowledge the process whereby man attained to the comprehension of things Divine. Clement of Alexandria, however, reverses the definition. Knowledge, according to him, comes directly from God, wisdom is the result of teaching. Stromata vii: 10. St Chrysostom takes the view which has been taken above.
the word of knowledge] See last note. See also ch. 1Co_13:2, where knowledge is distinguished from the perception of mysteries. For other interpretations consult Alford’s note.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv8–10 (8) For to one is given by the Spirit.—1Co_12:8-10…
(8) For to one is given by the Spirit.—1Co_12:8-10 illustrate the former statements as to varieties of endowments for the object of the manifestation of the Spirit, still, however, emphasising the unity of their origin, viz., the Holy Spirit. The following division (Meyer’s) of the gifts which are here mentioned is, perhaps, the best approach to a classification which can be made. In the Greek the genera (so to speak) are divided by the word hetero, the species by allo, both words being rendered in the English by the one word “another “:—
I. Gifts which have reference to intellectual power.
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(1) The word of wisdom.
(2) The word of knowledge.
II. Gifts which depend upon special energy of faith.
(1) The faith itself.
(2) Operating in deeds.
(a) Healings.
(b) Miracles.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv8–10 The word of wisdom the word of knowledge. In…
The word of wisdom the word of knowledge. In modern usage, "knowledge" is the learning which we by use and effort acquire; "wisdom" is the insight which gradually dawns upon us from thought and experience. In the language of the New Testament, the distinction between the two words is not so clearly marked, but" wisdom" seems to belong more to the human spirit, and "knowledge "to the intellect. The "discourse of wisdom" would be that which sets forth the truth of the gospel persuasively to work conversion; (1Co_2:6, 1Co_2:7) the "discourse of knowledge" would be that which enters into the speculative and theoretical elaboration of systematic theology. The first might find its illustration in the "Imitatio Christi;" the second in the "Summa Theologiae."
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain On vv8–10 8. To one is given by the Spirit the…
8. To one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom. The ability to reveal divine truth, such as possessed by the apostles. To another, the word of knowledge. The aptitude to teach unerringly what had been revealed to the apostles and prophets.
B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.
William B. Godbey 1900 · Public Domain On vv8–10 8. This gift was so prominent in the apostolic…
KNOWLEDGE
8. This gift was so prominent in the apostolic age, that one of the first sects ever founded when the apostasy began to prevail was named for this gift, i. e., the Gnostics, who like all other sectarians soon digressed into fanaticism and heresy. The meaning of the Greek word gnosis, translated “knowledge,” is insight into Divine truth. Therefore this is the gift which we all need to understand the Bible. It qualifies us to read the precious Word and look down into the deep interior of revealed truth, and see not the lexical definition but the spiritual meaning. It was this gift that made Bob Burkes a powerful exegete before he learned his alphabet, his sister reading the Scripture and he expounding it. I have known illiterate old colored people in the South, full of the Holy Ghost, enjoying this gift so wonderfully that they were better exponents of Divine truth than the most learned theologians without it. Early in the Holiness Movement, when the doctrine was new and strange, an illiterate old Ethiopian entered into Beulah land. When the curious multitude called on him to define sanctification, he responded: “It is just to go limber in de han’s of de Lord.” A very devout colored man in Texas, getting wonderfully baptized with the Holy Ghost and fire, responsive to the kind invitation of a highly cultured metropolitan pastor to come to his church, that he might preach all of that foolery out of him, was a patient auditor in the gallery. After the benediction the pastor, beckoning to him to tarry until he can have a word with him, says: “Ben, how did you like my sermon?” “I likes it well, boss, it was a good sermon; but I tell you, boss, you did not go furd enough; you said dar’ was no sanctification; you stop too soon; you had ought to go furder and say, ‘ not dat you knows of, ‘ but me knows dar is, for I’se got it, glory to God!” When an ignorant boy, listening to my preaching father, I received a call, trembled under the Divine voice and responded, “Amen.” I was utterly ignorant of spiritual experience, therefore I took it for granted that I had to learn the Bible from others, oral and written. When I graduated at college, feeling that I then had the golden key with which to unlock the world’s learning, sacred and secular, hidden away in the dead languages, consequently I ransacked all the world for books, not only American resources, but bringing many from the old world, especially from Germany and England, meanwhile having preached fifteen years. Then God in His great mercy poured on me the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire, sanctifying me to Himself, soul, mind and body, for time and eternity, giving me the Apocalyptic wings, which I could not forbear to spread, flying to the ends of the earth and blowing the silver trumpet, proclaiming the wonders of full salvation. That was thirty years ago. Of course I flew away from my great library, which subsequently at different times I have given away to young preacher’s, especially those identified with my own household. When I reached bottom-rock consecration, of course I laid the preacher on the altar, turning over all of my clerical aspirations, and sinking away into God, utterly losing sight of self and glad to be anything or nothing for Christ’s sake; of course, giving up all idea of ever knowing the Bible, for I thought I had to learn it from those books for which I had ransacked the libraries of the ages, and was delighted with the simple privilege of being a soul-saver in the most humble capacity. The years rolling on, I am constant on the battlefield, preaching day and night, and witnessing the mighty works of God. Behold! I find myself in the great Holiness camps, surrounded by hundreds and thousands of the Lord’s bright pilgrims, clerical and laity, with their open Bibles, pencil and paper, and your humble servant standing in their midst, reading and expounding the Scriptures in the inspired original. This I have done from ocean to ocean, from the Gulf to the Lakes, working in the cities during the winter and the camps in the summer, to my own unutterable surprise, teaching God’s precious Word. What is the solution? To God be all the glory! It is because the blessed Holy Spirit gives me the benefit of this unutterable gift, “knowledge,” i. e.. , insight into the deep spiritual meaning of His precious Word. I have used the Greek constantly and exclusively, from the same fact that this gift in my case is on the very Word which the Holy Ghost revealed, in that beautiful and inimitable Greek. For this reason I would be at sea without it. Of course, the Holy Ghost is just as willing to impart this gift on the Scriptures in other languages, e. g., your own beautiful English, as it is my privilege, in the good Providence of God, to read the identical words which the Holy Ghost revealed, unadulterated by uninspired translators. I am not surprised that this gift in my case is identified with the Greek. It is your glorious privilege to enjoy this wonderful gift of the Holy Ghost, enabling you to read God’s precious Word and see the deep, sweet and beautiful spiritual truth there revealed, and hear the voice of God talking to you. You need not expect this gift unless you utterly and eternally die to all of your creeds, confessions, dogmatisms, and preconceived notions and hereditary intuitions. Though I have been a Methodist preacher all my life, I am as dead to Methodism as to Romanism or Mormonism. You must say like little Samuel, “Speak, Lord, thy servant heareth.” The reason why preacher’s are abandoned by the Holy Ghost and left to paddle their own canoe, shamefully ignorant of the Bible, is because they want to bend it to their creed, and the Holy Ghost will not be bent to anything. If they would only die out to everything but God’s truth and sink away into Christ, the Holy Ghost would teach them more in a minute than men can teach them in a year. Long ago when I was in the howling wilderness preaching the best I could, I heard an old Methodist bishop make this statement. I did not believe it; but the time came when I knew it was so. Ever and anon the Holy Spirit has flashed a whole sermon into my mind in a minute, utterly new and before unheard of, and yet as true and real as Jehovah’s throne.
William B. Godbey, Commentary on the New Testament (1896–1900) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
J. W. McGarvey 1914 · Public Domain On vv8–10 For to one is given through the Spirit the…
For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom; and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit:
J. W. McGarvey (with Philip Y. Pendleton), Commentaries on the New Testament (The Fourfold Gospel, 1914; Acts; and the epistles) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On v10 The N.T. prophet is not ordinarily a foreteller, but…
prophecy
The N.T. prophet is not ordinarily a foreteller, but rather a forth-teller, one whose gift enabled him to speak "to edification, and exhortation, and comfort" 1Co 14:3.
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On v9 is given
is given
This can be stated in active form. See how this is translated in 1 Corinthians 12:8. AT: "God gives" (See: Active or Passive)
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to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit
The words "are given" are understood from the previous phrase. AT: "to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit are given" (See: Ellipsis)
to another prophecy
The phrase "is given by the same Spirit" is understood from the previous phrases. AT: "to another prophecy is given by the same Spirit" (See: Ellipsis)
to another various kinds of tongues
The phrase "are given by the same Spirit" is understood from the previous phrases. AT: "to another various kinds of tongues are given by the same Spirit" (See: Ellipsis)
various kinds of tongues
Here "tongues" represents languages. AT: "the ability to speak different languages" (See: Metonymy)
to another the interpretation of tongues
The phrase "is given by the same Spirit" is understood from the previous phrases. AT: "to another the interpretation of tongues is given by the same Spirit" (See: Ellipsis)
the interpretation of tongues
This is the ability to listen to what someone says in one language and use another language to tell people what that person is saying. AT: "the ability to interpret what is said in other languages"
one and the same Spirit
God gives the gifts through the work of the one and only Holy Spirit. See how this is translated in 1 Corinthians 12:8.
translationWords
faith
Holy Spirit
gift
cure
prophet
spirit
interpret
tongue
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv8–10 12:8-10 This list of nine spiritual gifts is a…
12:8-10 This list of nine spiritual gifts is a representative rather than complete list (cp. 12:28-30; Rom 12:6-8; Eph 4:11).
12:8 God’s Spirit gives supernatural wisdom or knowledge to some believers. • gives a message of special knowledge: cp. 1:5; 8:1; 13:2, 8.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.