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1 Corinthians 12

Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I don't want you in the dark. You know that when you were Gentiles you were carried away to dumb idols, however you were led. So I want you to understand that nobody speaking by the Spirit of God says Jesus is cursed, and nobody can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are different g

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Different gifts, one Spirit

Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I don't want you in the dark. You know that when you were Gentiles you were carried away to dumb idols, however you were led. So I want you to understand that nobody speaking by the Spirit of God says Jesus is cursed, and nobody can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. And there are different ways of working, but the same God, who works all of them in everyone. The Spirit is revealed in each person for the common good. To one is given a word of wisdom by the Spirit. To another a word of knowledge by the same Spirit. To another faith by the same Spirit. To another gifts of healing by the same Spirit. To another the working of miracles. To another prophecy. To another discerning of spirits. To another different kinds of tongues. To another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all of these, giving to each man separately as he wills.

Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I don't want you to be without knowing. You know you were nations, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. So I let you know that nobody speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus cursed. And nobody can say Jesus is the Lord, except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of serving, but the same Lord. And there are differences of workings, but it's the same God who works everything in all. But the showing of the Spirit is given to every man to profit by. Because to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom. To another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit. To another faith by the same Spirit. To another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit. To another the working of miracles. To another prophecy. To another telling spirits apart. To another different kinds of tongues. To another the meaning of tongues. But all these the one and the same Spirit works, dividing to every man on his own the way he wants.

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

1

Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I don't want you in the dark.

Plain English

Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I don't want you to be without knowing.

King James Version, 1611

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

2

You know that when you were Gentiles you were carried away to dumb idols, however you were led.

Plain English

You know you were nations, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led.

King James Version, 1611

Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

3

So I want you to understand that nobody speaking by the Spirit of God says Jesus is cursed, and nobody can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

Plain English

So I let you know that nobody speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus cursed. And nobody can say Jesus is the Lord, except by the Holy Spirit.

King James Version, 1611

Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

4

Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit.

Plain English

Now there are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.

King James Version, 1611

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5

And there are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.

Plain English

And there are differences of serving, but the same Lord.

King James Version, 1611

And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

6

And there are different ways of working, but the same God, who works all of them in everyone.

Plain English

And there are differences of workings, but it's the same God who works everything in all.

King James Version, 1611

And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

7

The Spirit is revealed in each person for the common good.

Plain English

But the showing of the Spirit is given to every man to profit by.

King James Version, 1611

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

8

To one is given a word of wisdom by the Spirit. To another a word of knowledge by the same Spirit.

Plain English

Because to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom. To another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit.

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;

9

To another faith by the same Spirit. To another gifts of healing by the same Spirit.

Plain English

To another faith by the same Spirit. To another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit.

King James Version, 1611

To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

10

To another the working of miracles. To another prophecy. To another discerning of spirits. To another different kinds of tongues. To another the interpretation of tongues.

Plain English

To another the working of miracles. To another prophecy. To another telling spirits apart. To another different kinds of tongues. To another the meaning of tongues.

King James Version, 1611

To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

11

But one and the same Spirit works all of these, giving to each man separately as he wills.

Plain English

But all these the one and the same Spirit works, dividing to every man on his own the way he wants.

King James Version, 1611

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

One body, plenty of parts

Because just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that one body, many as they are, form one body — so it is with Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptised into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether slaves or free. And we were all given one Spirit to drink. Because the body isn't one part, but many. If the foot says, Because I am not a hand, I am not part of the body — is it any less part of the body for that? And if the ear says, Because I am not an eye, I am not part of the body — is it any less part of the body for that? If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But God has set the parts, every one of them, in the body just as he wanted. And if they were all one part, where would the body be? But as it is, there are many parts, yet one body. And the eye can't say to the hand, I have no need of you. Nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem weaker are the ones we can't do without. And the parts we think less honourable we clothe with greater honour, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater care, which our presentable parts don't need. But God has put the body together, giving greater honour to the part that lacked it, so there would be no division in the body, but the parts would have the same care for one another. And if one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it. If one part is honoured, all the parts rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a part of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, and different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But set your hearts earnestly on the best gifts. And now I will show you a far better way.

Because the way the body is one and has plenty of parts, and all the parts of that one body, being plenty, are one body — that's how Christ is too. Because by one Spirit we're all baptised into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether servants or free. And we've all been made to drink into one Spirit. Because the body isn't one part but plenty. If the foot says: Because I'm not the hand, I'm not of the body — is it not of the body for that? And if the ear says: Because I'm not the eye, I'm not of the body — is it not of the body for that? If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the smelling be? But now God has set the parts, every one of them, in the body the way it's pleased him. And if they were all one part, where would the body be? But now they're plenty of parts, yet one body. And the eye can't say to the hand: I've got no need of you. Or again the head to the feet: I've got no need of you. No, much more the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are needed. And the parts of the body we think are less honourable, on these we put more honour. And our unpresentable parts have more covering. Because our presentable parts have no need. But God has put the body together, having given more honour to the part that lacked it. So there shouldn't be division in the body, but the parts should have the same care for each other. And when one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it. Or when one part is honoured, all the parts celebrate with it. Now you're the body of Christ, and parts on your own. And God has set some in the church — first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, ways of leading, different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Have all got the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all give the meaning? But want the best gifts strongly. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. 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. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

12

Because just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that one body, many as they are, form one body — so it is with Christ.

Plain English

Because the way the body is one and has plenty of parts, and all the parts of that one body, being plenty, are one body — that's how Christ is too.

King James Version, 1611

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

13

For by one Spirit we were all baptised into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether slaves or free. And we were all given one Spirit to drink.

Plain English

Because by one Spirit we're all baptised into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether servants or free. And we've all been made to drink into one Spirit.

King James Version, 1611

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

14

Because the body isn't one part, but many.

Plain English

Because the body isn't one part but plenty.

King James Version, 1611

For the body is not one member, but many.

15

If the foot says, Because I am not a hand, I am not part of the body — is it any less part of the body for that?

Plain English

If the foot says: Because I'm not the hand, I'm not of the body — is it not of the body for that?

King James Version, 1611

If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

16

And if the ear says, Because I am not an eye, I am not part of the body — is it any less part of the body for that?

Plain English

And if the ear says: Because I'm not the eye, I'm not of the body — is it not of the body for that?

King James Version, 1611

And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

17

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

Plain English

If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the smelling be?

King James Version, 1611

If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

18

But God has set the parts, every one of them, in the body just as he wanted.

Plain English

But now God has set the parts, every one of them, in the body the way it's pleased him.

King James Version, 1611

But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

19

And if they were all one part, where would the body be?

King James Version, 1611

And if they were all one member, where were the body?

20

But as it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

Plain English

But now they're plenty of parts, yet one body.

King James Version, 1611

But now are they many members, yet but one body.

21

And the eye can't say to the hand, I have no need of you. Nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

Plain English

And the eye can't say to the hand: I've got no need of you. Or again the head to the feet: I've got no need of you.

King James Version, 1611

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.

22

On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem weaker are the ones we can't do without.

Plain English

No, much more the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are needed.

King James Version, 1611

Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

23

And the parts we think less honourable we clothe with greater honour, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater care,

Plain English

And the parts of the body we think are less honourable, on these we put more honour. And our unpresentable parts have more covering.

King James Version, 1611

And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

24

which our presentable parts don't need. But God has put the body together, giving greater honour to the part that lacked it,

Plain English

Because our presentable parts have no need. But God has put the body together, having given more honour to the part that lacked it.

King James Version, 1611

For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:

25

so there would be no division in the body, but the parts would have the same care for one another.

Plain English

So there shouldn't be division in the body, but the parts should have the same care for each other.

King James Version, 1611

That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

26

And if one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it. If one part is honoured, all the parts rejoice with it.

Plain English

And when one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it. Or when one part is honoured, all the parts celebrate with it.

King James Version, 1611

And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

27

Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a part of it.

Plain English

Now you're the body of Christ, and parts on your own.

King James Version, 1611

Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

28

And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, and different kinds of tongues.

Plain English

And God has set some in the church — first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, ways of leading, different kinds of tongues.

King James Version, 1611

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

29

Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?

Plain English

Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?

King James Version, 1611

Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

30

Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

Plain English

Have all got the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all give the meaning?

King James Version, 1611

Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

31

But set your hearts earnestly on the best gifts. And now I will show you a far better way.

Plain English

But want the best gifts strongly. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

King James Version, 1611

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.