1 Corinthians 12:20

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

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

Berean Standard Bible:

As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

American Standard Version:

But now they are many members, but one body.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

But^{G1161} now^{{G3568}{G3303}} are they many^{G4183} members^{G3196}, yet but^{G1161} one^{G1520} body^{G4983}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for 1 Corinthians 12:20

1 Corinthians 12:20 is part of the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Christian community in Corinth, a city in ancient Greece. In this verse, Paul is addressing the issue of spiritual gifts within the church and the importance of unity despite the diversity of these gifts. The broader context of 1 Corinthians 12 is Paul's discussion on the body of Christ, which is a metaphor for the church. In this metaphor, each member of the church is a part of the body, with their own unique function and importance, just as different parts of the human body have different roles.

The specific text of 1 Corinthians 12:20, "But now [are they] many members, yet but one body," emphasizes the idea that while there are many individuals within the church, each with their own gifts and roles, they all come together to form one unified body of believers. This verse underscores the interdependence and the necessity of harmony among believers, despite their differences. It serves as a corrective to the Corinthians' tendency to exalt certain gifts and individuals over others, reminding them that every member is vital to the health and functionality of the whole.

Historically, the early Christian church was grappling with issues of identity, unity, and diversity. The church in Corinth was particularly known for its factionalism and competition among members who were vying for status based on their spiritual gifts. Paul's letter, and this verse in particular, seeks to redirect their focus from individual prominence to collective purpose, encouraging the Corinthians—and by extension, all believers—to appreciate and utilize their diverse gifts in a spirit of mutual support and cooperation for the common good of the church.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G1161
   There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δέ
   Transliteration: dé
   Pronunciation: deh
   Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
   
2. Strong's Number: G3568
   There are 133 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: νῦν
   Transliteration: nŷn
   Pronunciation: noon
   Description: a primary particle of present time; "now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate:--henceforth, + hereafter, of late, soon, present, this (time). See also τανῦν, νυνί.
   
3. Strong's Number: G3303
   There are 193 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μέν
   Transliteration: mén
   Pronunciation: men
   Description: a primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with δέ (this one, the former, etc.):--even, indeed, so, some, truly, verily. Often compounded with other particles in an intensive or asseverative sense.
   
4. Strong's Number: G4183
   There are 331 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πολύς
   Transliteration: polýs
   Pronunciation: pol-oos'
   Description: including the forms from the alternate ; (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely:--abundant, + altogether, common, + far (passed, spent), (+ be of a) great (age, deal, -ly, while), long, many, much, oft(-en (-times)), plenteous, sore, straitly. Compare πλεῖστος, πλείων.
   
5. Strong's Number: G3196
   There are 24 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μέλος
   Transliteration: mélos
   Pronunciation: mel'-os
   Description: of uncertain affinity; a limb or part of the body:--member.
   
6. Strong's Number: G1520
   There are 235 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἷς
   Transliteration: heîs
   Pronunciation: hice
   Description: a primary numeral; one:--a(-n, -ny, certain), + abundantly, man, one (another), only, other, some. See also εἷς καθ’ εἷς, μηδείς, μία, οὐδείς.
   
7. Strong's Number: G4983
   There are 122 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: σῶμα
   Transliteration: sōma
   Pronunciation: so'-mah
   Description: from σώζω; the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively:--bodily, body, slave.