1 Corinthians 1:7

KJV

So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

KJV (with Strong's)

So that {G5620} ye {G5209} come behind {G5302} in {G1722} no {G3361}{G3367} gift {G5486}; waiting for {G553} the coming {G602} of our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}:

Complete Jewish Bible

so that you are not lacking any spiritual gift and are eagerly awaiting the revealing of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly await the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.

American Standard Version

so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 1:7 serves as a powerful affirmation of God's abundant grace bestowed upon the Corinthian believers, despite their many spiritual and ethical challenges. Paul declares that they lack no spiritual endowment, having been richly equipped by God for ministry and life in Christ. This verse also immediately directs their gaze, and ours, toward the ultimate hope of the Christian faith: the glorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ, for which they, and all believers, are called to eagerly wait.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's opening thanksgiving (1 Corinthians 1:4-9), which immediately follows his customary apostolic greeting (1 Corinthians 1:1-3). Rather than immediately addressing the myriad of problems plaguing the Corinthian church—such as divisions, immorality, and doctrinal errors—Paul begins by commending them for God's gracious work among them. Specifically, verses 4-6 highlight that they were "enriched in everything" through Christ, in "all speech and all knowledge," confirming the "testimony about Christ" among them. Verse 7 then summarizes this divine endowment, stating their completeness in spiritual gifts, and seamlessly transitions to the eschatological hope that grounds their present reality. This initial commendation sets a foundational tone, reminding both Paul and the Corinthians that despite their failures, God's grace and faithfulness are paramount, providing the basis for the subsequent exhortations and corrections in the letter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub in the Roman province of Achaia, known for its strategic location, thriving commerce, and diverse population. Its wealth and prominence also contributed to a reputation for moral laxity and syncretism, with numerous pagan temples and cults. The church in Corinth, established by Paul during his second missionary journey (Acts 18), was a diverse congregation composed of both Jews and Gentiles, including former idolaters and those from various social strata. This diverse background, coupled with the prevailing cultural influences of philosophical pride, sexual immorality, and social stratification, significantly impacted the church's internal dynamics. The concept of "spiritual gifts" (charismata) was particularly relevant in a culture that valued rhetoric, wisdom, and public displays of power, leading to potential misuse or misunderstanding of these divine endowments within the church. The expectation of Christ's "coming" (apokalypsis) was a vital counter-cultural hope for early Christians living in a pagan world, providing an anchor for their identity and conduct amidst societal pressures.
* **Key Themes:** First Corinthians 1:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the letter and Pauline theology. It underscores the **Sovereignty and Generosity of God** in equipping His church, emphasizing that spiritual gifts are divine endowments, not human achievements. This theme is extensively developed in [1 Corinthians 12-14](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts"), where Paul addresses the proper understanding and use of these gifts amidst the Corinthians' abuses. Furthermore, the verse introduces the crucial theme of **Eschatological Hope and the Second Coming of Christ**, which serves as the ultimate motivation and perspective for Christian living. This future orientation is a recurring motif in Paul's writings, grounding present conduct in the anticipation of Christ's glorious return and the consummation of God's redemptive plan, as seen in passages like [1 Thessalonians 4:13-18](/1_thessalonians/4-13-18 "1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - The Coming of the Lord"). Finally, implicit in Paul's assurance is the theme of **God's Faithfulness to Preserve His People**, a foundational truth that assures believers that the God who initiates a work of grace will also bring it to completion, a concept echoed in [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God's Faithfulness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gift (Greek, _chárisma'_):** (G5486) From *charizomai*, meaning "to give freely" or "to show favor," *charisma* refers to a "divine gratuity" or a "spiritual endowment." It denotes a special ability or capacity given by God's grace, not earned by human merit. In this context, it emphasizes that the Corinthians' spiritual richness was a direct result of God's unmerited favor, empowering them for service within the church.
* **come behind (Greek, _hysteréō'_):** (G5302) This verb means "to be later," and by implication, "to be inferior" or "to fall short," "to be deficient," or "to lack." When Paul states they "come behind in no gift," he is emphatically declaring their complete sufficiency in spiritual endowments. They are not lacking or deficient in any spiritual ability necessary for their life and ministry as a church.
* **coming (Greek, _apokálypsis'_):** (G602) From *apokalyptō*, meaning "to uncover" or "to reveal," *apokalypsis* signifies a "disclosure," "unveiling," or "revelation." In this eschatological context, it refers to the glorious, public manifestation of Jesus Christ at His Second Coming. It is not merely an arrival but a full disclosure of His person, power, and glory, which will be evident to all.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So that ye come behind in no gift;"**: This opening clause serves as a powerful affirmation of the Corinthians' spiritual completeness. Despite their numerous moral and theological failings, Paul asserts that they are not deficient in any spiritual endowment. This is a profound statement of God's grace, highlighting that the Holy Spirit had generously distributed various *charismata* (gifts of grace) among them. This divine provision underscores God's faithfulness to equip His people, even those who are struggling, with everything necessary for their spiritual growth and the building up of the church.
* **"waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:"**: The second clause shifts focus from their present spiritual endowment to their future hope. The phrase "waiting for" (Greek: *apekdéchomai*) denotes an eager, earnest expectation and patient endurance. The object of this intense anticipation is "the coming" (Greek: *apokálypsis*, meaning "revelation" or "unveiling") of "our Lord Jesus Christ." This refers to the Second Advent of Christ, His glorious return, which is the ultimate culmination of God's redemptive plan. This eschatological hope provides the essential framework for understanding the purpose of their present gifts and serves as a powerful motivation for faithful living and perseverance.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse. The most prominent is **Affirmation**, as he begins his letter by commending the Corinthian church for their spiritual richness, despite his later need to address their profound moral and theological issues. This initial praise establishes a tone of grace and acknowledges God's work among them, creating a foundation for the corrective instruction that follows. The verse also utilizes **Eschatological Framing**, immediately placing the present reality of their spiritual gifts within the broader context of Christ's future return. This serves to orient their perspective, reminding them that their present blessings and struggles are ultimately directed toward a glorious future. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** between the Corinthians' spiritual giftedness and their behavioral shortcomings, which will be extensively detailed in the subsequent chapters. By highlighting their completeness in gifts, Paul subtly sets up the tension that will drive the rest of his argument: how can such a gifted church be so deeply flawed in practice?

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully connects the present reality of the Holy Spirit's work in the church with the future hope of Christ's return. The divine endowment of spiritual gifts is not an end in itself but serves to equip believers for faithful living and service while they eagerly await the consummation of God's kingdom. It highlights the generosity of God, who freely bestows His grace and power upon His people, and the faithfulness of Christ, who will ultimately return to perfect His church. This dual emphasis on present provision and future hope underscores the holistic nature of Christian discipleship, where spiritual empowerment in the present is always informed by the ultimate goal of Christ's glorious revelation.

* [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6-8 "Romans 12:6-8 - Gifts of Grace")
* [Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11-13 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Gifts for the Church's Growth")
* [Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - The Blessed Hope")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 1:7 offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for believers today. It reminds us that God, in His boundless grace, has fully equipped His church with every necessary spiritual gift. No believer is left wanting in the divine provision needed to serve God and build up the body of Christ. This truth should inspire confidence and humility: confidence in the Spirit's power working through us, and humility in recognizing that these abilities are unmerited gifts, not earned achievements. Furthermore, the verse calls us to live with a vivid and active expectation of Christ's return. This eschatological hope is not merely a theological concept but a living reality that shapes our priorities, motivates our perseverance through trials, and fuels our commitment to holiness and mission. Our present use of gifts and our daily walk are to be lived in light of His imminent "unveiling," ensuring that our lives reflect the glory of the One we eagerly await.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I recognize God's "gifts" at work in my life and in the life of my local church?**
* **How does the "waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" practically influence my daily decisions, priorities, and spiritual disciplines?**
* **Given that the Corinthian church was "behind in no gift" yet struggled with many issues, what does this teach me about the relationship between spiritual gifting and spiritual maturity or character?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "ye come behind in no gift"?**

Answer: By stating "ye come behind in no gift," Paul is affirming that the Corinthian believers were fully and abundantly endowed with all the spiritual gifts (Greek: *charismata*) necessary for the life and ministry of the church. This means they were not lacking any specific spiritual ability or manifestation of the Holy Spirit's power. Despite the many problems and divisions that plagued the Corinthian church, Paul's opening thanksgiving emphasizes God's faithfulness in equipping them, highlighting that their spiritual deficiency was not due to a lack of divine provision, but rather to their misuse or misunderstanding of the gifts they already possessed. This sets the stage for Paul's later instructions regarding the proper exercise of spiritual gifts in [1 Corinthians 12-14](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts").

**Why is "waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" so important in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Greek: *apekdéchomai* for "waiting for" and *apokálypsis* for "coming") is crucial because it provides the ultimate eschatological framework for the Corinthians' present reality and the purpose of their spiritual gifts. This eager anticipation of Christ's glorious return (His "unveiling") served as a powerful motivation for early Christians to live faithfully, endure suffering, and utilize their gifts for God's glory. It shifts their focus from present struggles and earthly concerns to the future hope of God's completed work and the final redemption. For the Corinthians, this reminder of Christ's return would have underscored the temporary nature of their current challenges and the eternal significance of their spiritual walk, urging them toward holiness and unity in light of His imminent revelation, a theme also found in [Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Our Citizenship in Heaven").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Corinthians 1:7 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is both the source of all spiritual gifts and the ultimate object of our hope. It is "in Christ Jesus" (1 Corinthians 1:4) that the Corinthians were enriched with every spiritual endowment, for He is the one through whom the Holy Spirit is poured out (Acts 2:33). All *charismata* flow from His ascended Lordship, enabling His body, the church, to function and grow until His return, as described in [Ephesians 4:7-8](/ephesians/4-7-8 "Christ's Gifts to Men"). Moreover, the "coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" is the climactic event toward which all of redemptive history moves. His first coming inaugurated the age of grace, bringing salvation and the indwelling Spirit; His second coming, His glorious "revelation" (*apokálypsis*), will consummate His kingdom, bring final judgment, and usher in the new heavens and new earth. Thus, our present spiritual giftedness is a foretaste and a means of preparation for the full manifestation of His glory, when we will see Him "as He is" ([1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "We Shall Be Like Him")) and be fully conformed to His image ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Conformed to Christ's Image")). He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the one who equips us now and the one for whom we eagerly wait to return in triumph ([Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Come, Lord Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Philippians 3:20

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Hebrews 9:28

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

2 Peter 3:12

Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

1 John 3:2

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Romans 8:19

For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

Luke 17:30

Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

Titus 2:13

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;