1 Corinthians 12:10

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} To another {G243} the working {G1755} of miracles {G1411};{G1161} to another {G243} prophecy {G4394};{G1161} to another {G243} discerning {G1253} of spirits {G4151};{G1161} to another {G2087} divers kinds {G1085} of tongues {G1100};{G1161} to another {G243} the interpretation {G2058} of tongues {G1100}:

Complete Jewish Bible

to another, the working of miracles; to another, prophecy; to another, the ability to judge between spirits; to another, the ability to speak in different kinds of tongues; and to yet another, the ability to interpret tongues.

Berean Standard Bible

to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.

American Standard Version

and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discernings of spirits: to another divers kinds of tongues; and to another the interpretation of tongues:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 12:10 delineates five distinct manifestations of the Holy Spirit, distributed among believers for the common good of the church: the working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, divers kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. This verse underscores the Spirit's sovereign distribution of supernatural abilities, highlighting God's multifaceted empowerment of His people to build up the unified body of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's comprehensive discourse on spiritual gifts in [1 Corinthians 12](/1-corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ"), which extends through chapter 14. Paul initiates this discussion in [1 Corinthians 12:1](/1-corinthians/12-1 "1 Corinthians 12:1 - Concerning Spiritual Gifts") by addressing the Corinthian church's confusion and potential misuse of these powerful endowments. He establishes the foundational truth that all genuine spiritual gifts originate from the same Holy Spirit, regardless of their diversity ([1 Corinthians 12:4](/1-corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4 - Diversity of Gifts, Unity of Spirit")). Verses 8-10 provide a specific, non-exhaustive list of nine manifestations, with verse 10 expanding on the more outwardly demonstrative gifts, setting the stage for Paul's subsequent emphasis on unity, love ([1 Corinthians 13](/1-corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Way of Love")), and order in corporate worship ([1 Corinthians 14](/1-corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Order in Worship")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, known for its wealth, diverse population, and prevalent pagan cults, many of which involved ecstatic religious experiences. The Corinthian church, a young congregation, was grappling with internal divisions, moral issues, and a misunderstanding of spiritual gifts. There was a tendency to value more spectacular gifts, like speaking in tongues, over others, leading to disorder and a lack of edification in their gatherings. Paul's letter seeks to correct these imbalances, emphasizing that genuine spiritual manifestations lead to Christ-exaltation and corporate edification, not self-glorification or chaos. The cultural background of ecstatic pagan worship may have contributed to the Corinthians' confusion, making Paul's clear distinctions and guidelines vital.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Corinthians 12:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the chapter and the broader epistle. Foremost is the **Diversity in Unity** of the body of Christ, where various gifts are distributed by the same Spirit for the common good ([1 Corinthians 12:7](/1-corinthians/12-7 "1 Corinthians 12:7 - Gifts for the Common Good")). The verse also highlights the **Supernatural Empowerment** of believers, demonstrating God's active presence and intervention through His Spirit. Furthermore, the inclusion of "discerning of spirits" and "interpretation of tongues" implicitly introduces the themes of **Order and Discernment** in the exercise of gifts, which Paul elaborates on in [1 Corinthians 14](/1-corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Orderly Worship"). Ultimately, these gifts are intended for the **Edification of the Church**, fostering mutual dependence and strengthening the community of believers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Miracles (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** From G1411, this term refers to "force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)." In this context, it denotes extraordinary demonstrations of divine power that transcend natural laws, often involving supernatural interventions in the physical realm, such as healings, exorcisms, or other acts that display God's omnipotence.
* **Discerning (Greek, _diákrisis'_):** From G1253, meaning "judicial estimation." This gift refers to the supernatural ability to distinguish between spirits, enabling a believer to determine the source of a spiritual manifestation or message—whether it originates from the Holy Spirit, from a human spirit (either genuine or deceitful), or from an evil spirit. It is crucial for protecting the church from error and deception.
* **Tongues (Greek, _glōssa'_):** From G1100, meaning "the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)." This refers to the supernatural ability to speak in languages unknown to the speaker, which could be existing human languages (as on the Day of Pentecost, [Acts 2:4-11](/acts/2-4-11 "Acts 2:4-11 - The Day of Pentecost")) or possibly unearthly, heavenly languages. Paul distinguishes between public and private use of this gift.
* **Interpretation (Greek, _hermēneía'_):** From G2058, meaning "translation." This is the complementary gift to speaking in tongues, providing the supernatural ability to translate or explain a message spoken in an unknown tongue, making it intelligible and beneficial to the entire congregation. Paul stresses its necessity for public manifestation of tongues ([1 Corinthians 14:5](/1-corinthians/14-5 "1 Corinthians 14:5 - Interpretation for Edification")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To another the working of miracles;":** This phrase signifies the Holy Spirit's sovereign distribution of the ability to perform supernatural acts of power. The Greek "working" (G1755, _enérgēma'_), meaning "an effect" or "operation," emphasizes that these are divine effects or operations through human agents, not human-initiated abilities. These "miracles" (G1411, _dýnamis'_) are mighty deeds that demonstrate God's power breaking into the natural order.
* **"to another prophecy;":** Prophecy (G4394, _prophēteía'_) in the New Testament context is primarily the Spirit-inspired utterance of God's message, which can include exhortation, edification, comfort, instruction, or revelation. While it can sometimes involve foretelling the future, its primary function is "forth-telling" God's truth directly to the church for its spiritual growth and guidance.
* **"to another discerning of spirits;":** This gift (G1253, _diákrisis'_ of G4151, _pneûma'_) is the supernatural capacity to distinguish the source and nature of spiritual manifestations or teachings. In an environment where various spiritual influences (divine, human, demonic) could be present, this gift was vital for protecting the church from deception, false doctrine, and counterfeit spiritual experiences, ensuring the purity of worship and teaching.
* **"to another [divers] kinds of tongues;":** This refers to the gift of speaking in languages previously unknown to the speaker (G1085, _génos'_ of G1100, _glōssa'_). The term "divers kinds" (G2087, _héteros'_ and G1085, _génos'_) suggests a variety of languages, whether earthly or heavenly. This gift served as a sign, particularly to unbelievers, and as a means of personal devotion, though its public use required interpretation for the body's edification.
* **"to another the interpretation of tongues:":** This gift (G2058, _hermēneía'_ of G1100, _glōssa'_) is the necessary complement to the public exercise of speaking in tongues. It is the supernatural ability to translate or explain the message spoken in an unknown tongue, making it understandable and beneficial to all present. Paul emphasizes that without interpretation, speaking in tongues in a corporate setting is unfruitful for the congregation ([1 Corinthians 14:28](/1-corinthians/14-28 "1 Corinthians 14:28 - Orderly Tongues")).

#### Literary Devices
Paul's articulation in 1 Corinthians 12:10 effectively employs several literary devices to emphasize his points. The most prominent is **Anaphora**, the repetition of the phrase "to another" (G1161, _dé'_ G243, _állos'_ or G2087, _héteros'_), which serves to highlight the distinct and diverse nature of the Spirit's distribution of gifts. This repeated phrase underscores that no single individual possesses all gifts, fostering interdependence and humility within the community. Coupled with this is **Enumeration**, as Paul systematically lists five specific gifts, demonstrating the breadth and variety of the Spirit's operations. This detailed listing provides concrete examples of the "manifestation of the Spirit" mentioned in [1 Corinthians 12:7](/1-corinthians/12-7 "1 Corinthians 12:7 - Gifts for the Common Good"). Furthermore, the **Juxtaposition** of "kinds of tongues" and "interpretation of tongues" in the final two clauses emphasizes their symbiotic relationship and Paul's later argument for the necessity of interpretation for corporate edification.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 12:10 profoundly illustrates the active, ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers for ministry within the church. It reinforces the theological truth of God's sovereign distribution of spiritual gifts, emphasizing that these are not earned or self-generated, but graciously bestowed by the Spirit "as he wills" ([1 Corinthians 12:11](/1-corinthians/12-11 "1 Corinthians 12:11 - The Spirit's Sovereign Will")). The diversity of these gifts underscores the multifaceted nature of God's wisdom and power, equipping the church with everything it needs to fulfill its mission. These supernatural manifestations are not merely historical phenomena but are intended to be living expressions of God's presence, validating His word and building up His people in every generation. The inclusion of discernment also highlights the critical need for spiritual maturity and wisdom in evaluating all spiritual phenomena, ensuring that all activities align with God's truth and purpose.

* [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6-8 "Romans 12:6-8 - Gifts Differing According to Grace")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for Equipping the Saints")
* [1 Peter 4:10-11](/1-peter/4-10-11 "1 Peter 4:10-11 - Serving with Spiritual Gifts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 12:10 serves as a powerful reminder that the Holy Spirit is actively at work in the church today, empowering believers with supernatural gifts for the common good. Rather than viewing these gifts as relics of the past, contemporary believers are encouraged to cultivate an expectation for the Spirit's ongoing manifestations and to earnestly desire spiritual gifts, not for personal aggrandizement, but for the edification of the body of Christ. This verse calls us to embrace the diversity of spiritual endowments within our communities, recognizing that each gift, no matter how seemingly ordinary or extraordinary, is a vital component of God's design for His church. It also challenges us to exercise these gifts with humility, love, and discernment, ensuring that all spiritual expressions contribute to order, understanding, and the glory of God. We are called to be vigilant in discerning spirits, to speak God's truth boldly, and to facilitate an environment where all can be built up in their faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the diversity of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:10 impact your view of your own role within the church body?**
* **In what ways might you be hindering the manifestation of spiritual gifts in your life or community, perhaps through skepticism or a lack of expectation?**
* **How can you actively pray for and seek spiritual gifts for the edification of your local church, rather than for personal gain or recognition?**
* **Why is the gift of "discerning of spirits" particularly crucial in today's complex spiritual landscape, and how can believers cultivate this discernment?**

### FAQ

**Are the spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:10 still active and available for believers today?**

Answer: While there are varying theological perspectives, many evangelical traditions affirm that the spiritual gifts described in 1 Corinthians 12, including those in verse 10, are indeed active and available for believers today. The New Testament does not explicitly state that these gifts would cease before the full coming of Christ or the completion of the church ([1 Corinthians 13:8-10](/1-corinthians/13-8-10 "1 Corinthians 13:8-10 - Love Never Fails")). The purpose of the gifts—to equip the saints for ministry, build up the body of Christ, and bear witness to God's power—remains relevant until Christ's return. Therefore, many believe the Holy Spirit continues to distribute these manifestations as He wills for the church's ongoing mission and edification.

**What is the practical difference between "prophecy" and "tongues" in the context of the church assembly?**

Answer: In the context of the church assembly, Paul makes a clear distinction between prophecy and tongues. **Prophecy** ([1 Corinthians 14:3](/1-corinthians/14-3 "1 Corinthians 14:3 - Prophecy for Edification")) is primarily speaking a message from God in a known language, intended to edify, exhort, and comfort the congregation. It is directly intelligible and therefore immediately beneficial to all listeners. **Tongues** ([1 Corinthians 14:2](/1-corinthians/14-2 "1 Corinthians 14:2 - Speaking in Tongues")), on the other hand, is speaking in a language unknown to the speaker. If spoken publicly in the church, Paul insists it must be accompanied by **interpretation of tongues** ([1 Corinthians 14:5](/1-corinthians/14-5 "1 Corinthians 14:5 - Interpretation for Edification")) to be beneficial to the entire assembly. Without interpretation, tongues are primarily for personal edification or as a sign to unbelievers. Paul explicitly states that he would prefer believers to prophesy than to speak in tongues without interpretation, emphasizing the importance of intelligibility for corporate worship ([1 Corinthians 14:19](/1-corinthians/14-19 "1 Corinthians 14:19 - Five Words with Understanding")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The spiritual gifts enumerated in 1 Corinthians 12:10 find their ultimate source and purpose in Jesus Christ. While distributed by the Holy Spirit, these manifestations are given to build up the body of Christ, which is the church, and to extend His kingdom. Jesus Himself was the supreme embodiment of all these gifts: He performed countless **miracles** ([John 14:12](/john/14-12 "John 14:12 - Greater Works than These")), demonstrating divine power over sickness, nature, and death. He was the ultimate **Prophet**, speaking God's authoritative word with unparalleled clarity and truth ([Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - A Prophet Like Moses"); [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Jesus perfectly possessed the **discerning of spirits**, consistently identifying and casting out demons ([Mark 1:23-27](/mark/1-23-27 "Mark 1:23-27 - Jesus Casts Out an Unclean Spirit")) and perceiving the true spiritual state of individuals ([John 2:24-25](/john/2-24-25 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus Knew All People")). Though not explicitly recorded as speaking in "divers kinds of tongues" in the New Testament sense, His universal message transcends all languages and cultures, and the gift of tongues at Pentecost was a sign of the Spirit's outpouring, which Jesus Himself promised and poured out from heaven ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Jesus Exalted and Pours Out the Spirit")). The **interpretation of tongues** ultimately points to Christ as the one who makes God's mysteries known, revealing the Father to humanity ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")). Thus, every spiritual gift serves to manifest Christ's presence, power, and truth in the world, equipping His followers to continue His work and glorify His name.

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

1 Corinthians 14:39

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

1 John 4:1

¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Mark 16:17

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

1 Corinthians 12:28

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.

1 Corinthians 12:30

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

Joel 2:28

¶ And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

1 Corinthians 14:31

For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.