1 Corinthians 12:10

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:

{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}:

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.

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.

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 on 1 Corinthians 12:10 (KJV)

1 Corinthians 12:10 is a pivotal verse in Paul's extensive discussion of spiritual gifts, revealing the diverse and supernatural manifestations of the Holy Spirit within the early Christian community. This verse specifically lists five distinct gifts: the working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, divers kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. Each gift is distributed by the same Spirit for the common good of the church, highlighting God's multifaceted empowerment of believers.

Context

This verse is part of a larger passage in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 (verses 1-11), where the Apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church's understanding and use of spiritual gifts. The Corinthians, a vibrant but at times disorderly congregation, needed guidance on how these supernatural abilities functioned and how they should be exercised. Paul emphasizes that while the gifts are diverse (1 Corinthians 12:4), they all originate from the same Holy Spirit and serve to build up the unified body of Christ. This particular verse expands on the list of gifts introduced in verses 8-9, illustrating the breadth of the Spirit's operations.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Diversity of Divine Empowerment: The verse clearly illustrates that God empowers believers in various, distinct ways. The Holy Spirit distributes these gifts "to another," emphasizing individual endowment for collective benefit.
  • Supernatural Manifestations: The gifts listed—miracles, prophecy, tongues, interpretation—are inherently supernatural, demonstrating God's direct intervention in human affairs through His Spirit.
  • Edification of the Body: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the overarching theme of 1 Corinthians 12 is that these gifts are given for the "profit withal" or the common good of the church (1 Corinthians 12:7). They are tools for building up the community of believers.
  • Order and Discernment: The inclusion of "discerning of spirits" and "interpretation of tongues" suggests the need for wisdom and order in the exercise of these powerful gifts, themes Paul further develops in 1 Corinthians 14.

Linguistic Insights

  • Working of Miracles (energemata dynameōn): This phrase literally means "workings of powers" or "operations of mighty works." It refers to the ability to perform supernatural acts that transcend natural laws, such as healing the sick, casting out demons, or other demonstrations of divine power.
  • Prophecy (prophēteia): More than just foretelling the future, prophecy in the New Testament primarily involves speaking forth God's inspired message. This could be a word of exhortation, comfort, instruction, or revelation directly from God to the congregation.
  • Discerning of Spirits (diakriseis pneumatōn): This gift is the supernatural ability to distinguish between spirits, whether they are from God, from human deceit, or from demonic influence. In a time when various spiritual manifestations were common, this gift was crucial for protecting the church from false teachings and deceptive spirits (1 John 4:1).
  • Divers Kinds of Tongues (genē glōssōn): Refers to the supernatural ability to speak in languages unknown to the speaker, either existing human languages or heavenly languages. This was a prominent gift in the Corinthian church, requiring careful regulation as discussed in 1 Corinthians 14.
  • Interpretation of Tongues (hermēneia glōssōn): This gift is the complementary ability to translate or explain a message spoken in tongues, making it intelligible and beneficial to the entire congregation. Paul emphasizes that if tongues are spoken publicly, they must be interpreted for the edification of others (1 Corinthians 14:5).

Practical Application

1 Corinthians 12:10 reminds believers today that the Holy Spirit continues to empower the church with supernatural gifts. While the manifestation and prominence of certain gifts may vary across different eras and contexts, the principle remains: God equips His people for His work.

For contemporary believers, this verse encourages:

  1. Expectation of the Supernatural: Acknowledging that God is still active and desires to manifest His power through His people.
  2. Seeking Spiritual Gifts: Believers are encouraged to "earnestly desire the best gifts" (1 Corinthians 12:31), not for personal gain, but for the building up of the church.
  3. Unity in Diversity: Understanding that different gifts are given to different individuals, fostering interdependence and valuing each member's unique contribution to the body of Christ.
  4. Discernment and Order: Recognizing the importance of discerning spirits and exercising gifts, especially tongues and prophecy, in an orderly and edifying manner, always prioritizing love as the "more excellent way" (1 Corinthians 13:1-13).
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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