1 Corinthians 12:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} all {G3956} these {G5023} worketh {G1754} that one {G1520} and {G2532} the selfsame {G846} Spirit {G4151}, dividing {G1244} to every man {G1538} severally {G2398} as {G2531} he will {G1014}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One and the same Spirit is at work in all these things, distributing to each person as he chooses.

Berean Standard Bible

All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines.

American Standard Version

but all these worketh the one and the same Spirit, dividing to each one severally even as he will.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 12:11 serves as a foundational declaration regarding the distribution of spiritual gifts within the church, asserting that all these diverse manifestations of divine power are orchestrated by the singular Holy Spirit. This verse underscores the Spirit's sovereign authority and deliberate intention in bestowing specific gifts upon each believer, ensuring both unity in source and diversity in function for the common good of the body of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes Paul's initial enumeration of spiritual gifts in [1 Corinthians 12:8-10](/1_corinthians/12-8-10 "1 Corinthians 12:8-10 - A List of Spiritual Gifts")—gifts such as the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, various kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. It acts as a crucial summary statement, emphasizing the singular origin of these diverse gifts before Paul transitions into the profound analogy of the church as the human body in [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Church as the Body of Christ"), where each member, though different, is indispensable. The immediate literary flow highlights the unity of the Spirit as the source, counteracting any potential for division or hierarchy based on giftedness within the Corinthian church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, known for its wealth, diverse population, and a syncretistic religious environment that often blended Greek philosophical thought with various mystery cults. Within the Corinthian church, there were significant issues of division, pride, and a misunderstanding of spiritual gifts, particularly the overemphasis on speaking in tongues (glossolalia) to the detriment of other gifts and the overall edification of the community. Paul's letter addresses these internal conflicts, seeking to correct their theology and practice concerning spiritual gifts, marriage, worship, and the resurrection. His emphasis on the Spirit's sovereignty and the purpose of gifts for the common good directly confronts the self-exaltation and disunity prevalent among them.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological themes within 1 Corinthians and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it champions the **Unity of the Spirit**, asserting that despite the multiplicity of gifts, their origin is one and the same divine Spirit, reinforcing the singular nature of God's work in the church. Secondly, it highlights the **Diversity of Gifts**, demonstrating God's intentional design to equip believers with varied abilities, ensuring the comprehensive functioning of the body. This diversity is not chaotic but divinely ordered. Thirdly, and perhaps most profoundly, it underscores the **Sovereignty of the Holy Spirit** in the distribution of these gifts. The Spirit's giving is not based on human merit, desire, or effort, but entirely on His divine will and purpose, as also seen in passages like [Romans 12:6](/romans/12-6 "Romans 12:6 - Gifts Differing According to Grace") and [Ephesians 4:7](/ephesians/4-7 "Ephesians 4:7 - Grace Given to Each One"). This theme counters any human boasting or feelings of inadequacy, placing the focus squarely on God's gracious and wise provision.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **worketh (Greek, _energéō'_):** This verb signifies being active, efficient, or effectual. It conveys the idea of the Spirit's dynamic and powerful operation, not merely a passive bestowing but an active, ongoing working through the gifts. The Spirit is the dynamic agent behind the manifestation of these supernatural abilities, making them effective for their intended purpose.
* **Spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** This term refers to a current of air, breath, or wind, but in this context, it denotes the Holy Spirit—the third person of the Trinity. It emphasizes the divine origin and nature of the gifts, distinguishing them from human talents or abilities. The Spirit is the divine source and animating power of all spiritual manifestations in the church.
* **will (Greek, _boúlomai'_):** This verb, in the middle voice, means to "will," "be willing," or "intend." It speaks to the deliberate and sovereign choice of the Holy Spirit. The distribution of gifts is not random or arbitrary, nor is it subject to human petition or merit, but is entirely according to the Spirit's divine will and purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit":** This opening clause serves as a powerful counterpoint ("But") to the preceding list of diverse gifts. It emphatically declares that every single one of these varied manifestations originates from a single, unified, and unchanging source: the Holy Spirit. The phrase "one and the selfsame" (Greek: _to auto_) strongly emphasizes the singular identity and consistent nature of the Spirit, ensuring that the diversity of gifts does not imply a multiplicity of divine sources or a fragmented God. The Spirit is the active agent, "working" or energizing these gifts.
* **"dividing to every man severally as he will":** This second clause details the Spirit's method and motive in distributing the gifts. The Spirit is actively "dividing" or distributing these gifts, not indiscriminately, but "to every man severally" (Greek: _hekastō idia_), meaning to each individual believer uniquely and personally. This personal distribution ensures that each member of the body is equipped for their specific function. Crucially, this distribution is "as he will" (Greek: _kathos bouletai_), highlighting the absolute sovereignty and deliberate intention of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit's prerogative and wise design that determines who receives which gift and when, not human desire, merit, or effort.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several effective literary devices in this concise verse. The most prominent is **Emphasis** through repetition and specific phrasing. The phrase "that one and the selfsame Spirit" strongly emphasizes the singular, unified source of all gifts, directly confronting any potential for division or a hierarchical view of gifts within the Corinthian church. This is further reinforced by the contrast implied by "But," setting the unified source against the diverse manifestations listed previously. There is also a subtle form of **Personification** of the Holy Spirit, attributing to Him the active verbs "worketh" and "dividing," and the volitional act of "will." This highlights the Spirit not as an impersonal force, but as a divine Person with agency, purpose, and sovereign will. The structure of the verse itself, moving from the diverse "these" to the singular "Spirit" and then back to the diverse but individually distributed "every man severally," creates a sense of **Unity in Diversity**, which is the overarching theme of the entire chapter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 12:11 is a cornerstone for understanding the Holy Spirit's role in empowering the church. It establishes the Spirit's divine sovereignty in distributing spiritual gifts, ensuring that every believer is uniquely equipped for ministry within the body of Christ. This truth fosters humility, as gifts are not earned but graciously given, and promotes interdependence, as no single individual possesses all gifts, necessitating the cooperation of all members. The Spirit's intentional distribution ensures the church's holistic functionality and growth, preventing both elitism among those with prominent gifts and discouragement among those with less visible ones. It underscores that the purpose of all gifts is for the common good and the building up of the church, not for individual glory or self-aggrandizement.

* [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6-8 "Romans 12:6-8 - Gifts Differing According to Grace")
* [Ephesians 4:7-13](/ephesians/4-7-13 "Ephesians 4:7-13 - Gifts for the Equipping of the Saints")
* [Hebrews 2:4](/hebrews/2-4 "Hebrews 2:4 - God Bearing Witness with Signs and Wonders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound implications for individual believers and the corporate church today. For the individual, it instills a deep sense of humility and gratitude, reminding us that any spiritual capacity or effectiveness we possess is a direct, unmerited gift from the sovereign Holy Spirit. It frees us from the burden of striving to earn gifts or comparing ourselves to others, encouraging us instead to faithfully steward what we have been given. For the church, it cultivates a spirit of unity and mutual appreciation. Recognizing that the same Spirit empowers different members with diverse gifts fosters an environment where every contribution is valued and necessary for the health and growth of the body. It challenges us to actively identify, affirm, and utilize the unique gifting within our communities, trusting the Spirit's wisdom in His distribution. This understanding also guards against spiritual pride or envy, as all gifts flow from the same divine source and are given for the same ultimate purpose: the glory of God and the edification of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the Holy Spirit's sovereignty in gifting impact your view of your own spiritual abilities or lack thereof?**
* **In what ways might a church community better affirm and utilize the diverse gifts present among its members, rather than prioritizing certain gifts over others?**
* **How can the truth that gifts are "as He will" foster greater humility and interdependence among believers?**

### FAQ
**Does 1 Corinthians 12:11 mean that spiritual gifts are given only once at conversion and never change?**

Answer: While the Holy Spirit indwells believers at conversion and bestows gifts "as He will," this verse primarily emphasizes the Spirit's sovereign distribution, not the timing or immutability of that distribution. Other passages suggest that gifts can be stirred up ([2 Timothy 1:6](/2_timothy/1-6 "2 Timothy 1:6 - Stir Up the Gift of God")), and the context of the Spirit's ongoing work in the church implies a dynamic relationship. While foundational gifts may be given at conversion, the Spirit's activity is continuous, equipping believers for various needs and seasons of ministry throughout their lives. The core truth is that the *source* and *sovereignty* remain with the Spirit, regardless of when or how a gift manifests or develops.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 12:11, while focusing on the Holy Spirit's work, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the Spirit's role as the agent who applies the work of Christ to believers and builds His body. The diverse gifts distributed by the Spirit are not ends in themselves, but tools for the church to continue the mission of Christ on earth. Jesus Himself promised the coming of the Spirit to empower His disciples for witness ([Acts/1-8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Be Witnesses")), and the Spirit's work in gifting believers directly flows from Christ's ascension and His position as the head of the church ([Ephesians/4-8-11](/ephesians/4-8-11 "Ephesians 4:8-11 - Christ Gives Gifts to Men")). The Spirit's sovereign distribution ensures that the church, as the body of Christ, is fully equipped to manifest His presence, proclaim His gospel, and carry out His redemptive purposes in the world. Every gift, therefore, serves to build up the church into the fullness of Christ ([Ephesians/4-13](/ephesians/4-13 "Ephesians 4:13 - Attaining to the Fullness of Christ")), reflecting His character and extending His kingdom until He returns.

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 12:4

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

Hebrews 2:4

God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

2 Corinthians 10:13

But we will not boast of things without [our] measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.

Ephesians 4:7

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:6

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

John 3:27

John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

James 1:18

Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.