1 Corinthians 12:15

KJV

If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

KJV (with Strong's)

If {G1437} the foot {G4228} shall say {G2036}, Because {G3754} I am {G1510} not {G3756} the hand {G5495}, I am {G1510} not {G3756} of {G1537} the body {G4983}; is {G2076} it therefore {G3756}{G3844}{G5124} not {G3756} of {G1537} the body {G4983}?

Complete Jewish Bible

If the foot says, “I’m not a hand, so I’m not part of the body,” that doesn’t make it stop being part of the body.

Berean Standard Bible

If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body.

American Standard Version

If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; it is not therefore not of the body.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 12:15 is a pivotal verse within Paul's extended metaphor of the church as a unified body, addressing the misguided sentiment of inferiority among believers. It challenges the notion that a member, feeling its function is less prominent or different from another's, thereby loses its essential belonging and value within the collective spiritual organism. Through a rhetorical question, Paul powerfully asserts that perceived differences in gifting or role do not diminish one's indispensable status in the body of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's comprehensive teaching on spiritual gifts and the unity of the church in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ"). Following his declaration in [1 Corinthians 12:12](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12 - One Body, Many Members") that "as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ," Paul begins to illustrate this truth through the analogy of the human body. He first establishes the principle of diversity within unity in [1 Corinthians 12:14](/1_corinthians/12-14 "1 Corinthians 12:14 - The Body is Not One Member, But Many"), setting the stage for the specific examples of the foot and the ear feeling inadequate. Verse 15, along with [1 Corinthians 12:16](/1_corinthians/12-16 "1 Corinthians 12:16 - The Ear's Complaint"), directly addresses the problem of members feeling inferior or disconnected due to their unique functions, leading into Paul's counter-argument that such feelings do not negate their membership.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Corinth was plagued by various issues, including divisions, factions, and a misunderstanding of spiritual gifts, as evidenced throughout [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians "The First Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians"). There was likely an overemphasis on more outwardly spectacular gifts, such as speaking in tongues or prophecy, leading to a hierarchy where those with less visible or "impressive" gifts felt marginalized or less spiritual. Conversely, those with prominent gifts might have developed arrogance. Paul's analogy of the body directly confronts this internal strife, drawing on a common philosophical and political metaphor of the time (e.g., Menenius Agrippa's fable of the belly and the members) to emphasize interdependence and mutual necessity. The cultural context of a diverse, bustling Roman port city like Corinth, with its various social strata and pagan cults, made the need for Christian unity and mutual respect all the more critical.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 12:15](/1_corinthians/12-15 "1 Corinthians 12:15 - The Foot's Complaint") contributes significantly to several major themes within the chapter and the broader book. A primary theme is **Unity in Diversity**, underscoring that the church's strength lies not in uniformity but in the harmonious functioning of its many distinct parts, each gifted uniquely by the Spirit (as seen in [1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/1_corinthians/12-4-11 "1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Diversity of Gifts, Unity of Spirit")). Another crucial theme is the **Inherent Value of Every Member**, directly refuting the idea that any believer or their gift is insignificant. Paul combats the human tendency towards **Comparison and Inferiority**, a pervasive issue in the Corinthian church and in human nature itself, by affirming that one's belonging and importance are not contingent on resembling another member, but on being part of the whole. This verse also implicitly highlights the theme of **Interdependence**, as no part can truly function in isolation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **foot (Greek, _poús'_):** This primary word literally refers to a "foot," but in this context, it is used figuratively to represent a member of the body of Christ who feels less significant or less "gifted" than others. It symbolizes those who might perceive their role as humble or less visible compared to more prominent functions.
* **hand (Greek, _cheír'_):** Also a primary word, "hand" denotes the physical hand, but here it serves as a figurative representation of a member of the body of Christ whose function or gift is perceived as more prominent, active, or essential. The contrast between the foot and the hand highlights the perceived disparity in value or importance that some members might feel.
* **body (Greek, _sōma'_):** Derived from _sōzō_ (to save), "sōma" signifies the body as a sound, organic whole. In Paul's analogy, it refers to the collective entity of believers, the church, which is metaphorically the "body of Christ." The word emphasizes the interconnectedness and vital importance of all its parts for the overall health and function of the whole.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If the foot shall say":** This introduces a hypothetical scenario, a rhetorical personification of a body part expressing discontent. It represents a believer who feels inadequate or undervalued within the church community, perhaps comparing their own gift or role unfavorably to others.
* **"Because I am not the hand":** This clause reveals the root of the "foot's" feeling of inferiority: a comparison to another member (the "hand") perceived as more capable, prominent, or essential. It speaks to the human tendency to measure one's worth by external standards or by contrasting oneself with others.
* **"I am not of the body":** This is the logical, albeit flawed, conclusion drawn by the "foot." It expresses a sense of alienation or exclusion based on perceived difference, implying that if one's function doesn't match a certain ideal (like the "hand"), then one doesn't truly belong to the collective.
* **"is it therefore not of the body?":** Paul's powerful rhetorical question directly challenges the "foot's" faulty logic. The implied answer is a resounding "No!" The question underscores that a part's feeling of inadequacy or difference does not negate its fundamental membership and vital connection to the whole body.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in [1 Corinthians 12:15](/1_corinthians/12-15 "1 Corinthians 12:15 - The Foot and the Body"). The most prominent is **Personification**, where the "foot" is given the human capacity to "say" and express feelings of inadequacy. This makes the analogy relatable and vivid, allowing the reader to understand the internal struggles of believers. The entire passage is built upon an **Analogy** or **Metaphor**, comparing the church to a human body, which allows Paul to explain complex theological truths about unity, diversity, and interdependence in a simple, accessible way. Finally, the verse culminates in a **Rhetorical Question** ("is it therefore not of the body?"). This device is designed not to elicit new information but to powerfully assert an obvious truth and to challenge the false premise of the "foot's" complaint, thereby driving home Paul's point with compelling force.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological message of [1 Corinthians 12:15](/1_corinthians/12-15 "1 Corinthians 12:15 - Every Member Matters") is profound, emphasizing the divine design of the church as a unified yet diverse organism where every member is indispensable. It counters the worldly inclination to value gifts based on their visibility or perceived power, instead affirming that God sovereignly places each member and bestows gifts according to His will, ensuring the body's completeness and health. This verse teaches that true belonging and significance in the body of Christ are not contingent on comparison or performance, but on God's gracious inclusion and the unique, Spirit-empowered role He has ordained for each believer. It fosters a theology of mutual honor and interdependence, where no part can legitimately claim superiority or inferiority.

* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")
* [Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11-13 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Gifts for Equipping the Saints")
* [1 Corinthians 12:21](/1_corinthians/12-21 "1 Corinthians 12:21 - No Part Can Say 'I Have No Need'")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 12:15](/1_corinthians/12-15 "1 Corinthians 12:15 - Your Place in the Body") serves as a timeless encouragement and a corrective for believers today. In a world that often measures worth by visible success, social media presence, or public recognition, this verse reminds us that our value in God's kingdom is not determined by human standards of prominence or comparison. It challenges us to embrace our unique spiritual gifts and callings, no matter how humble or unseen they may seem, understanding that they are vital for the flourishing of the entire church. This passage calls us to resist the temptation to compare ourselves to others, which often leads to either envy or pride, and instead to find contentment and purpose in our God-given identity and function within the body of Christ. It fosters a spirit of humility, mutual appreciation, and joyful service, recognizing that every part contributes to the whole.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Do I ever feel like the "foot" in the church, believing my contributions are less significant than others? If so, what specific comparisons do I tend to make?**
* **How does understanding that my belonging is not contingent on my gift's prominence change my perspective on my role in the body of Christ?**
* **What practical steps can I take to celebrate the diverse gifts within my church community, rather than comparing or devaluing them?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by the "foot" saying it is "not of the body" because it is "not the hand"?**

Answer: Paul uses the analogy of the human body to illustrate a common problem in the Corinthian church: some members felt inferior or disconnected because their spiritual gifts or roles were not as prominent or "impressive" as others. The "foot" represents a believer who feels their contribution is less valuable than that of the "hand," which symbolizes a more visible or seemingly crucial role. The foot's statement, "I am not of the body," expresses a mistaken belief that a difference in function equates to a lack of belonging or importance. Paul's rhetorical question immediately refutes this, emphasizing that every part, regardless of its specific function, is an indispensable member of the whole body, as detailed in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - The Body of Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Corinthians 12:15](/1_corinthians/12-15 "1 Corinthians 12:15 - The Body and Christ") directly addresses the unity and diversity within the church, its ultimate fulfillment and meaning are deeply rooted in Christ. The church is called the "body of Christ" (as seen in [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You Are the Body of Christ")), signifying that Christ is its head and life-source. Just as every part of a physical body is essential for its proper functioning, so too is every believer essential to Christ's ongoing work in the world. Christ himself perfectly embodied humility and service, not deeming equality with God something to be grasped, but emptying himself to take the form of a servant (as described in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). He valued the seemingly "least" among us, teaching that even a cup of cold water given in His name is significant (see [Matthew 10:42](/matthew/10-42 "Matthew 10:42 - A Cup of Cold Water")). Therefore, the "foot's" lament in [1 Corinthians 12:15](/1_corinthians/12-15 "1 Corinthians 12:15 - Christ's Example") is ultimately silenced by Christ's inclusive love and His perfect design, which ensures that every member, no matter how humble their perceived role, is cherished, empowered, and vital for the full expression of His glory through His church (as highlighted in [Ephesians 4:15-16](/ephesians/4-15-16 "Ephesians 4:15-16 - Growing Up Into Christ")).

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

Judges 9:8

The trees went forth [on a time] to anoint a king over them; and they said unto the olive tree, Reign thou over us.

Judges 9:15

And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, [then] come [and] put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon.

2 Kings 14:9

And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that [was] in Lebanon sent to the cedar that [was] in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that [was] in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle.