TRV
Translation
King James Version
Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
Complete Jewish Bible
You know that when you were pagans, no matter how you felt you were being led, you were being led astray to idols, which can’t speak at all.
Berean Standard Bible
You know that when you were pagans, you were influenced and led astray to mute idols.
American Standard Version
Ye know that when ye were Gentiles ye were led away unto those dumb idols, howsoever ye might be led.
World English Bible Messianic
You know that when you were heathen, you were led away to those mute idols, however you might be led.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Ye know that ye were Gentiles, and were caried away vnto the dumme Idoles, as ye were led.
Young's Literal Translation
ye have known that ye were nations, unto the dumb idols--as ye were led--being carried away;
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In the KJVVerse 28,637 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Corinthians 12 verses 1–11
1 ¶ Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
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:
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
The apostle comes now to treat of spiritual gifts, which abounded in the church of Corinth, but were greatly abused. What these gifts were is at large told us in the body of the chapter; namely, extraordinary offices and powers, bestowed on ministers and Christians in the first ages, for conviction of unbelievers, and propagation of the gospel. Gifts and graces, charismata and charis, greatly differ. Both indeed were freely given of God. But where grace is given it is for the salvation of those who have it. Gifts are bestowed for the advantage and salvation of others. And there may be great gifts where there is not a dram of grace, but persons possessed of them are utterly out of the divine favour. They are great instances of divine benignity to men, but do not by themselves prove those who have them to be the objects of divine complacency. This church was rich in gifts, but there were many things scandalously out of order in it. Now concerning these spiritual gifts, that is, the extraordinary powers they had received from the Spirit,
I. The apostle tells them he would not have them ignorant either of their original or use. They came from God, and were to be used for him. It would lead them far astray if they were ignorant of one or the other of these. Note, Right information is of great use as to all religious practice. It is wretched work which gifted men make who either do not know or do not advert to the nature and right use of the gifts with which they are endowed.
II. He puts them in the mind of the sad state out of which they had been recovered: You were Gentiles, carried away to dumb idols, even as you were led, Co1 12:2. While they were so, they could have no pretensions to be spiritual men, nor to have spiritual gifts. While they were under the conduct of the spirit of Gentilism, they could not be influenced by the Spirit of Christ. If they well understood their former condition, they could not but know that all true spiritual gifts were from God. Now concerning this observe, 1. Their former character: they were Gentiles. Not God's peculiar people, but of the nations whom he had in a manner abandoned. The Jews were, before, his chosen people, distinguished from the rest of the world by his favour. To them the knowledge and worship of the true God were in a manner confined. The rest of the world were strangers to the covenant of promise, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and in a manner without God, Eph 2:12. Such Gentiles were the body of the Corinthians, before their conversion to Christianity. What a change was here! Christian Corinthians were once Gentiles. Note, It is of great use to the Christian, and a proper consideration to stir him up both to duty and thankfulness, to think what once he was: You were Gentiles. 2. The conduct they were under: Carried away to these dumb idols, even as you were led. They were hurried upon the grossest idolatry, the worship even of stocks and stones, through the force of a vain imagination, and the fraud of their priests practising on their ignorance, for, whatever were the sentiments of their philosophers, this was the practice of the herd. The body of the people paid their homage and worship to dumb idols, that had ears but could not hear, and mouths but could not speak, Psa 115:5, Psa 115:6. Miserable abjectness of mind! And those who despised these gross conceptions of the vulgar yet countenanced them by their practice. O dismal state of Gentilism! Could the Spirit of God be among such stupid idolators, or they be influenced by it? How did the prince of this world triumph in the blindness of mankind! How thick a mist had he cast over their minds!
III. He shows them how they might discern those gifts that were from the Spirit of God, true spiritual gifts: No man, speaking by the Spirit, calls Jesus accursed. Thus did both Jews and Gentiles: they blasphemed him as an impostor, and execrated his name, and deemed it abominable. And yet many Jews, who were exorcists and magicians, went about, pretending to work wonders by the Spirit of God (vid. Lightfoot's Horae in loc.), and many among the Gentiles pretended to inspiration. Now the apostle tells them none could act under the influence, nor by the power, of the Spirit of God, who disowned and blasphemed Christ: for the Spirit of God bore uncontrollable witness to Christ by prophecy, miracles, his resurrection from the dead, the success of his doctrine among men, and its effect upon them; and could never so far contradict itself as to declare him accursed. And on the other hand no man could say Jesus was the Lord (that is, live by this faith, and work miracles to prove it), but it must be by the Holy Ghost. To own this truth before men, and maintain it to the death, and live under the influence of it, could not be done without the sanctification of the Holy Ghost. No man can call Christ Lord, with a believing subjection to him and dependence upon him, unless that faith be wrought by the Holy Ghost. No man can confess this truth in the day of trial but by the Holy Ghost animating and encouraging him. Note, We have as necessary a dependence on the Spirit's operation and influence for our sanctification and perseverance as on the mediation of Christ for our reconciliation and acceptance with God: and no man could confirm this truth with a miracle but by the Holy Ghost. No evil spirit would lend assistance, if it were in his power, to spread a doctrine and religion so ruinous to the devil's kingdom. The substance of what the apostle asserts and argues here is that whatever pretences there were to inspiration or miracles, among those who were enemies to Christianity, they could not be from the Spirit of God; but no man could believe this with his heart, nor prove with a miracle that Jesus was Christ, but by the Holy Ghost: so that the extraordinary operations and powers among them did all proceed from the Spirit of God. He adds,
IV. These spiritual gifts, though proceeding from the same Spirit, are yet various. They have one author and original, but are themselves of various kinds. A free cause may produce variety of effects; and the same giver may bestow various gifts, Co1 12:4. There are diversities of gifts, such as revelations, tongues, prophecy, interpretations of tongues; but the same Spirit. There are differences of administrations, or different offices, and officers to discharge them, different ordinances and institutions (see Co1 12:28-30), but the same Lord, who appointed all, Co1 12:6. There are diversities of operations, or miraculous powers, called energēmata dunameōn (Co1 12:10), as here energēmata, but it is the same God that worketh all in all. There are various gifts, administrations, and operations, but all proceed from one God, one Lord, one Spirit; that is, from Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the spring and origin of all spiritual blessings and bequests: all issue from the same fountain; all have the same author. However different they may be in themselves, in this they agree; all are from God. And several of the kinds are here specified, Co1 12:8-10. Several persons had their several gifts, some one, some another, all from and by the same Spirit. To one was given the word of wisdom; that is, say some, a knowledge of the mysteries of the gospel, and ability to explain them, an exact understanding of the design, nature, and doctrines, of the Christian religion. Others say an uttering of grave sentences, like Solomon's proverbs. Some confine this word of wisdom to the revelations made to and by the apostles. - To another the word of knowledge, by the same Spirit; that is, say some, the knowledge of mysteries (Co1 2:13): wrapped up in the prophecies, types, and histories of the Old Testament: say others, a skill and readiness to give advice and counsel in perplexed cases. - To another faith, by the same Spirit; that is, the faith of miracles, or a faith in the divine power and promise, whereby they were enabled to trust God in any emergency, and go on in the way of their duty, and own and profess the truths of Christ, whatever was the difficulty or danger. - To another the gift of healing, by the same Spirit; that is, healing the sick, either by laying on of hands, or anointing with oil, or with a bare word. - To another the working of miracles; the efficacies of powers, energēmata dunameōn, such as raising the dead, restoring the blind to sight, giving speech to the dumb, hearing to the deaf, and the use of limbs to the lame. - To another prophecy, that is, ability to foretel future events, which is the more usual sense of prophecy; or to explain scripture by a peculiar gift of the Spirit. See Co1 14:24. - To another the discerning of Spirits, power to distinguish between true and false prophets, or to discern the real and internal qualifications of any person for an office, or to discover the inward workings of the mind by the Holy Ghost, as Peter did those of Ananias, Act 5:3. - To another divers kinds of tongues, or ability to speak languages by inspiration. - To another the interpretation of tongues, or ability to render foreign languages readily and properly into their own. With such variety of spiritual gifts were the first ministers and churches blessed.
V. The end for which these gifts were bestowed: The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal, Co1 12:7. The Spirit was manifested by the exercise of these gifts; his influence and interest appeared in them. But they were not distributed for the mere honour and advantage of those who had them, but for the benefit of the church, to edify the body, and spread and advance the gospel. Note, Whatever gifts God confers on any man, he confers them that he may do good with them, whether they be common or spiritual. The outward gifts of his bounty are to be improved for his glory, and employed in doing good to others. No man has them merely for himself. They are a trust put into his hands, to profit withal; and the more he profits others with them, the more abundantly will they turn to his account in the end, Phi 4:17. Spiritual gifts are bestowed, that men may with them profit the church and promote Christianity. They are not given for show, but for service; not for pomp and ostentation, but for edification; not to magnify those that have them, but to edify others.
VI. The measure and proportion in which they are given: All these worketh one and the same Spirit, dividing to every man as he will. It is according to the sovereign pleasure of the donor. What more free than a gift? And shall not the Spirit of God do what he will with his own? May he not give to what persons he pleases, and in what proportion he pleases; one gift to one man, and another to another; to one more, and another fewer, as he thinks fit? Is he not the best judge how his own purpose shall be served, and his own donatives bestowed? It is not as men will, nor as they may think fit, but as the Spirit pleases. Note, The Holy Ghost is a divine person. He works divine effects and divides divine gifts a he will, by his own power, and according to his own pleasure, without dependence or control. But though he distributes these gifts freely and uncontrollably, they are intended by him, not for private honour and advantage, but for public benefit, for the edification of the body, the church.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–11. Public domain.
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AmbrosiasterAD 384
COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES
Now that he is about to give them spiritual teaching, Paul recalls their former way of life. His intention is that, just as they have been worshipers of idols in the shape of statues and used to be led about by the will of demons, so now, as worshipers of God, they may walk according to the model of the law, so as to be pleasing to God.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on 1 Corinthians 29
This whole place is very obscure: but the obscurity is produced by our ignorance of the facts referred to and by their cessation, being such as then used to occur but now no longer take place. And why do they not happen now? Why look now, the cause too of the obscurity hath produced us again another question: namely, why did they then happen, and now do so no more?
This however let us defer to another time, but for the present let us state what things were occurring then. Well: what did happen then? Whoever was baptized he straightway spake with tongues and not with tongues only, but many also prophesied, and some also performed many other wonderful works. For since on their coming over from idols, without any clear knowledge or training in the ancient Scriptures, they at once on their baptism received the Spirit, yet the Spirit they saw not, for It is invisible; therefore God's grace bestowed some sensible proof of that energy. And one straightway spake in the Persian, another in the Roman, another in the Indian, another in some other such tongue: and this made manifest to them that were without that it is the Spirit in the very person speaking. Wherefore also he so calls it, saying, "But to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given to profit withal;" calling the gifts "a manifestation of the Spirit." For as the Apostles themselves had received this sign first, so also the faithful went on receiving it, I mean, the gift of tongues; yet not this only but also many others: inasmuch as many used even to raise the dead and to cast out devils and to perform many other such wonders: and they had gifts too, some less, and some more. But more abundant than all was the gift of tongues among them: and this became to them a cause of division; not from its own nature but from the perverseness of them that had received it: in that on the one hand the possessors of the greater gifts were lifted up against them that had the lesser: and these again were grieved, and envied the owners of the greater.
"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant;" calling the signs "spiritual," because they are the works of the Spirit alone, human effort contributing nothing to the working such wonders. And intending to discourse concerning them, first, as I said, he lays down the difference between soothsaying and prophecy.
"Ye know that when ye were Gentiles, ye were led away unto those dumb idols, howsoever ye might be led." Now what he means is this: "In the idol-temples," saith he, "if any were at any time possessed by an unclean spirit and began to divine, even as one dragged away, so was he drawn by that spirit in chains: knowing nothing of the things which he utters. For this is peculiar to the soothsayer, to be beside himself, to be under compulsion, to be pushed, to be dragged, to be haled as a mad-man. But the prophet not so, but with sober mind and composed temper and knowing what he is saying, he uttereth all things. Therefore even before the event do thou from this distinguish the soothsayer and the prophet. And consider how he frees his discourse of all suspicion; calling themselves to witness who had made trial of the matter. As if he had said, "that I lie not nor rashly traduce the religion of the Gentiles, feigning like an enemy, do ye yourselves bear me witness: knowing as ye do, when ye were Gentiles, how ye were pulled and dragged away then."
But what is, "unto those dumb idols?" These soothsayers used to be led and dragged unto them.
But if they be themselves dumb, how did they give responses to others? And wherefore did the demon lead them to the images? As men taken in war, and in chains, and rendering at the same time his deceit plausible. Thus, to keep men from the notion that it was just a dumb stone, they were earnest to rivet the people to the idols that their own style and title might be inscribed upon them. But our rites are not such. He did not however state ours, I mean the prophesyings. For it was well known to them all, and prophecy was exercised among them, as was meet for their condition, with understanding and with entire freedom. Therefore, you see, they had power either to speak or to refrain from speaking. For they were not bound by necessity, but were honored with a privilege. For this cause Jonah fled; for this cause Ezekiel delayed; for this cause Jeremiah excused himself. And God thrusts them not on by compulsion, but advising, exhorting, threatening; not darkening their mind; for to cause distraction and madness and great darkness, is the proper work of a demon: but it is God's work to illuminate and with consideration to teach things needful.
Severian of GabalaAD 425
PAULINE COMMENTARY FROM THE GREEK CHURCH
Paul shows that there is a very big difference between Christian prophecy and pagan soothsaying. Pagans do not address the unclean spirit but are possessed by it and say things which they do not understand. The soothsayer’s soul is darkened, and he does not know what he is saying, whereas the prophet’s soul is enlightened and reveals what the prophet has learned and understood.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 12:2, the Apostle Paul reminds the Corinthian believers of their former spiritual state as Gentiles. He vividly contrasts their past, characterized by being passively "carried away" and led astray to worship "dumb idols" that were lifeless and voiceless, with their present reality in Christ. This recollection serves as a foundational premise for Paul's subsequent teaching on the nature, diversity, and unity of spiritual gifts within the church, emphasizing that their new spiritual leading comes from the one true God, not from their pagan past.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in this concise verse to underscore his message. The primary device is Contrast, setting up a sharp dichotomy between the Corinthians' pagan past and their Christian present. The "dumb idols" stand in stark opposition to the living, speaking God who now leads them through the Holy Spirit. This contrast highlights the profound spiritual transformation wrought by the gospel. Metaphor is also present in the imagery of being "carried away" and "led." These verbs evoke a sense of movement and direction, metaphorically representing spiritual guidance or misguidance. In their past, they were like sheep without a shepherd, passively driven by false influences. The description of idols as "dumb" (άφωνα) is a form of Personification through negation, attributing a human characteristic (speech) to inanimate objects only to deny it, thereby emphasizing their utter lifelessness and impotence. This rhetorical move powerfully ridicules the objects of their former worship and elevates the unique nature of the God who speaks.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a crucial theological bridge, connecting the Corinthians' pagan past to their Spirit-filled present and future. It underscores the universal scope of God's redemptive work, demonstrating that salvation is not limited to a specific ethnic group but extends to all who believe, regardless of their former spiritual allegiances. The contrast between voiceless idols and the speaking God highlights the fundamental difference between false worship and true worship, where God actively communicates with His people through His Word and Spirit. This divine communication is the very foundation for understanding and exercising spiritual gifts, as the Spirit's leading replaces the deceptive influences of their past. The verse also implicitly points to the ongoing spiritual battle against idolatry, reminding believers that anything that usurps God's rightful place in our lives, whether ancient statues or modern obsessions, is a "dumb idol" that cannot truly satisfy or guide.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 12:2 offers profound opportunities for reflection and application in the life of a believer today. It calls us to remember and appreciate the radical transformation wrought by Christ in our lives, regardless of our specific "pagan past." Whether that past involved literal idol worship, spiritual apathy, or devotion to worldly pursuits, acknowledging the futility of anything that once held sway over us fosters deep gratitude for the liberation and true guidance found in Christ. This verse also serves as a crucial reminder to constantly discern the sources of influence in our lives. Unlike the "dumb idols" of the past, the Holy Spirit speaks, guides, and empowers. Therefore, we are called to cultivate a discerning spirit, ensuring that our spiritual experiences, beliefs, and decisions are genuinely led by God's Spirit and not by the deceptive voices of culture, self, or other false teachings. Finally, it challenges us to examine our hearts for any "modern idols"—anything that competes for God's rightful place of ultimate allegiance, be it career, possessions, relationships, or even our own desires. This verse encourages a radical reorientation of our lives, ensuring that our ultimate devotion and trust are placed solely in the living, speaking God.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "dumb idols" mean in this verse?
Answer: The phrase "dumb idols" (Greek: eidōla aphōna) literally means "voiceless" or "speechless idols." Paul uses this term to emphasize the utter powerlessness and lifelessness of the pagan gods and their images that the Corinthians once worshipped. Unlike the true God, who speaks through His Word and Spirit, these idols were inanimate objects (wood, stone, metal) incapable of communication, action, or providing any genuine guidance or salvation. This highlights the futility of their former worship and sets a stark contrast with the living God who actively engages with His people.
Why does Paul remind the Corinthians of their pagan past here, before discussing spiritual gifts?
Answer: Paul reminds the Corinthians of their pagan past in 1 Corinthians 12:2 to establish a crucial theological foundation for his teaching on spiritual gifts. In their former pagan worship, they were "carried away" by external, often deceptive, forces to voiceless idols. This passive and misguided leading contrasts sharply with the Holy Spirit's active, intentional, and truthful leading in their new life in Christ. By highlighting this transformation, Paul clarifies that true spiritual gifts and genuine spiritual experiences originate from the one true God through the Holy Spirit, not from their former pagan practices or any other source. This helps them understand the true source and purpose of the gifts and discern between authentic and counterfeit spiritual manifestations.
How does this verse relate to the broader discussion of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12?
Answer: This verse sets the stage for the entire discussion on spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12. By reminding the Corinthians that they were "carried away" to "dumb idols" in their past, Paul implicitly poses the question: "Who is leading you now?" The answer, which he immediately provides in 1 Corinthians 12:3, is the Holy Spirit. This verse establishes that the source of all true spiritual gifts and authentic spiritual experiences is the Spirit of God, not any lingering influence from their pagan past or any other false spirit. It provides the necessary theological framework for understanding the unity, diversity, and proper use of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ, ensuring that all gifts are recognized as emanating from the one true God for His glory and the church's edification.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 12:2, though describing a past state of spiritual bondage, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the liberating work of Jesus. The "dumb idols" to which the Gentiles were "carried away" stand in stark contrast to Christ, who is the very Word of God made flesh, the speaking God who reveals the Father. Unlike the voiceless images, Jesus is the perfect image of the invisible God, through whom God communicates His truth and love. It is Christ who, by His atoning sacrifice, breaks the power of spiritual darkness and delivers humanity from the dominion of these "dumb idols" and the forces that "carried them away." He is the Good Shepherd who leads His sheep, not compelling them into futility, but inviting them to a life of abundance and truth (John 10:10). The Spirit, who now truly leads believers, is the Spirit of Christ, sent by the Father and the Son to guide us into all truth (John 16:13). Thus, the transition from being led by "dumb idols" to being led by the Spirit is a direct result of Christ's redemptive work, offering rest to the weary and burdened souls who come to Him (Matthew 11:28-30). He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, the ultimate fulfillment of all true spiritual leading (John 14:6).