1 Corinthians 12:23

And those [members] of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely [parts] have more abundant comeliness.

And {G2532} those {G3739} members of the body {G4983}, which we think {G1380} to be {G1511} less honourable {G820}, upon these {G5125} we bestow {G4060} more abundant {G4055} honour {G5092}; and {G2532} our {G2257} uncomely {G809} parts have {G2192} more abundant {G4055} comeliness {G2157}.

and upon body parts which we consider less dignified we bestow greater dignity; and the parts that aren’t attractive are the ones we make as attractive as we can,

and the parts we consider less honorable, we treat with greater honor. And our unpresentable parts are treated with special modesty,

and those parts of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness;

1 Corinthians 12:23 is a profound statement within Paul's extended metaphor of the church as the Body of Christ. It highlights God's counter-cultural design for community, emphasizing the vital importance and inherent dignity of every member, especially those who might be overlooked or deemed less significant by human standards.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discussion in 1 Corinthians Chapter 12 where Paul addresses issues of disunity and misunderstanding regarding spiritual gifts within the Corinthian church. Some members were elevating certain gifts, like speaking in tongues, while devaluing others, leading to pride and division. Paul uses the analogy of a human body to teach that just as every organ is necessary for the body's proper functioning, so too is every believer, with their unique gifts and roles, essential for the healthy functioning of the church. This verse specifically focuses on how we treat the parts of the body that are not outwardly glorious or visible.

Key Themes

  • Divine Design and Wisdom: Paul asserts that God, in His infinite wisdom, has deliberately designed the body (and thus the church) to give special honor to its less visible or seemingly weaker parts. This ensures that no part feels inferior or unnecessary.
  • Mutual Honor and Care: The passage calls believers to actively bestow "more abundant honour" upon those members who might be considered "less honourable." This involves intentional appreciation, valuing, and caring for those who serve in quiet ways or might be marginalized within the Christian community. It challenges the world's tendency to celebrate only the prominent or outwardly impressive.
  • Unity in Diversity: By emphasizing the necessity and honor of every part, Paul reinforces the theme of unity amidst diverse functions and gifts. No member is dispensable, and the well-being of the whole depends on the health and recognition of each part.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "less honourable" comes from the Greek atimotera (ἀτιμότερα), meaning "dishonorable," "without honor," or "held in less esteem." This refers to parts of the body that are not typically displayed or celebrated (e.g., internal organs, or even private parts, which are covered).
  • "More abundant honour" translates perissoteran timēn (περισσοτέραν τιμήν), signifying "more exceeding honor" or "greater esteem." This highlights a deliberate, conscious act of valuing.
  • "Uncomely" is from aschēmona (ἀσχήμονα), meaning "unpresentable," "indecent," or "unbecoming." These are parts that we naturally cover. The text states these "have more abundant comeliness" (euschemosynēn - εὐσχημοσύνην), meaning "decency," "gracefulness," or "propriety," often through being clothed or protected. This speaks to the care and dignity we afford them.

Practical Application

For the church today, 1 Corinthians 12:23 calls for a radical re-evaluation of how we perceive and treat one another. It challenges us to look beyond outward appearances, visible gifts, or prominent roles and to actively seek out and honor those who may feel overlooked. This includes:

  • Valuing "Behind-the-Scenes" Ministry: Recognizing and celebrating those who serve faithfully in less visible capacities, such as cleaning, administration, hospitality, or prayer.
  • Caring for the Vulnerable: Extending special care, attention, and dignity to the sick, the elderly, the poor, children, and those with disabilities, ensuring they feel fully integrated and valued within the community. This echoes principles found in Philippians 2:3-4.
  • Cultivating Humility: Fostering an environment where humility is praised over pride, and where service, particularly to the less visible, is seen as the path to true greatness, as taught by Jesus in Mark 9:35.

By living out this principle, the church truly reflects God's heart and demonstrates the powerful, unifying love of Christ, fostering a community where every member feels truly honored and essential.

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.

  • Genesis 3:21

    ¶ Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

  • Genesis 3:7

    And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they [were] naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
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