1 Corinthians 12:24

KJV

For our comely [parts] have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that [part] which lacked:

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1161} our {G2257} comely {G2158} parts have {G2192} no {G3756} need {G5532}: but {G235} God {G2316} hath tempered {G4786} the body {G4983} together {G4786}, having given {G1325} more abundant {G4055} honour {G5092} to that part which lacked {G5302}:

Complete Jewish Bible

while our attractive parts have no need for such treatment. Indeed, God has put the body together in such a way that he gives greater dignity to the parts that lack it,

Berean Standard Bible

whereas our presentable parts have no such need. But God has composed the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it,

American Standard Version

whereas our comely parts have no need: but God tempered the body together, giving more abundant honor to that part which lacked;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 12:24, Paul continues his profound analogy of the church as a human body, asserting God's intentional and wise design in orchestrating its members. He highlights that while outwardly "comely" or presentable parts of the body require no special adornment, God has purposefully given "more abundant honour" to those parts that are less visible or might be considered less honorable, ensuring their proper care and function for the overall health and unity of the entire organism. This divine tempering prevents division and fosters mutual interdependence within the spiritual body.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's extended discourse on spiritual gifts and the unity of the church, spanning [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ") through [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Orderly Worship and Prophecy"). Specifically, [1 Corinthians 12:12-26](/1_corinthians/12-12-26 "1 Corinthians 12:12-26 - The Body and Its Many Members") develops the metaphor of the human body to address the Corinthian church's internal divisions and their misguided hierarchy of spiritual gifts. Paul emphasizes that just as a physical body comprises many diverse yet essential parts, so too does the body of Christ, the church. Verses immediately preceding [1 Corinthians 12:24](/1_corinthians/12-24 "1 Corinthians 12:24 - God's Design for the Body of Christ"), particularly [1 Corinthians 12:21-23](/1_corinthians/12-21-23 "1 Corinthians 12:21-23 - Interdependence of Body Parts"), establish that no part, however seemingly insignificant, can say it has no need of another, and indeed, those parts we consider "less honorable" are given "more abundant honour" by being clothed or protected. [1 Corinthians 12:24](/1_corinthians/12-24 "1 Corinthians 12:24 - God's Design for the Body of Christ") builds on this by explicitly stating God's active role in this tempering process.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub known for its wealth, diverse population, and a culture that often valued outward appearance, rhetorical skill, and social status. Within the Corinthian church, these societal values had unfortunately infiltrated, leading to pride, factionalism, and a competitive spirit regarding spiritual gifts. Some members, likely those with more outwardly impressive or charismatic gifts (such as speaking in tongues or prophecy), viewed themselves as superior, while others felt inferior or marginalized. Paul's analogy of the body directly confronts this cultural inclination towards valuing external show and social hierarchy, redirecting their focus to God's counter-cultural design for mutual honor and interdependence. The concept of a unified body with diverse functions was a known philosophical concept in the ancient world, but Paul imbues it with profound theological meaning, centering it on God's divine agency and the spiritual reality of the church as Christ's body.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians") and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Wisdom and Sovereignty** of God in designing the church. It is God who "tempered the body together," demonstrating His intentional and perfect plan for its structure and function, ensuring that all parts work harmoniously. Secondly, it champions the theme of **Unity in Diversity**. Despite the varied gifts and roles, God's design ensures cohesion and prevents schism, as explicitly stated in [1 Corinthians 12:25](/1_corinthians/12-25 "1 Corinthians 12:25 - No Division in the Body"). Every member, regardless of perceived status, is essential. Thirdly, it emphasizes **Mutual Honor and Care**. Paul highlights a counter-intuitive principle: God bestows greater honor on the "uncomely" or "lacking" parts. This calls the church to actively value and care for its less visible or seemingly weaker members, mirroring God's own disposition. This theme directly challenges the Corinthian tendency towards pride and self-exaltation, promoting instead a spirit of humility and self-giving love, echoing the exhortations found in [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and Considering Others").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **comely (Greek, _euschḗmōn'_):** From εὖ (well) and σχῆμα (form, appearance), this word denotes something "well-formed," "decorous," or "honorable" in outward appearance. In the context of the body, it refers to parts that are naturally presentable or beautiful, like the face or hands, which do not require special covering or artificial honor to be esteemed. Paul uses this to contrast with parts that are less outwardly appealing or are hidden.
* **tempered (Greek, _synkeránnymi'_):** Derived from σύν (together) and κεράννυμι (to mix), this verb means "to commingle," "to blend," or "to harmonize." It implies a deliberate and skillful composition where different elements are brought into proper proportion and balance to form a unified, functional whole. In this verse, it vividly portrays God's active, intentional, and wise role in integrating diverse individuals and gifts within the church, ensuring that every part contributes to its health, stability, and mutual interdependence.
* **lacked (Greek, _hysteréō'_):** This word means "to be later," and by implication, "to be inferior" or "to fall short," "to be deficient," or "to be in want." In this context, it refers to those parts of the body that are considered less honorable, weaker, or less outwardly appealing, and thus are perceived to be "lacking" in some respect. Paul argues that these are precisely the parts God has chosen to give "more abundant honour," demonstrating a divine principle that reverses human values.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For our comely [parts] have no need:"** This clause explains why God acts as He does. The "comely" or outwardly presentable parts of the body (e.g., face, eyes) are naturally esteemed and do not require additional covering or artificial honor to be considered respectable. They are already inherently "honorable" in human perception and thus "have no need" of special attention to confer dignity. This sets up a contrast with the subsequent statement.
* **"but God hath tempered the body together,"** This introduces the divine agent and action. The conjunction "but" signals a contrast or counter-point to the previous clause. It is "God" (not human effort or preference) who has actively and skillfully "tempered" or harmonized the body. This emphasizes God's sovereign design and intentional arrangement of the church, bringing diverse elements into perfect balance and unity, ensuring no part is truly independent or superfluous.
* **"having given more abundant honour to that [part] which lacked:"** This final clause reveals the specific nature of God's tempering. In His wisdom, God has bestowed a "more abundant honour" (a greater degree of esteem, care, or protection) upon those parts of the body that are naturally "lacked" or considered less honorable, less visible, or weaker (e.g., internal organs, private parts). This divine act ensures that these vulnerable or hidden parts are adequately protected, clothed, or cared for, thereby maintaining the body's overall health and integrity. This principle serves as a profound paradigm for how members of the church should treat one another, especially those who might be overlooked or marginalized.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's use of **Analogy** is the central literary device in [1 Corinthians 12:24](/1_corinthians/12-24 "1 Corinthians 12:24 - God's Design for the Body of Christ"), as he extends the metaphor of the human body to explain the functioning of the church. This analogy is highly effective because it draws on a universally understood reality—the interdependence of body parts—to illuminate a complex spiritual truth about unity and diversity within the Christian community. The verse also employs **Contrast**, setting the "comely parts" (which "have no need") against the parts "which lacked" (to which God gives "more abundant honour"). This stark contrast highlights God's counter-intuitive wisdom and His reversal of human values, where the seemingly less significant are given greater importance. Furthermore, the explicit mention of "God" as the one who "hath tempered the body together" emphasizes **Divine Agency**, underscoring that the harmonious functioning and valuing of all members within the church is not a human initiative but a direct result of God's intentional and sovereign design.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Corinthians 12:24](/1_corinthians/12-24 "1 Corinthians 12:24 - God's Design for the Body of Christ") profoundly articulates God's intentional design for His church, emphasizing that true unity is not uniformity but a harmonious integration of diverse members, each valued and essential. This verse reveals a core theological principle: God's wisdom often operates contrary to human wisdom, elevating the humble and honoring the overlooked. By giving "more abundant honour" to the parts that "lacked," God ensures that no member feels inferior or superior, thereby preventing schism and fostering a genuine interdependence rooted in mutual care and respect. This divine tempering is foundational to the church's health, reflecting God's character of valuing every individual and orchestrating their unique contributions for the common good and the glory of Christ.

* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")
* [Ephesians 4:15-16](/ephesians/4-15-16 "Ephesians 4:15-16 - Growing into Christ, the Head")
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and Looking Out for Others")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 12:24](/1_corinthians/12-24 "1 Corinthians 12:24 - God's Design for the Body of Christ") offers a powerful corrective to our natural human tendency to value outward appearance, visible gifts, or prominent roles over hidden contributions and less celebrated ministries. It calls us to actively participate in God's counter-cultural design for the church. This means intentionally seeking out and honoring those who might feel marginalized, overlooked, or less significant within the body of Christ. It challenges us to examine our own biases and to extend grace, appreciation, and practical support to every member, recognizing that their unique contribution, however small or unseen, is indispensable to the whole. By valuing and caring for one another, especially the "lacking" parts, we not only prevent division but also embody the very character of God, fostering a community where every individual feels seen, loved, and vital. This perspective cultivates humility in those with more visible roles and affirms the dignity of every believer, leading to a healthier, more unified, and more effective church that truly reflects Christ to the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my church community, inadvertently give less honor to "parts which lacked" or to those whose contributions are less visible?**
* **How can I actively seek to give "more abundant honour" to those who might feel overlooked or less valued within my local church or community?**
* **What specific actions can I take to foster a greater sense of interdependence and mutual care, rather than competition or hierarchy, among believers?**

### FAQ
**What are the "comely parts" and the parts "which lacked" in this analogy?**

Answer: In Paul's analogy, the "comely parts" refer to those parts of the human body that are naturally beautiful, presentable, or outwardly visible and generally held in high esteem (e.g., the face, eyes, hands). These parts are perceived to "have no need" of special honor because their inherent dignity is already recognized. Conversely, the parts "which lacked" (or are "uncomely") refer to those parts that are less attractive, hidden, or might even be considered private or weaker (e.g., internal organs, private parts). Paul argues that God, in His wisdom, has designed the body so that these less visible or outwardly "lacking" parts are given "more abundant honour" through clothing, protection, and special care, ensuring their vital function and preventing shame or neglect. Spiritually, this translates to the church valuing and honoring all members, especially those whose gifts or roles might be less prominent or outwardly impressive, ensuring no one feels insignificant within the [body of Christ](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You are the Body of Christ").

**What does it mean that "God hath tempered the body together"?**

Answer: The word "tempered" (from the Greek _synkeránnymi_) means to mix, blend, or harmonize together. When Paul states that "God hath tempered the body together," he is emphasizing God's active, intentional, and sovereign role in the composition and arrangement of the church. It signifies that God is the divine architect who skillfully brings together diverse individuals with varied gifts, personalities, and backgrounds, blending them into a unified and functional whole. This tempering ensures that all parts are properly proportioned, balanced, and interdependent, preventing any one part from being independent or superior, and ensuring that the entire body works harmoniously. It highlights God's wisdom in creating a church where every member is essential and contributes to the collective health and mission, as described throughout [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 12:24](/1_corinthians/12-24 "1 Corinthians 12:24 - God's Design for the Body of Christ") finds its ultimate fulfillment and paradigm in Jesus Christ Himself. Christ, though supremely glorious and "comely" in His divine nature, did not cling to His divine prerogatives but "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He perfectly embodied the principle of giving "more abundant honour to that part which lacked" by identifying with the marginalized, the outcast, and the "uncomely" in society. His ministry was characterized by reaching out to the sick, the poor, the sinners, and those deemed insignificant by the world, demonstrating God's profound care for the vulnerable and overlooked ([Matthew 9:12-13](/matthew/9-12-13 "Matthew 9:12-13 - Jesus Came for Sinners")). As the Head of the Church, Christ continually "tempered the body together" by His Spirit, uniting diverse believers into one organism, fostering mutual love and interdependence. His sacrificial death on the cross, where He became "sin for us" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")), is the ultimate act of honoring the "lacking" and broken humanity, making us whole and bringing us into His glorious body. Thus, the church's call to honor its less visible members is a direct reflection of Christ's own humble, self-giving, and inclusive love.

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

Genesis 3:11

¶ And he said, Who told thee that thou [wast] naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?

Genesis 2:25

And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.