1 Corinthians 12:25

KJV

That there should be no schism in the body; but [that] the members should have the same care one for another.

KJV (with Strong's)

That {G3363} there should be {G5600} no {G3363} schism {G4978} in {G1722} the body {G4983}; but {G235} that the members {G3196} should have {G3309} the same {G846} care {G3309} one for {G5228} another {G240}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So that there will be no disagreements within the body, but rather all the parts will be equally concerned for all the others.

Berean Standard Bible

so that there should be no division in the body, but that its members should have mutual concern for one another.

American Standard Version

that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 12:25 stands as a pivotal declaration within Paul's discourse on the church, articulating God's divine intention for the Body of Christ: the complete absence of division and the active cultivation of profound, reciprocal care among all its members. This verse encapsulates the essence of Christian community, emphasizing that diversity in gifting and function must never lead to disunity, but rather foster a deeper interdependence and shared responsibility for one another's well-being, reflecting the harmonious operation of a healthy physical body.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of Paul's extended analogy of the church as a human body in [1 Corinthians 12](/1-corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ"). Paul introduces this powerful metaphor in [1 Corinthians 12:12](/1-corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12 - The Body of Christ") to address the Corinthian church's significant issues with disunity, pride, and the improper valuing of spiritual gifts. Prior to verse 25, Paul meticulously details how various parts of the body—eyes, ears, feet, hands—each possess unique functions yet are indispensable to the whole ([1 Corinthians 12:14-20](/1-corinthians/12-14-20 "1 Corinthians 12:14-20 - Interdependence of Body Parts")). He specifically highlights the often "weaker" or "less honorable" parts as deserving of greater honor and care ([1 Corinthians 12:21-24](/1-corinthians/12-21-24 "1 Corinthians 12:21-24 - Honoring All Members")), setting the stage for the explicit command in verse 25 that unity and mutual concern are not merely ideals but divine imperatives for the church's healthy functioning.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church, located in a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, was notoriously fractious. Its members hailed from diverse social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds, and they brought with them various cultural values, including a penchant for status, rhetoric, and individual prowess, which often manifested as competition and division within the Christian community. Paul's emphasis on unity and mutual care directly counters the prevailing Greco-Roman societal norms that often celebrated individual achievement and hierarchical structures. While the concept of a "body politic" existed in ancient thought, Paul's application of the body metaphor to the church, infused with the Spirit's work and Christ's headship, was uniquely Christian, challenging the Corinthians to live out a counter-cultural unity rooted in divine love rather than human pride or social standing.
* **Key Themes:** First Corinthians 12:25 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the chapter and the broader epistle. Foremost is the theme of **Unity in Diversity**, asserting that the manifold spiritual gifts and roles within the church are designed to complement, not compete with, one another, ensuring the harmonious operation of the whole body. This directly combats the **Anti-Division** theme, as Paul explicitly forbids "schism," or tearing apart, within the community. Instead, the verse champions **Interdependence and Mutual Care**, emphasizing that every member is vital and has a responsibility to actively look out for, support, and honor fellow believers. This mutual concern is presented as the antidote to the pride and envy that fueled the Corinthian divisions, fostering a community where the well-being of one is the concern of all, echoing the call for selfless love found throughout [1 Corinthians 13](/1-corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Superiority of Love").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **schism (Greek, _schísma_):** G4978. From *schízō*, meaning "to split" or "to tear." In this context, it refers to a division, dissension, or faction within a community. Paul uses this term to denote not just a difference of opinion, but a destructive tearing or rending of the unified fabric of the church, implying a serious breach of fellowship and harmony.
* **body (Greek, _sōma_):** G4983. From *sōzō*, meaning "to save" or "to make whole." This word refers to the physical body as a sound whole, but Paul consistently uses it metaphorically in [1 Corinthians 12](/1-corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - The Body of Christ") to represent the church as a unified, organic entity, the "Body of Christ." The implication is that the church, like a healthy body, should function as a cohesive unit where all parts contribute to the well-being of the whole.
* **care (Greek, _merimnáō_):** G3309. From *mérimna*, meaning "anxiety" or "worry." While often used in a negative sense (e.g., "do not be anxious"), here it is employed positively to convey a thoughtful, solicitous, and active concern for others. It implies a genuine, diligent attention to the needs and welfare of fellow members, moving beyond mere passive awareness to active engagement and support.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That there should be no schism in the body":** This clause presents a negative command, a prohibition against division. The Greek particle *hína mḗ* (G3363), translated "that... no," expresses purpose—God's design is explicitly for the absence of internal rifts, factions, or destructive disagreements within the church, which is the "body" of Christ. This underscores the divine imperative for unity and harmony among believers, emphasizing that disunity is contrary to God's will for His people.
* **"but [that] the members should have the same care one for another":** This clause offers the positive counterpart and the antidote to schism. The conjunction *allá* (G235), "but," introduces a strong contrast. Instead of division, Paul commands that individual "members" (G3196, *mélos*), or parts of the body, actively demonstrate *merimnáō* (G3309), a thoughtful and diligent "care" for *allḗlōn* (G240), "one another." The phrase "the same care" (G846, *autós*) implies an equitable, consistent, and reciprocal concern, mirroring the natural way a body's parts instinctively protect and support each other. This mutual solicitude is the practical outworking of Christian love and the foundation for true unity.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's masterful use of **Analogy** and **Metaphor** is the central literary device in [1 Corinthians 12](/1-corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - The Body of Christ"), with the human body serving as a profound representation of the church. In verse 25, this metaphor underpins the entire command, making the abstract concept of spiritual unity tangible and relatable. The verse also employs **Antithesis**, sharply contrasting "no schism" with "the same care one for another." This juxtaposition highlights the destructive nature of division and the constructive power of mutual concern, presenting them as mutually exclusive states for the body of Christ. Furthermore, the **Didactic Tone** is evident, as Paul issues a direct, authoritative instruction, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding God's expectation for the church's internal dynamics.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Corinthians 12:25 is a profound theological statement on the nature of the church as God's unified organism, designed to function in harmonious interdependence rather than fragmented individualism. It underscores that the Holy Spirit, who distributes diverse gifts ([1 Corinthians 12:7-11](/1-corinthians/12-7-11 "1 Corinthians 12:7-11 - Diversity of Gifts")), does so not to create hierarchy or division, but to equip each member for the common good and the building up of the whole body. This divine design for unity is rooted in the very character of God, who is one, and reflects the Trinitarian communion. The command for mutual care elevates the well-being of the community above individual preferences or perceived status, making selfless love the operational principle of the church, thus mirroring Christ's own self-sacrificial love for His body.

* [Ephesians 4:1-3](/ephesians/4-1-3 "Ephesians 4:1-3 - Unity of the Spirit")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 12:25 remains profoundly relevant for the church in every age, serving as a timeless call to embody the counter-cultural unity and selfless love that define authentic Christian community. It challenges believers to actively resist any impulse toward factionalism, gossip, or competition, which tear at the fabric of fellowship. Instead, it compels us to cultivate a genuine, empathetic concern for every fellow member, recognizing that their struggles are our struggles, and their joys are our joys. This means actively listening, offering practical support, extending grace, and celebrating the unique contributions of those whose gifts or roles may seem less prominent. Embracing this verse means intentionally fostering environments where every individual feels valued, seen, and integral to the collective mission, ensuring that the church functions not as a collection of individuals, but as a living, breathing organism that powerfully testifies to the unifying power of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my church, inadvertently contribute to "schism" or division, even subtly?**
* **How can I more intentionally demonstrate "the same care" for fellow believers, particularly those whose gifts or perspectives differ from my own?**
* **What practical steps can our church take to foster deeper interdependence and mutual concern among its members?**
* **How does valuing every member, even those considered "weaker" or "less honorable," strengthen the entire body of Christ?**

### FAQ
**What constitutes "schism" in the church today, beyond overt denominational splits?**

Answer: While denominational splits are clear examples of schism, [1 Corinthians 12:25](/1-corinthians/12-25 "1 Corinthians 12:25 - No Schism in the Body") points to a deeper, more insidious form of division within a local body. "Schism" (Greek: *schísma*) literally means a "tear" or "rent," implying a tearing apart of what should be whole. In a contemporary church context, this can manifest as cliques, factions, gossip, backbiting, exclusion, judgmental attitudes, or a competitive spirit regarding spiritual gifts or roles. It also includes the tendency to undervalue or disregard certain members, leading to their marginalization, or to elevate oneself or one's preferred group above others. Any attitude or action that undermines the unity, harmony, and mutual respect within the local congregation, preventing the body from functioning as a cohesive unit, can be considered a form of schism.

**How can a church practically cultivate "the same care one for another" as commanded in this verse?**

Answer: Cultivating "the same care one for another" requires intentional effort and a shift from individualism to communal responsibility. Practically, this involves creating opportunities for genuine fellowship and relationship-building beyond Sunday services, such as small groups or ministry teams. It means encouraging active listening, empathy, and bearing one another's burdens ([Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bear One Another's Burdens")). Churches can promote this by highlighting the value of every gift and role, ensuring that "less visible" ministries are celebrated, and fostering a culture where members feel comfortable sharing needs and receiving support. Leadership should model vulnerability and mutual submission, and teaching should consistently emphasize the interdependence of the body and the practical outworking of [agape love](/1-corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Love Chapter"). Ultimately, it's about fostering a family-like environment where members are truly invested in each other's spiritual and physical well-being.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Corinthians 12:25 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ, who is the very Head of the Body, the Church ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ is the Head of the Body")). His life perfectly exemplified the "same care one for another," as He continually served, healed, and laid down His life for His disciples and for humanity ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The absence of "schism" in the body is a direct reflection of Christ's prayer for His followers' unity in [John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity"), desiring that they be "one, just as we are one." Furthermore, Christ's atoning work on the cross broke down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Breaking Down the Dividing Wall")), creating one new humanity from diverse backgrounds, thereby establishing the foundation for a unified body. The church's ability to live out this mutual care and unity is not merely a human endeavor but a supernatural work of the Spirit, empowered by Christ's indwelling presence, allowing the world to see the love of God manifested through His unified people ([John 13:35](/john/13-35 "John 13:35 - Love One Another")). Thus, when the church embodies the principles of 1 Corinthians 12:25, it most faithfully reflects the character and mission of its Head, Jesus 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

2 Corinthians 13:11

¶ Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

1 Corinthians 1:10

¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

1 Corinthians 1:12

Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

John 17:21

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

John 17:26

And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare [it]: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

2 Corinthians 8:16

¶ But thanks [be] to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

1 Corinthians 3:3

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas [there is] among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?