1 Corinthians 12:26

KJV

And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} whether {G1535} one {G1520} member {G3196} suffer {G3958}, all {G3956} the members {G3196} suffer with it {G4841}; or {G1535} one {G1520} member {G3196} be honoured {G1392}, all {G3956} the members {G3196} rejoice with it {G4796}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus if one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; and if one part is honored, all the parts share its happiness.

Berean Standard Bible

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

American Standard Version

And whether one member suffereth, all the members suffer with it; or one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The apostle Paul's declaration in 1 Corinthians 12:26 profoundly illustrates the organic unity and profound interdependence of believers within the church, which he likens to a physical body. This verse asserts that the experiences of individual members—whether suffering or honor—are not isolated but are deeply felt and shared by the entire community, demanding a collective response of empathy, solidarity, and mutual celebration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [1 Corinthians 12](/1-corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ") is a pivotal chapter within Paul’s broader discourse on spiritual gifts and the nature of the church. Leading up to [verse 26](/1-corinthians/12-26 "1 Corinthians 12:26 - Shared Suffering and Joy"), Paul has meticulously developed the analogy of the human body, emphasizing that just as a body has diverse yet interconnected parts, so too does the church comprise members with varied gifts and roles ([1 Corinthians 12:12-20](/1-corinthians/12-12-20 "1 Corinthians 12:12-20 - The Body's Many Parts")). He specifically highlights that seemingly "weaker" or "less honorable" parts are indispensable and should be given greater honor ([1 Corinthians 12:21-25](/1-corinthians/12-21-25 "1 Corinthians 12:21-25 - No Disharmony in the Body")). [Verse 26](/1-corinthians/12-26 "1 Corinthians 12:26 - Shared Suffering and Joy") serves as the culminating practical implication of this unity, demonstrating how true interdependence manifests in shared emotional and spiritual experiences.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was plagued by divisions, rivalries, and a misguided understanding of spiritual gifts, often leading to arrogance among those with more outwardly impressive gifts and a sense of inferiority among others. The city of Corinth itself was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub, known for its diverse population and often individualistic culture. Paul’s letter directly addresses these internal conflicts and the prevailing cultural norms by reorienting their understanding of community around the principle of mutual dependence and love, challenging their tendency towards self-exaltation and disunity. His use of the body metaphor would have been readily understood by a Greco-Roman audience familiar with philosophical discussions of the polis (city-state) as a unified body.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 12:26](/1-corinthians/12-26 "1 Corinthians 12:26 - Shared Suffering and Joy") powerfully articulates several core themes central to Paul’s teaching in [1 Corinthians](/1-corinthians/1 "The First Letter to the Corinthians"). Foremost is the theme of **Unity in Diversity**, underscoring that while members possess different gifts, they are inextricably linked as one body. This leads to the theme of **Interdependence**, where no member can function in isolation, and the well-being of one affects all. The verse also highlights **Shared Suffering and Joy**, calling believers to a profound empathy that transcends individual experiences, demanding that they bear one another's burdens ([Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bear One Another's Burdens")) and celebrate one another's blessings. Ultimately, these themes culminate in the overarching principle of **Love** ([1 Corinthians 13](/1-corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Superiority of Love")), which is the essential glue that binds the body together and enables such mutual care.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **member (Greek, _mélos'_):** From G3196, meaning a limb or part of the body. In this context, it refers metaphorically to individual believers within the church, emphasizing their organic connection to the whole body of Christ. Each believer, regardless of their perceived significance, is an indispensable and integral component of the collective spiritual organism.
* **suffer with (Greek, _sympáschō'_):** From G4841, combining "with" (σύν) and "to suffer" (πάσχω). It denotes experiencing pain jointly or of the same kind, highlighting a deep, shared empathy and solidarity among believers in times of affliction or persecution. This is not mere sympathy, but a profound identification with the pain of another as if it were one's own.
* **rejoice with (Greek, _synchaírō'_):** From G4796, combining "with" (σύν) and "to rejoice" (χαίρω). This term signifies sympathizing in gladness or congratulating, underscoring the corporate nature of joy and the call for the entire community to celebrate another member's honor or blessing. It implies a genuine, unselfish delight in the prosperity or recognition of a fellow believer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it":** This clause establishes the principle of shared pain within the Body of Christ. It means that when any individual believer ("one member") experiences hardship, affliction, trial, or distress, the entire community of faith ("all the members") is called to feel and participate in that suffering. This participation is not passive observation but an active, empathetic identification, where the pain of one is genuinely borne by the whole, fostering a deep sense of solidarity and mutual compassion.
* **"or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it":** This second clause presents the reciprocal truth regarding shared joy. When a believer receives honor, blessing, success, or experiences a triumph, the collective body of Christ is meant to celebrate and find genuine joy in that individual's good fortune. This reflects a spirit of unity that overcomes envy or indifference, demonstrating that the success of one is a cause for communal gladness, affirming the value and contribution of each part to the whole.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [1 Corinthians 12:26](/1-corinthians/12-26 "1 Corinthians 12:26 - Shared Suffering and Joy") to convey his message. The primary device is **Analogy**, specifically the **Metaphor** of the human body to represent the church. This extended metaphor, developed throughout [1 Corinthians 12](/1-corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ"), allows Paul to illustrate complex theological truths about unity, diversity, and interdependence in a relatable and tangible way. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, contrasting the shared experience of suffering with the shared experience of rejoicing. This balanced structure emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the body's interconnectedness, encompassing both trials and triumphs. Furthermore, the repetition of "all the members" acts as a form of **Emphasis**, reinforcing the collective responsibility and universal impact of individual experiences within the community of faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Corinthians 12:26](/1-corinthians/12-26 "1 Corinthians 12:26 - Shared Suffering and Joy") is a profound theological statement on the nature of the church as the living Body of Christ, not merely an organization or a collection of individuals. It underscores the divine design for Christian community, where genuine love (agape) manifests as a radical empathy and solidarity. This verse challenges any notion of individualism or isolation within the faith, asserting that our spiritual well-being is inextricably linked to that of our fellow believers. It calls the church to embody the very heart of God, who suffers with His people and delights in their flourishing, reflecting the Trinitarian unity in diversity. The practical outworking of this truth is a community characterized by authentic compassion, mutual support, and unselfish celebration, where the burdens of one are truly shared and the joys of one are truly multiplied.

* [Romans 12:5](/romans/12-5 "Romans 12:5 - Many Members, One Body")
* [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bear One Another's Burdens")
* [Philippians 2:4](/philippians/2-4 "Philippians 2:4 - Look Out for Others")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 12:26](/1-corinthians/12-26 "1 Corinthians 12:26 - Shared Suffering and Joy") serves as a powerful and enduring call to action for every believer and every local church. It challenges us to move beyond superficial fellowship and engage in genuine, empathetic connection with our brothers and sisters in Christ. In a world increasingly fragmented and individualistic, this verse reminds us that the church is meant to be a counter-cultural community where the joys and sorrows of one are truly shared by all. This requires intentionality: actively listening to one another's stories, praying for specific needs, offering practical support in times of crisis, and celebrating milestones with sincere enthusiasm. It demands that we cultivate a heart of compassion that feels the pain of others as our own, and a spirit of generosity that rejoices in their blessings without envy. Living out this verse transforms the church from a gathering of individuals into a vibrant, interconnected body, reflecting the love and unity of Christ to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I actively "suffer with" fellow believers who are experiencing hardship or pain?**
* **How genuinely do I "rejoice with" others when they receive honor, blessing, or experience success? Am I prone to envy or indifference?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to deepen my empathetic connection with one or more members of my church community?**
* **How might our church community better embody the principles of shared suffering and shared joy, moving beyond mere acquaintance to true interdependence?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by the church being a "body" with "members"?**

Answer: When Paul refers to the church as a "body" and believers as "members," he is using a powerful **metaphor** to explain the organic unity and interdependence of all Christians. Just as a physical body has many different parts (hands, feet, eyes, ears) that are all essential and work together for the good of the whole, so too is the church composed of many individual believers, each with unique spiritual gifts, roles, and functions. No part is insignificant or dispensable. This metaphor, particularly in [1 Corinthians 12](/1-corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ"), emphasizes that despite their diversity, all believers are connected to one another and to Christ, who is the head of the body ([Ephesians 4:15-16](/ephesians/4-15-16 "Ephesians 4:15-16 - Christ, the Head of the Body")). The implication is that the health and flourishing of the whole body depend on the mutual care and functioning of each individual member.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 12:26](/1-corinthians/12-26 "1 Corinthians 12:26 - Shared Suffering and Joy") finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect example in Jesus Christ Himself. Our Lord perfectly embodied the principle of suffering with humanity, taking on flesh and experiencing the full spectrum of human pain, sorrow, and temptation, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our High Priest Sympathizes")). His identification with our suffering culminated in His atoning death on the cross, where He bore the sins and sorrows of the world, truly suffering *for* us and *with* us in our fallen state ([Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - He Bore Our Griefs")). Furthermore, Jesus rejoices in the honor and salvation of His members. His ultimate purpose was to bring many sons to glory ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Bringing Many Sons to Glory")), and He finds joy in our redemption and sanctification ([John 15:11](/john/15-11 "John 15:11 - My Joy May Be in You")). When believers suffer, Christ suffers with them, as He Himself declared in His identification with His persecuted church ([Acts 9:4-5](/acts/9-4-5 "Acts 9:4-5 - Saul, Saul, Why Do You Persecute Me?")). Conversely, when His followers are honored or experience blessing, it brings glory to His name, and He shares in that divine pleasure. Thus, the mutual empathy and celebration called for in [1 Corinthians 12:26](/1-corinthians/12-26 "1 Corinthians 12:26 - Shared Suffering and Joy") are a reflection of Christ's own heart for His Body, the Church.

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

Romans 12:15

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Galatians 6:2

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Hebrews 13:3

Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; [and] them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

1 Peter 3:8

¶ Finally, [be ye] all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, [be] pitiful, [be] courteous:

2 Corinthians 11:28

Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

2 Corinthians 11:29

Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?