1 Corinthians 12:26

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

This verse, 1 Corinthians 12:26, is a powerful statement on the unity and interdependence of believers within the church, often referred to as the Body of Christ.

Context

Paul has been explaining to the Corinthian church that just as a human body has many different parts, all essential and working together, so too does the church. Each member, regardless of their specific spiritual gift or role, is a vital part of the whole. Verses leading up to this point emphasize that the seemingly weaker or less honorable parts are indispensable. Verse 26 serves as a conclusion to this segment, highlighting the practical implication of this interconnectedness: mutual sensitivity and care.

Key Themes

  • Unity and Interdependence: The verse stresses that individual experiences within the church body are shared by the whole. No member is isolated.
  • Shared Suffering: When one believer faces hardship, trials, or persecution (to "suffer"), the entire community should feel that pain and empathy. This calls for compassion and support.
  • Shared Joy: Conversely, when a member experiences blessing, success, or honor, the whole body should celebrate and rejoice with them, avoiding envy or indifference.
  • Empathy and Mutual Care: The underlying message is the call for believers to truly care for one another, sharing deeply in each other's lives.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "suffer," paschō, implies experiencing something deeply, whether good or bad, but often used in the context of affliction. "Rejoice with," syncharō, explicitly includes the prefix syn-, meaning "with" or "together," underscoring the corporate nature of the joy experienced. This highlights the intended collective emotional response within the church body.

Reflection and Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 12:26 is a direct challenge to individualism within the church. It calls us to move beyond superficial fellowship to genuine, empathetic connection. Are we truly aware of the struggles and triumphs of our fellow members? Do we share in their burdens and celebrate their blessings as if they were our own? This verse encourages active participation in the lives of others, fostering a community where burdens are shared and joys are multiplied, reflecting the true nature of the Body of Christ.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 12:15 (12 votes)

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

  • Galatians 6:2 (11 votes)

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

  • Hebrews 13:3 (9 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • 2 Corinthians 11:28 (-1 votes)

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

  • 2 Corinthians 11:29 (-1 votes)

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