1 Corinthians 12:4

KJV

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} there are {G1526} diversities {G1243} of gifts {G5486}, but {G1161} the same {G846} Spirit {G4151}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now there are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit gives them.

Berean Standard Bible

There are different gifts, but the same Spirit.

American Standard Version

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 12:4 introduces the foundational truth that while spiritual gifts are diverse in their manifestation and function, they all originate from the singular, unifying source of the Holy Spirit. This verse initiates Paul's comprehensive instruction to the Corinthian church, addressing their misconceptions and divisions regarding these divine endowments by establishing the essential principle of variety undergirded by divine unity, setting the stage for understanding the church as a cohesive body empowered by God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful opening statement to Paul's extensive discourse on spiritual gifts in [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 - Order in Worship and Gifts"). The Corinthian church was grappling with significant issues, including pride, factionalism, and a misunderstanding of the purpose and operation of spiritual gifts. It appears they were elevating certain, more outwardly impressive gifts (like speaking in tongues) while devaluing others, leading to disorder and disunity within their assemblies. Paul's aim in this section is to correct these errors, foster mutual appreciation, and guide the church toward exercising all gifts for the common good and the edification of the entire body of Christ, beginning with the crucial premise of the Spirit's singular origin for all gifts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a bustling, wealthy Roman port city, known for its diverse population, philosophical schools, and rampant immorality, including various pagan cults. In such a syncretistic environment, ecstatic experiences, often associated with pagan deities, were common. This background likely influenced the Corinthian believers, leading some to seek dramatic spiritual manifestations or to equate spiritual power with outward displays, similar to pagan practices. Paul's emphasis on the *source* and *purpose* of gifts distinguishes Christian spiritual experiences from pagan ones, grounding them in the ethical and unifying work of the Holy Spirit, rather than individualistic or chaotic displays. The church's internal struggles mirrored the city's diverse and often competitive social structures.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Corinthians 12:4 introduces several critical themes that Paul develops throughout the chapter and beyond. Foremost is the theme of **Diversity in Unity**, asserting that the multiplicity of gifts does not imply disunity but rather a unified purpose under a single divine agent. This directly counters the Corinthian tendency towards division. Another key theme is **Divine Empowerment and Grace**, highlighting that these abilities are not natural talents or human achievements but supernatural endowments, freely given by God's grace (as implied by "gifts," *charismata*). This underscores that the gifts are for service, not for personal glory. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of the **Sovereignty of the Spirit** in distributing these gifts, a concept further elaborated in [1 Corinthians 12:11](/1_corinthians/12-11 "1 Corinthians 12:11 - The Spirit Distributes Gifts as He Wills"), where Paul states the Spirit "distributes to each one individually as He wills." This divine distribution ensures that each member contributes uniquely to the functioning of [the body of Christ](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12 - The Body of Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **diversities (Greek, _diaíresis'_):** From G1243, meaning "a distinction or (concretely) variety." This term emphasizes the manifold nature of spiritual gifts, indicating that they are distinct in their operation, manifestation, and effect. It points to a deliberate apportionment or distribution, highlighting the varied ways the Spirit works through believers.
* **gifts (Greek, _chárisma'_):** From G5486, meaning "a (divine) gratuity, i.e. deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a (spiritual) endowment, i.e. (subjectively) religious qualification, or (objectively) miraculous faculty." This word is crucial as it links the spiritual abilities directly to God's grace (*charis*), emphasizing that they are unearned, freely given endowments, not human achievements or natural talents. They are specifically for the spiritual benefit and empowerment of the church.
* **Spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** From G4151, meaning "a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit." In this context, it unequivocally refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who is the divine source and distributor of all these diverse spiritual endowments.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now there are diversities of gifts":** This opening clause immediately establishes the reality of variety within the spiritual endowments given to believers. The term "diversities" (διαίρεσις, *diaíresis*) signifies distinct categories or distributions, implying that the Holy Spirit does not bestow a single gift upon all, but rather a wide array of different abilities and ministries. The "gifts" (χαρίσματα, *charísmata*) are explicitly "grace-gifts," underscoring their divine origin and gratuitous nature. They are not earned or merited but are sovereignly given by God's favor to equip believers for service within the church.
* **"but the same Spirit":** This contrasting clause, introduced by "but" (δὲ, *dé*), provides the essential counterpoint to the preceding statement. Despite the manifold variety of gifts, their ultimate source is singular and unified: the Holy Spirit. This emphasizes that the diversity of manifestations does not lead to fragmentation but is held together by the unified agency of the Spirit. This truth is foundational for promoting unity and preventing competition or division within the body of Christ, as it grounds all spiritual activity in the one divine Person.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Juxtaposition** and **Antithesis** in 1 Corinthians 12:4 to highlight a profound theological truth. The contrasting phrases "diversities of gifts" and "the same Spirit" are placed side-by-side to emphasize that variety and unity are not mutually exclusive but coexist under divine orchestration. This creates a powerful tension that immediately draws the reader's attention to the paradox of the Spirit's work. The use of the adversative particle "but" (G1161, *dé*) reinforces this contrast, setting up the central argument of the entire chapter: that the manifold expressions of God's grace are all rooted in a single, unified divine source. This rhetorical strategy effectively corrects the Corinthian misunderstanding by establishing unity as the underlying principle of all spiritual manifestations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 12:4 lays the groundwork for understanding the Trinitarian nature of spiritual gifts, as Paul immediately follows this verse by attributing different aspects of spiritual service to "the same Lord" (Jesus Christ) and "the same God" (the Father) in verses 5-6. This reveals a profound theological truth: the diverse operations of God within the church are a unified work of the entire Godhead, with the Holy Spirit empowering, the Lord Jesus directing, and God the Father originating all spiritual activity. The verse also underscores the concept of divine grace, as "gifts" (charismata) are inherently expressions of God's unmerited favor, given not based on human merit but on divine sovereignty for the common good of the church. This truth promotes humility and interdependence among believers, reminding them that all spiritual effectiveness flows from God alone.

* [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6-8 "Romans 12:6-8 - Gifts Differing According to Grace")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for Equipping the Saints")
* [1 Corinthians 12:11](/1_corinthians/12-11 "1 Corinthians 12:11 - The Spirit Distributes Gifts as He Wills")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 1 Corinthians 12:4 serves as a foundational reminder that the Holy Spirit is the singular, unifying source of all genuine spiritual gifts within the church. This understanding should profoundly shape our perspective on ourselves and others within the Christian community. It calls us to embrace the rich diversity of God's workings without succumbing to comparison, pride, or envy. Recognizing that all gifts flow from the same Spirit fosters a deep sense of unity, interdependence, and mutual appreciation. It encourages us to humbly discover and faithfully steward the unique grace-gifts God has bestowed upon us, not for personal glory, but for the edification and strengthening of the entire body of Christ. This verse challenges any tendency to elevate certain gifts over others and instead promotes a holistic view where every Spirit-empowered contribution is vital and valued for the church's health and mission.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the Holy Spirit as the sole source of gifts impact my view of my own abilities and those of others within the church?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to elevate certain spiritual gifts over others, and how can 1 Corinthians 12:4 challenge that perspective?**
* **How can the principle of "diversity of gifts, but the same Spirit" strengthen unity and collaboration within my local church community?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between spiritual gifts and natural talents?**

Answer: While both spiritual gifts and natural talents are ultimately from God, they differ in their origin, purpose, and nature. Natural talents are innate abilities or developed skills that are common to all humanity, regardless of faith (e.g., musical ability, athleticism, intelligence). They can be used for various purposes, including God's glory, but are not inherently spiritual. Spiritual gifts, on the other hand, are supernatural empowerments given *only* to believers by the Holy Spirit, typically at conversion or subsequent infilling, specifically for the building up of the church and the advancement of God's kingdom. They are "grace-gifts" (*charismata*), meaning they are freely given by divine grace. For example, a natural talent might be public speaking, but a spiritual gift could be prophecy or teaching, supernaturally enabled to communicate God's truth with divine authority and impact. [1 Peter 4:10](/1_peter/4-10 "1 Peter 4:10 - Using Gifts to Serve Others") emphasizes that we are to use whatever gift we have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace.

**Why is it important that the gifts come from "the same Spirit"?**

Answer: The emphasis on "the same Spirit" is critically important for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures unity within the diverse body of believers. If gifts came from different sources, it could lead to fragmentation and competition, as was happening in Corinth. By highlighting the single divine source, Paul underscores that all gifts, regardless of their outward manifestation, serve a unified purpose: the glory of God and the edification of the church. Secondly, it prevents pride and self-exaltation, reminding believers that their abilities are not self-generated but divinely bestowed. No one gift is superior, as all are expressions of the same Spirit's work. Thirdly, it guarantees the authenticity and divine authority of the gifts, distinguishing them from human abilities or even deceptive spiritual manifestations. This foundational truth ensures that the church remains a cohesive and Spirit-empowered community, working together under the guidance of the one Holy Spirit to fulfill its mission as [the body of Christ](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You Are the Body of Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 12:4, by declaring the Holy Spirit as the singular source of diverse gifts, points profoundly to Christ's ongoing work in and through His church. The Holy Spirit, often referred to as the "Spirit of Christ" ([Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - The Spirit of Christ")), was promised by Jesus Himself to empower His disciples after His ascension ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit"); [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Be Witnesses")). Thus, the distribution of spiritual gifts by the Spirit is a direct continuation of Christ's ministry on earth, equipping His body—the church—to carry out His mission. These gifts enable believers to manifest Christ's presence, power, and character to the world, extending His healing, teaching, and prophetic voice. The unity emphasized in "the same Spirit" reflects the unity within the Godhead and ensures that all spiritual activity ultimately glorifies Christ, who is the [head of the church](/ephesians/4-15 "Ephesians 4:15 - Christ, the Head of the Church"). The Spirit's role is always to point to and exalt Jesus ([John 16:14](/john/16-14 "John 16:14 - The Spirit Will Glorify Christ")), ensuring that the diverse expressions of divine grace in the church serve to build up Christ's body and make His saving work known.

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

1 Peter 4:10

As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

1 Corinthians 12:28

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:8

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

1 Corinthians 12:11

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

Hebrews 2:4

God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

Romans 12:4

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

Romans 12:6

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith;