1 Corinthians 12:6

KJV

And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} there are {G1526} diversities {G1243} of operations {G1755}, but {G1161} it is {G2076} the same {G846} God {G2316} which {G3588} worketh {G1754} all {G3956} in {G1722} all {G3956}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And there are different modes of working, but it is the same God working them all in everyone.

Berean Standard Bible

There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people.

American Standard Version

And there are diversities of workings, but the same God, who worketh all things in all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 12:6 profoundly articulates the divine unity underlying the manifold expressions of God's power within the church. It asserts that while there are diverse "operations" or effective workings of the Holy Spirit through believers, the ultimate source, orchestrator, and empowering agent behind every spiritual manifestation is one and the same God. This verse serves as a foundational theological statement, emphasizing God's singular sovereignty and comprehensive activity in equipping and enabling His people for ministry, fostering both humility and harmony within the body of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's extensive discourse on spiritual gifts in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ"). The chapter opens with Paul's desire for the Corinthians to be properly informed about spiritual matters, specifically concerning the charismata, or grace-gifts ([1 Corinthians 12:1](/1_corinthians/12-1 "1 Corinthians 12:1 - Ignorance of Spiritual Gifts")). He immediately establishes a foundational principle of unity in diversity, stating that there are "diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 12:4](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4 - Diversities of Gifts")), and "differences of administrations, but the same Lord" ([1 Corinthians 12:5](/1_corinthians/12-5 "1 Corinthians 12:5 - Differences of Administrations")). Verse 6 completes this Trinitarian framework, attributing the "diversities of operations" to "the same God." This systematic progression from Spirit to Lord to God underscores the unified divine source behind all spiritual activity, setting the stage for Paul's subsequent analogy of the church as one body with many members, each indispensable ([1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a vibrant but deeply fractured community, grappling with various issues including internal divisions, moral laxity, and theological misunderstandings. In the realm of spiritual gifts, it appears some members were elevating certain gifts (like speaking in tongues) above others, leading to pride, envy, and disorder in their corporate gatherings. This created a competitive atmosphere where individuals might boast in their spiritual manifestations or feel inferior if they lacked certain prominent gifts. Paul's letter, particularly this section, directly addresses these abuses by reminding them of the divine origin and purpose of all gifts. The Greco-Roman world also had various mystery religions and cultic practices that involved ecstatic experiences, which may have influenced the Corinthians' understanding and pursuit of spiritual phenomena, leading to a focus on outward manifestations rather than the underlying divine purpose and unity. Paul's teaching seeks to correct these misconceptions, emphasizing the communal good and the singular source of all spiritual power.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ") is **Unity in Diversity** within the body of Christ. Verse 6 specifically contributes to this by affirming that despite the varied ways God works through individuals, the ultimate power and direction come from one unified divine source. This combats the divisive tendencies prevalent in Corinth by highlighting that all spiritual activity serves a singular divine purpose, as each manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good ([1 Corinthians 12:7](/1_corinthians/12-7 "1 Corinthians 12:7 - For the Common Good")). Another crucial theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Agency**, as the verse explicitly states that it is "the same God which worketh all in all." This underscores God's active involvement and ultimate control over every spiritual operation, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled through His people. This emphasis on God's comprehensive activity prevents human boasting and promotes humility, redirecting focus from the gifted individual to the gifting God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **diversities (Greek, _diaíresis'_):** This term (G1243) denotes a "distinction or variety." In the context of 1 Corinthians 12, it refers to the various kinds or categories of operations, implying a wide range of divine activities and effects. It highlights the multifaceted nature of God's work, which is not monolithic but expresses itself in numerous distinct ways.
* **operations (Greek, _enérgēma'_):** Derived from _energéō_ (G1754), this noun (G1755) signifies an "effect" or "working." It refers to the actual dynamic results, accomplishments, or manifestations of divine power. Unlike "gifts" (charismata) which are the endowments, or "administrations" (diakoniai) which are the services, "operations" point to the concrete, observable outcomes and effective workings that God produces through individuals.
* **worketh (Greek, _energéō'_):** This verb (G1754) means "to be active, efficient" or "to produce results." It emphasizes God's continuous, dynamic, and powerful action. The use of this verb, alongside the noun _enérgēma_, creates a powerful wordplay that underscores God's active and effective involvement in bringing about the "operations." It is not merely that God permits these workings, but that He is the active agent producing them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there are diversities of operations":** This clause acknowledges the reality of varied divine activities and effects within the church. Just as there are different gifts and different ways of serving, there are also distinct ways God's power manifests and produces results. This diversity is not chaotic but divinely ordained, reflecting the richness and multifaceted nature of God's activity in the world and through His people. It sets up the contrast that follows, emphasizing that this variety does not imply multiple sources.
* **"but it is the same God":** The conjunction "but" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a crucial contrast, shifting the focus from the variety of operations to their singular divine origin. This phrase emphatically declares that despite the outward differences, the ultimate source and power behind all these operations is one unified God. This directly counters any potential for division or competition by grounding all spiritual activity in the singular, sovereign will of God the Father.
* **"which worketh all in all":** This concluding phrase powerfully asserts the comprehensive scope and pervasive nature of God's work. "Worketh" (G1754, _energéō_) reiterates God's active agency. "All in all" (G3956 _pâs_ in G1722 _en_ G3956 _pâs_) signifies that God is at work in every aspect, in every individual, and in every manifestation. He is not merely the initiator but the ongoing sustainer and perfecter of all spiritual operations, permeating every facet of the church's life and ministry to achieve His purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in this concise verse. The primary device is **Antithesis**, contrasting the "diversities of operations" with the singular "same God." This stark opposition highlights the central theological truth: variety in manifestation does not negate unity in source. Furthermore, there is a clear instance of **Repetition** through the use of cognate words: _enérgēma_ (operations) and _energéō_ (worketh). This **Polyptoton** emphasizes the active, dynamic, and effective nature of God's involvement, reinforcing that these "operations" are indeed God's "workings." Finally, the phrase "all in all" functions as a form of **Merism** or **Totality**, indicating the complete and exhaustive scope of God's pervasive activity. It suggests that God's work is not limited to certain individuals or specific manifestations but encompasses every single aspect and every single person within the spiritual realm.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 12:6 is a profound theological statement on the unity of the Godhead in the work of the Spirit, completing Paul's Trinitarian emphasis on spiritual gifts. It underscores the active sovereignty of God the Father as the ultimate source and orchestrator of all spiritual manifestations, gifts, and ministries. This verse ensures that all glory for spiritual effectiveness is directed to God, preventing human pride and fostering a corporate humility within the church. It teaches that the diverse ways God works through His people are not random or disparate, but are part of a unified, divine plan, all ultimately originating from and empowered by the same God for the building up of His body.

* [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6-8 "Romans 12:6-8 - Diverse Gifts for Service")
* [Ephesians 4:4-6](/ephesians/4-4-6 "Ephesians 4:4-6 - One Body, One Spirit, One Lord, One God")
* [1 Peter 4:10-11](/1_peter/4-10-11 "1 Peter 4:10-11 - Ministering with God's Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 12:6 offers profound practical implications for believers and the church today. In a world often characterized by individualism, competition, and a tendency to elevate human achievement, this verse reorients our perspective toward God's ultimate sovereignty. It calls us to humility, reminding us that any spiritual effectiveness or impact we might have is not due to our inherent abilities or superior gifts, but entirely to the empowering work of the "same God" who "worketh all in all." This truth should dismantle pride and envy, encouraging us to celebrate the diverse ways God manifests His power through others, rather than comparing ourselves or competing for prominence. It fosters genuine unity, recognizing that every "operation," no matter how seemingly small or grand, is part of God's singular, comprehensive plan to build His kingdom. Our focus shifts from "what I do" to "what God does through me," promoting a healthy interdependence within the body of Christ, where each member values the unique divine working in others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that "it is the same God which worketh all in all" impact your view of your own spiritual gifts and ministries?**
* **In what ways might a focus on "diversities of operations" without acknowledging the "same God" lead to disunity or pride in a church community?**
* **How can recognizing God's comprehensive activity ("all in all") encourage you when you feel inadequate or when ministry seems difficult?**
* **What practical steps can you take to celebrate the diverse workings of God in others, rather than comparing or competing?**

### FAQ

**What is the difference between "gifts," "administrations," and "operations" in 1 Corinthians 12?**

Answer: Paul uses these three terms to describe different facets of God's work through the Holy Spirit, each attributed to a distinct person of the Trinity, yet all flowing from the one God. "Gifts" (Greek: _charismata_) refer to the spiritual endowments or abilities themselves, given by the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 12:4](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4 - Diversities of Gifts")). These are the innate capacities or manifestations of grace. "Administrations" or "ministries" (Greek: _diakoniai_) refer to the specific ways or spheres of service in which these gifts are exercised, overseen by the Lord Jesus Christ ([1 Corinthians 12:5](/1_corinthians/12-5 "1 Corinthians 12:5 - Differences of Administrations")). This speaks to the practical application and organization of ministry. "Operations" (Greek: _energēmata_) refer to the actual effects, results, or powerful workings that God the Father produces through the exercise of these gifts in these administrations ([1 Corinthians 12:6](/1_corinthians/12-6 "1 Corinthians 12:6 - Diversities of Operations")). It's the divine power that makes the gifts effective and productive. So, gifts are the abilities, administrations are the services, and operations are the divine power and results.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 12:6 explicitly names "God" (the Father) as the one who "worketh all in all," this truth finds its ultimate fulfillment and expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ is the very embodiment of God's active working in the world, the one through whom all things were created and through whom God reconciles the world to himself ([Colossians 1:16-20](/colossians/1-16-20 "Colossians 1:16-20 - Christ's Supremacy")). As the Head of the Church, Christ is the one who distributes the gifts of the Spirit to His body, equipping believers for ministry ([Ephesians 4:7-12](/ephesians/4-7-12 "Ephesians 4:7-12 - Gifts for the Church's Edification")). The "operations" of God are ultimately aimed at conforming believers to the image of Christ ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to Christ's Image")) and building up His body, the church, until it reaches the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ ([Ephesians 4:13](/ephesians/4-13 "Ephesians 4:13 - Attaining the Fullness of Christ")). Thus, the diverse workings of God are not arbitrary but serve the singular purpose of advancing Christ's kingdom and manifesting His glory through His empowered people, demonstrating that "it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" ([Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Christ Lives in Me")).

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 Corinthians 12:11

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

John 5:17

¶ But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.

1 Corinthians 3:7

So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

Ephesians 4:6

One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all.

Colossians 3:11

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.

Colossians 1:29

Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Philippians 2:13

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.