1 Corinthians 12:7

KJV

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} the manifestation {G5321} of the Spirit {G4151} is given {G1325} to every man {G1538} to {G4314} profit withal {G4851}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, to each person is given the particular manifestation of the Spirit that will be for the common good.

Berean Standard Bible

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

American Standard Version

But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit to profit withal.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 12:7 articulates a foundational principle regarding the Holy Spirit's activity within the Christian community: the visible manifestation of the Spirit's power and presence is intentionally bestowed upon every believer. This divine endowment is not for individual boasting or personal advantage, but rather for the corporate benefit, edification, and flourishing of the entire body of Christ, ensuring that each member contributes to the common good.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned at the outset of Paul's comprehensive discourse on spiritual gifts, spanning [1 Corinthians chapters 12-14](/1_corinthians/12-14 "1 Corinthians 12-14 - Spiritual Gifts, Unity, and Love"). The Corinthian church was plagued by internal divisions, marked by factions and a profound misunderstanding or misuse of spiritual manifestations. It appears certain members were exalting particular gifts (like speaking in tongues) over others, leading to pride among those perceived as "gifted" and a sense of inferiority or marginalization among others. Paul addresses these chaotic tendencies by first establishing the singular source of all gifts—the one Spirit—and then emphasizing their diverse nature and unified purpose. His aim is to correct their distorted perspective, reminding them that all spiritual endowments are from God and are designed to build up the entire [body of Christ](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12 - The Body of Christ Metaphor"), not to create hierarchy, division, or competition. The subsequent chapters elaborate on the diversity of gifts ([1 Corinthians 12:8-10](/1_corinthians/12-8-10 "1 Corinthians 12:8-10 - Diverse Spiritual Gifts")), the metaphor of the body, and culminate in the supremacy of love as the essential motivation for all gift usage ([1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Superiority of Love")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub, renowned for its wealth, trade, and diverse religious practices, including various pagan mystery cults that often featured ecstatic experiences. It is plausible that some Corinthian believers, influenced by their pagan backgrounds, were importing these sensationalistic and individualistic expressions into Christian worship, leading to disorder and a focus on personal spiritual highs rather than corporate edification. Furthermore, Corinthian society was highly stratified, and this social hierarchy may have inadvertently influenced their understanding of spiritual status, leading some to believe certain spiritual gifts conferred greater prestige. Paul's teaching directly counters this by asserting that all gifts, regardless of their perceived prominence, are equally from God and are given for a communal purpose, thereby leveling the playing field and promoting humility and interdependence among believers. His emphasis on order and intelligibility in public worship in [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Order in Worship") further underscores the need to distinguish Spirit-led worship from pagan ecstatic practices.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 1 Corinthians and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Empowerment**, highlighting that spiritual gifts are not natural talents but supernatural workings of the Holy Spirit, making God's invisible presence and power visibly evident within the church. Secondly, it establishes the **Universal Distribution** of these gifts: "given to every man" (or every believer) emphasizes that no one in the body of Christ is left without a Spirit-given capacity for service, affirming that each member has a vital and indispensable role. Thirdly, and most critically, it stresses the **Corporate Purpose** of these gifts. The phrase "to profit withal" (KJV) or "for the common good" (NIV/ESV) clarifies that gifts are not for personal display, self-exaltation, or individual benefit, but for the mutual edification, strengthening, and growth of the entire community. This aligns perfectly with Paul's later emphasis on [love as the greatest gift](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Way of Love"), which inherently seeks the good of others. Finally, the verse implicitly introduces the theme of **Unity in Diversity**, laying the groundwork for the subsequent discussion in [1 Corinthians 12:8-10](/1_corinthians/12-8-10 "1 Corinthians 12:8-10 - Examples of Spiritual Gifts"), where Paul lists various gifts, all stemming from the same Spirit and serving the same unified purpose of building up the church.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **manifestation (Greek, _phanérōsis'_):** From G5321, meaning "exhibition, i.e. (figuratively) expression, (by extension) a bestowment." This word signifies a making visible or a disclosure of something previously hidden or unseen. In the context of the Spirit, it means that the Holy Spirit, though invisible, makes His presence, power, and activity evident and discernible through the spiritual gifts. It's not merely an internal feeling but an outward, observable expression of divine work.
* **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." Here, it unequivocally refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who is the source and giver of these supernatural abilities, distinguishing them from natural talents or human effort.
* **profit withal (Greek, _symphérō'_):** From G4851, meaning "to bear together (contribute), i.e. (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage." This crucial term emphasizes the corporate and beneficial nature of the gifts. It means "to bring together," "to be useful," or "to be advantageous for the whole." It decisively refutes any notion of gifts being for individualistic display or personal gain, asserting their communal, edifying purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the manifestation of the Spirit":** The opening "But" (G1161, _dé_) serves as a mild adversative or continuative, connecting this statement to the preceding verses which establish the Spirit as the singular source of all spiritual activity. "The manifestation of the Spirit" refers to the visible, tangible evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence and work within believers. It implies that the Spirit, who is unseen, makes Himself known through the diverse spiritual gifts. These are not humanly generated abilities but divine empowerments that reveal God's active presence in His church.
* **"is given to every man":** The verb "is given" (G1325, _dídōmi_) signifies a divine bestowal, a gracious act of God. The phrase "to every man" (G1538, _hékastos_) is profoundly significant, indicating a universal distribution of spiritual gifts among all genuine believers. It means that no one in the body of Christ is left without some Spirit-given capacity for service. This directly counters any elitism or sense of spiritual superiority, affirming that every member is equipped and valued by God for ministry.
* **"to profit withal.":** This final clause, introduced by "to" (G4314, _prós_, indicating purpose), clearly states the ultimate objective of the Spirit's manifestations. "To profit withal" (G4851, _symphérō_) means "for the common good," "for the advantage of all," or "for the collective benefit." This is the teleological heart of the verse, underscoring that spiritual gifts are not for personal aggrandizement or individual display, but are divinely purposed to build up, strengthen, and edify the entire community of faith. Every gift, therefore, finds its true meaning and value in its contribution to the well-being and growth of the church.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a clear **Purpose Clause** in this verse ("to profit withal"), explicitly stating the divine intention behind the distribution of spiritual gifts. This grammatical construction emphasizes the teleological nature of the Spirit's work, directing the focus away from individualistic gain and towards corporate edification. Furthermore, there is an inherent **Implication of Divine Agency**, where the passive voice "is given" subtly highlights that the bestowal of the manifestation of the Spirit is not a human achievement but a sovereign act of God. This reinforces the supernatural origin and purpose of the gifts, ensuring that all glory redounds to God rather than to the individual recipient.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 12:7 stands as a cornerstone for understanding the Spirit's work in the church, connecting deeply to the doctrine of the Holy Spirit (pneumatology) and the nature of the church (ecclesiology). It underscores God's intentional equipping of His people for corporate ministry, revealing that the Spirit's indwelling is not merely for personal sanctification but for active participation in the building up of Christ's body. This verse establishes a fundamental principle: spiritual gifts are not earned but graciously given, and their purpose is always communal, reflecting God's desire for unity, interdependence, and mutual edification among His people. It highlights that the church is a living organism, empowered by the Spirit, where every member plays a vital role in manifesting God's presence and advancing His kingdom.

* [Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4-8 "Romans 12:4-8 - Gifts for Service in the Body")
* [Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11-13 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Christ's Gifts for Equipping the Saints")
* [1 Peter 4:10-11](/1_peter/4-10-11 "1 Peter 4:10-11 - Ministering with Spiritual Gifts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This profound verse calls every believer to a sober and Spirit-led self-assessment regarding their role within the church. Since the "manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man," it means no Christian is without a divine endowment for service. Therefore, reflection should begin with discerning and acknowledging the specific ways the Holy Spirit has equipped us. This isn't about seeking personal glory or comparing ourselves with others, but about understanding our unique contribution to the collective good. Our gifts are not for our own benefit, but for the edification of others, compelling us to use them selflessly and strategically to build up the body of Christ. This perspective fosters humility, interdependence, and a deep sense of responsibility to steward God's grace for the flourishing of the church, ensuring that our service is always motivated by love and aimed at unity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I see the "manifestation of the Spirit" at work in my life and in the lives of other believers around me?**
* **How am I currently using the spiritual gifts God has given me to "profit withal" – that is, for the common good and edification of my local church community?**
* **What might be hindering me from fully recognizing or utilizing my spiritual gifts for the benefit of others, and how can I overcome these obstacles?**
* **How does understanding that every believer has a Spirit-given manifestation impact my view of other members in the church and foster greater unity?**

### FAQ
**Does "every man" literally mean every single person, or every believer?**

Answer: In the context of 1 Corinthians 12 and Paul's broader theology, "every man" (G1538, _hékastos_) refers to every genuine believer, every individual who has been incorporated into the body of Christ through faith. The preceding verses in [1 Corinthians 12:1-3](/1_corinthians/12-1-3 "1 Corinthians 12:1-3 - No one can say 'Jesus is Lord' except by the Holy Spirit") establish that acknowledging Jesus as Lord is a work of the Holy Spirit, implying that those who are part of the Christian community are indwelt by the Spirit. Therefore, the "manifestation of the Spirit" is a universal endowment for all who belong to Christ, ensuring that each member has a vital role and capacity for service within the church. It does not imply that spiritual gifts are given to non-believers.

**What does "to profit withal" mean in practical terms for the church today?**

Answer: "To profit withal" (G4851, _symphérō_) means "for the common good," "for the advantage of all," or "for the collective benefit." Practically, it means that spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit not for personal display, individual gain, or self-exaltation, but to build up, strengthen, and edify the entire body of Christ. This includes fostering unity, encouraging one another, meeting practical needs, evangelizing the lost, teaching sound doctrine, offering comfort, and promoting spiritual growth within the community. Every gift, whether seemingly small or prominent, is intended to contribute to the overall health, maturity, and mission of the church, ensuring that the church functions as a cohesive and effective witness to the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 12:7 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the Head of the Church and the ultimate Giver of gifts. While the verse speaks of the Spirit's manifestation, it is Christ who poured out the Spirit upon His church after His ascension, as promised in [John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - The Coming of the Holy Spirit"). The Spirit's gifts are manifestations of Christ's ongoing reign and His active presence among His people. It is Christ who "gave gifts to men" ([Ephesians 4:7-8](/ephesians/4-7-8 "Ephesians 4:7-8 - Christ's Gifts to the Church")), equipping His body to continue His ministry on earth. Just as Jesus Himself was empowered by the Spirit for His earthly ministry ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")), He now empowers His followers through the same Spirit to carry out the mission of the church. The purpose of these manifestations—"to profit withal"—reflects Christ's own selfless service and His sacrificial love for His church, which He gave Himself for ([Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ's Love for the Church")). Therefore, when believers exercise their Spirit-given gifts for the common good, they are not only manifesting the Spirit but also embodying the very character and mission of Christ, who is the [Head of the body, the church](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ, the Head of 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

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 Peter 4:11

If any man speak, [let him speak] as the oracles of God; if any man minister, [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

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;

Romans 12:8

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

1 Corinthians 14:19

Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that [by my voice] I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an [unknown] tongue.

1 Corinthians 14:12

Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual [gifts], seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

1 Corinthians 14:17

For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.