1 Corinthians 12:8

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} to one {G3739}{G3303} is given {G1325} by {G1223} the Spirit {G4151} the word {G3056} of wisdom {G4678};{G1161} to another {G243} the word {G3056} of knowledge {G1108} by {G2596} the same {G846} Spirit {G4151};

Complete Jewish Bible

To one, through the Spirit, is given a word of wisdom; to another, a word of knowledge, in accordance with the same Spirit;

Berean Standard Bible

To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit,

American Standard Version

For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom; and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 12:8, the Apostle Paul introduces two distinct spiritual endowments, the word of wisdom and the word of knowledge, both supernaturally bestowed by the Holy Spirit. This verse initiates a detailed exposition on the diversity of spiritual gifts, emphasizing their divine origin and their distribution among believers for the collective edification and flourishing of the church, rather than for individual acclaim or personal gain.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the beginning of Paul's extensive teaching on spiritual gifts in [1 Corinthians 12-14](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12-14 - Spiritual Gifts and Love"). Paul initiates this discussion in [1 Corinthians 12:1](/1_corinthians/12-1 "1 Corinthians 12:1 - Concerning Spiritual Gifts") to address significant misunderstandings and potential misuse of these supernatural manifestations within the Corinthian church. Having previously addressed issues of division, immorality, and disorder in worship, Paul now turns to the proper understanding and function of spiritual gifts, asserting that all genuine gifts originate from the one Holy Spirit and are given for the common good of the body, as stated in [1 Corinthians 12:7](/1_corinthians/12-7 "1 Corinthians 12:7 - Gifts for the Common Good"). This immediate context establishes a foundational principle of unity in diversity, where various gifts are distributed among different members, all contributing to the building up of the [body of Christ](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - The Body of Christ Metaphor").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling commercial hub, known for its diverse population, philosophical schools, and pagan religious practices, including ecstatic cults. The Corinthian church, a young and vibrant community, was grappling with internal divisions, moral laxity, and a potential overemphasis on certain spectacular spiritual gifts (like speaking in tongues) to the detriment of others. This led to pride, disorder in worship, and a lack of appreciation for less outwardly impressive but equally vital gifts. Paul's letter seeks to correct these imbalances, providing a theological framework for understanding spiritual gifts that counters the prevailing cultural values of individual prominence and rhetorical prowess, instead promoting humility, interdependence, and love as the supreme guide for all spiritual expression, as highlighted in [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Superiority of Love").

* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several major themes within 1 Corinthians and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Source** of spiritual gifts; they are not human talents but supernatural endowments from the Holy Spirit, emphasizing God's sovereignty in their distribution, as clearly stated in [1 Corinthians 12:11](/1_corinthians/12-11 "1 Corinthians 12:11 - The Spirit Distributes as He Wills"). Secondly, the phrase "to one... to another" highlights the **Diversity of Gifts** within the unified body of Christ, fostering **Interdependence** among believers, as no single individual possesses all gifts. Thirdly, the overarching theme of **Edification** (building up) is paramount, as all gifts, including the word of wisdom and knowledge, are given to strengthen and mature the church, serving the **Common Good** rather than personal glorification.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Greek, _lógos'_):** From G3056, "something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive." In this context, _lógos_ signifies a divinely inspired utterance or communication, suggesting that these gifts are not a continuous state of possessing all wisdom or knowledge, but rather specific, Spirit-given expressions or disclosures pertinent to a particular situation or need. It points to a spoken or conveyed insight, rather than an inherent intellectual capacity.
* **wisdom (Greek, _sophía'_):** From G4678, "wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)." Here, _sophía_ refers to a supernatural insight into God's divine purpose and will, enabling a believer to apply spiritual truth to practical situations. It is not merely human sagacity or accumulated knowledge, but a divine discernment that provides guidance, often in complex or challenging circumstances, revealing God's perspective and solution.
* **knowledge (Greek, _gnōsis'_):** From G1108, "knowing (the act), i.e. (by implication) knowledge." In this verse, _gnōsis_ denotes a supernatural revelation of facts or truth that could not be known through natural means. It is a divine understanding, often pertaining to divine mysteries, hidden truths, or specific information relevant to a situation, individual, or theological concept, supernaturally disclosed by the Spirit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom":** This clause introduces the first of two specific spiritual gifts. The introductory "For" (G1063, _gár_) connects this statement to the preceding truth that the Spirit distributes gifts. The phrase "to one is given" underscores the sovereign distribution of gifts by God. "By the Spirit" (G1223, _diá_ with G4151, _pneûma_) emphatically states the divine source of this ability, distinguishing it from natural human aptitude. The "word of wisdom" (G3056, _lógos_ of G4678, _sophía_) refers to a divinely inspired utterance or insight that provides supernatural understanding and application of God's truth for a specific situation, offering divine counsel or direction.
* **"to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit":** This second clause introduces a distinct, yet equally divine, spiritual gift. The phrase "to another" (G243, _állos_) highlights the diversity in the Spirit's distribution, ensuring that different individuals receive different manifestations. The "word of knowledge" (G3056, _lógos_ of G1108, _gnōsis_) signifies a supernatural revelation of facts or truths that could not be known by natural means, often pertaining to divine mysteries, hidden information, or specific insights into a person or situation. The concluding "by the same Spirit" (G2596, _katá_ with G846, _autós_ and G4151, _pneûma_) powerfully reiterates the singular divine source behind all the diverse gifts, reinforcing the unity of the Spirit despite the variety of His manifestations.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his message effectively. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, seen in the repeated structure "to one is given... to another" ("ἑτέρῳ δὲ δίδοται... ἄλλῳ δὲ"). This rhetorical device emphasizes the diverse distribution of gifts among different individuals within the church, while simultaneously highlighting the singular source of these gifts. There is also a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** in the phrase "word of wisdom" and "word of knowledge," where "word" (λόγος, _lógos_) represents the manifestation or expression of the gift itself, rather than the continuous possession of wisdom or knowledge. This implies that the gifts are specific, divinely-prompted utterances or insights, given for a particular moment or need. The subtle **Repetition** of "by the Spirit" (explicitly in the first clause, and implied by "by the same Spirit" in the second) serves as a powerful **Emphasis** on the divine origin and supernatural nature of these gifts, underscoring that they are not human achievements but divine endowments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 12:8 firmly establishes the supernatural nature of spiritual gifts, rooting them in the sovereign will and power of the Holy Spirit. These are not natural talents honed by human effort, but divine empowerments for specific purposes within the body of Christ. The distinction between "wisdom" and "knowledge" highlights the Spirit's multifaceted work, providing both profound insight into God's will for practical application and supernatural revelation of truth. This diversity is crucial for the church's holistic function, ensuring that all aspects of its mission—from teaching and guidance to discernment and evangelism—are divinely equipped. The underlying theological principle is that God, through His Spirit, actively works within His people, enabling them to minister effectively and demonstrate His presence in the world. These gifts serve to build up the church, equip believers for service, and ultimately bring glory to God.

* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for Equipping the Saints")
* [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6-8 "Romans 12:6-8 - Diversity of Gifts and Their Use")
* [1 Corinthians 14:26](/1_corinthians/14-26 "1 Corinthians 14:26 - Order in Church Meetings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding 1 Corinthians 12:8 encourages believers to recognize and appreciate the diverse ways God works through His people within the church. It calls us to move beyond a focus on individual abilities and instead embrace the Holy Spirit's sovereign distribution of gifts for the common good. We are challenged to prayerfully seek to identify our own spiritual gifts, not for personal recognition, but for the purpose of serving others and building up the body of Christ. This passage fosters humility, reminding us that no gift is inherently superior, and all are vital for the healthy functioning of the Christian community. It also promotes interdependence, as we rely on the Spirit's work through one another. Ultimately, the application of these gifts should always be guided by love, ensuring that our supernatural endowments are used to edify, guide, and spiritually mature the entire church, reflecting God's wisdom and knowledge to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I identify the spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit has given me?**
* **In what ways can I actively use my gifts to serve and build up others in my local church or community?**
* **How does understanding the divine source of spiritual gifts impact my humility and my appreciation for the gifts of other believers?**
* **Am I seeking God's supernatural wisdom and knowledge through prayer and His Word when facing decisions or needing guidance?**

### FAQ
**What is the practical difference between the "word of wisdom" and the "word of knowledge"?**

Answer: While both are supernatural revelations from the Holy Spirit, the "word of wisdom" typically refers to a divine insight into God's will or purpose for a specific situation, enabling a believer to apply spiritual truth with practical discernment. It's about knowing what to do or say in a particular circumstance to align with God's plan. For example, a word of wisdom might guide a leader in making a difficult decision or offer counsel that brings peace to a contentious situation. In contrast, the "word of knowledge" involves a supernatural disclosure of facts or truths that could not be known by natural means. This might include information about a person's past, a hidden spiritual truth, or a specific detail relevant to a ministry context. It's about knowing something supernaturally revealed, often for the purpose of prayer, evangelism, or teaching. Both gifts serve to reveal God's mind and heart, but one focuses on application and the other on revelation of information.

**Are the "word of wisdom" and "word of knowledge" still active in the church today?**

Answer: Yes, many Christians and denominations believe that all the spiritual gifts mentioned in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts") are still active and available to believers today. The Holy Spirit continues to work in powerful ways, distributing gifts as He wills for the building up of the church and the advancement of God's kingdom. While the specific manifestations might vary across cultures and contexts, the underlying principle of God supernaturally empowering believers with wisdom and knowledge for specific needs remains consistent with the biblical narrative of the Spirit's ongoing work. The purpose of these gifts—to edify the church and glorify God—is timeless.

**Are these gifts the same as human wisdom or intellectual knowledge?**

Answer: No, the "word of wisdom" and "word of knowledge" are distinct from human wisdom or intellectual knowledge. While God can certainly use and enhance natural human abilities, these spiritual gifts are explicitly described as being "given by the Spirit." This signifies their supernatural origin. Human wisdom is gained through experience, study, and discernment, while human knowledge is acquired through learning and investigation. The spiritual gifts, however, are divine impartations—a sudden, specific revelation or insight that transcends natural human capacity. They are not a permanent state of omniscience or supreme sagacity, but a divine utterance or understanding given for a particular moment or need, demonstrating the Spirit's active presence and power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The spiritual gifts, including the word of wisdom and the word of knowledge, find their ultimate source and purpose in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of divine wisdom and knowledge, for in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge")). When the Holy Spirit distributes these gifts to believers, He is empowering them to manifest aspects of Christ's own character and ministry. The word of wisdom enables the church to apply God's truth with the same divine insight that Jesus demonstrated in His earthly ministry, whether discerning the hearts of men ([John 2:25](/john/2-25 "John 2:25 - Jesus Knew What Was in Man")) or providing perfect counsel. Similarly, the word of knowledge allows the church to supernaturally perceive truths, echoing Christ's own omniscience and His ability to reveal hidden things ([John 4:17-19](/john/4-17-19 "John 4:17-19 - Jesus Reveals the Woman's Past")). These gifts are not merely for the church's internal benefit but equip believers to continue Christ's redemptive work in the world, demonstrating His presence, power, and the profound reality of His kingdom. Ultimately, the highest wisdom and knowledge to which these gifts point is the profound, saving knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord ([Philippians 3:8](/philippians/3-8 "Philippians 3:8 - Knowing Christ Jesus My Lord")), through whom all things are known and understood.

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

Proverbs 2:6

For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding.

1 Corinthians 2:6

¶ Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

1 Corinthians 2:10

But God hath revealed [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

Ephesians 1:17

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

Ephesians 1:18

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Psalms 143:10

Teach me to do thy will; for thou [art] my God: thy spirit [is] good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

2 Corinthians 8:7

¶ Therefore, as ye abound in every [thing, in] faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and [in] all diligence, and [in] your love to us, [see] that ye abound in this grace also.