1 Corinthians 12:9

To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

{G1161} To another {G2087} faith {G4102} by {G1722} the same {G846} Spirit {G4151};{G1161} to another {G243} the gifts {G5486} of healing {G2386} by {G1722} the same {G846} Spirit {G4151};

to another, faith, by the same Spirit; and to another, gifts of healing, by the one Spirit;

to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,

to another faith, in the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, in the one Spirit;

Commentary

Context of 1 Corinthians 12:9

In 1 Corinthians chapter 12, the Apostle Paul addresses the early Christian community in Corinth concerning the topic of spiritual gifts. The church there was experiencing some confusion and potential disorder regarding the manifestation and importance of various gifts. Paul's primary aim is to teach about the unity of the Spirit, the diversity of gifts, and their common purpose: to build up the body of Christ. He emphasizes that all gifts, regardless of their nature, originate from the same Holy Spirit and are given for the common good, as highlighted earlier in 1 Corinthians 12:7.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Source of Gifts: The repeated phrase "by the same Spirit" underscores that both the gift of faith and the gifts of healing are supernatural endowments, not human abilities. This ensures that God receives the glory for their manifestation.
  • Diversity within Unity: This verse, along with others in the chapter, illustrates the varied ways the Holy Spirit works through believers. No single gift is superior, and each contributes to the overall health and function of the church.
  • The Gift of Faith: This is not the saving faith that all believers possess (Ephesians 2:8), but a special, supernatural endowment of belief that enables a person to trust God for the impossible in specific situations. It's a conviction that God will act, often in extraordinary ways, even when circumstances seem dire.
  • The Gifts of Healing: The plural "gifts of healing" suggests a variety of ways or manifestations of divine healing, perhaps for different types of infirmities or through different individuals. These are miraculous interventions by God to restore health, demonstrating His power and compassion.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "faith" here is pistis, which refers to a deep conviction and trust. In this context, it's a specialized manifestation of faith, distinct from general belief. The term for "healings" is iamaton, the plural form of iama, emphasizing the multiple instances or various kinds of miraculous cures God can bring about.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 12:9 serves as a reminder that the Holy Spirit is still active, distributing gifts as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11). It encourages Christians to:

  • Recognize and Value All Gifts: Appreciate the diverse ways God works through His people, understanding that each gift is vital for the church's health.
  • Seek and Exercise Gifts: While gifts are sovereignly given, believers are also encouraged to "earnestly desire the best gifts" (1 Corinthians 12:31) and to use them to serve others and glorify God.
  • Trust in God's Power: This verse affirms God's ability to intervene supernaturally through faith and healing, encouraging prayer and expectation for His divine work in the world.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • James 5:14

    Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

  • James 5:15

    And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:13

    We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

  • Ephesians 2:8

    For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:

  • 1 Corinthians 13:2

    And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

  • Hebrews 11:33

    Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

  • 1 Corinthians 12:30

    Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
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