1 Corinthians 1:12

Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

Word-by-Word Analysis

λέγει

G3004

I say

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

δὲ

G1161

Now

but, and, etc

τοῦτο

G5124

this

that thing

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἕκαστος

G1538

every one

each or every

ὑμῶν

G5216

of you

of (from or concerning) you

λέγει

G3004

I say

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

μέν

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

#10

εἰμι

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

#11

Παύλου

G3972

of Paul

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

#12

Ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

#13

δὲ

G1161

Now

but, and, etc

#14

Ἀπολλῶ

G625

of Apollos

apollos, an israelite

#15

Ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

#16

δὲ

G1161

Now

but, and, etc

#17

Κηφᾶ

G2786

of Cephas

the rock; cephas (i.e., kepha), a surname of peter

#18

Ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

#19

δὲ

G1161

Now

but, and, etc

#20

Χριστοῦ

G5547

of Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Corinthians chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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