1 Corinthians 12:1
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
Original Language Analysis
Περὶ
concerning
G4012
Περὶ
concerning
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνευματικῶν
spiritual
G4152
πνευματικῶν
spiritual
Strong's:
G4152
Word #:
4 of 9
non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou
ἀδελφοί
gifts brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
gifts brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
5 of 9
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
θέλω
I would
G2309
θέλω
I would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
7 of 9
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
Historical Context
Corinth was a cosmopolitan port city saturated with mystery religions, ecstatic pagan worship, and prophetic oracle-sites. The Corinthian church, barely a decade old (founded c. AD 50), struggled to distinguish Christian Spirit-manifestation from their former pagan ecstatic experiences. Paul writes c. AD 55 to correct theological confusion and practical disorder.
Questions for Reflection
- What areas of spiritual life might Christians today remain 'ignorant' about despite claiming knowledge?
- How does your pagan or secular background shape your understanding of the Holy Spirit's work?
- Why does Paul emphasize instruction and knowledge about gifts rather than just experiencing them?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now concerning spiritual gifts (peri de tōn pneumatikōn, περὶ δὲ τῶν πνευματικῶν)—Paul shifts to address the Corinthians' question about pneumatika, literally "spiritual things" or "things of the Spirit." The neuter plural can refer either to spiritual gifts themselves or to spiritually-gifted people, though context favors gifts. I would not have you ignorant signals this is correction, not mere information—the Corinthians were confused or misusing spiritual gifts.
This formula (ou thelō hymas agnoeīn) introduces important theological instruction throughout Paul's letters (Romans 1:13, 11:25; 2 Corinthians 1:8). The Corinthians prided themselves on gnōsis (knowledge, 1 Cor 8:1), yet remained dangerously ignorant about the Spirit's operation. Their pagan background (verse 2) left them vulnerable to counterfeit spirituality and competitive gift-display rather than body-edification.