1 Corinthians Chapter 12 · Verse 10
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
Original Language Analysis
δυνάμεων
of miracles
G1411
δυνάμεων
of miracles
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
4 of 19
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
πνευμάτων
of spirits
G4151
πνευμάτων
of spirits
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
11 of 19
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 prin
γένη
divers kinds
G1085
γένη
divers kinds
Strong's:
G1085
Word #:
14 of 19
"kin" (abstract or concrete, literal or figurative, individual or collective)
γλωσσῶν·
of tongues
G1100
γλωσσῶν·
of tongues
Strong's:
G1100
Word #:
15 of 19
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 14:39Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.1 John 4:1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.Mark 16:17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;Joel 2:28And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:Mark 16:20And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.Galatians 3:5He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?Revelation 2:2I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:Acts 5:3But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?Acts 19:6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.Acts 11:28And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
Historical Context
All these gifts operated in the apostolic church: Paul worked miracles (Acts 19:11), Agabus prophesied (Acts 11:28, 21:10), Philip's daughters prophesied (Acts 21:9), the Jerusalem church spoke in tongues (Acts 2), Corinthians exercised tongues extensively (perhaps excessively, prompting Paul's regulation in ch. 14).
Questions for Reflection
- How can churches cultivate 'discernment of spirits' to test prophetic messages today?
- Why does Paul list 'interpretation of tongues' as essential to tongues-speaking's value?
- What is the relationship between the sign-gifts (miracles, tongues) and the teaching-gifts (prophecy, wisdom)?
Analysis & Commentary
To another the working of miracles—Energēmata dynameōn (ἐνεργήματα δυνάμεων, "workings of powers") encompasses supernatural deeds beyond healing: exorcisms, nature miracles, judgments (Acts 5:1-11, 13:11), raisings from death. Dynamis (power) describes God's mighty acts, used throughout Scripture for creation, exodus, resurrection. To another prophecy—prophēteia (προφητεία) is Spirit-inspired utterance declaring God's message, either forthtelling (proclaiming truth) or foretelling (predicting future). Primary emphasis falls on edification, exhortation, comfort (14:3).
To another discerning of spirits—diakriseis pneumatōn (διακρίσεις πνευμάτων, "distinguishings of spirits") enables believers to test whether a message/messenger comes from the Holy Spirit, human spirit, or demonic spirit (1 John 4:1). Essential for protecting the church from false prophecy. To another divers kinds of tongues—genē glōssōn (γένη γλωσσῶν, "kinds of tongues/languages"), ecstatic Spirit-inspired speech, possibly human languages unknown to the speaker or angelic language (13:1). To another the interpretation of tongues—hermēneia glōssōn (ἑρμηνεία γλωσσῶν), the ability to translate tongues-speech into understandable language for the congregation's benefit.