1 Corinthians 12:11
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸ
the selfsame
G846
αὐτὸ
the selfsame
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
πνεῦμα
Spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
10 of 15
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
Cross References
1 Corinthians 12:4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.Hebrews 2:4God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?2 Corinthians 10:13But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.Ephesians 4:7But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.1 Corinthians 12:6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
Historical Context
Greek culture valued autonomy and self-determination. Paul's emphasis on the Spirit's sovereign gifting counters individualism, reminding believers they are part of an organism whose head determines each member's function for the whole's benefit.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Spirit's sovereign distribution of gifts ('as He wills') affect your contentment with your gifting?
- What dangers arise when believers try to manufacture or choose spiritual gifts rather than receive them?
- How should churches balance encouraging gift-discovery with trusting the Spirit's sovereign distribution?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit—Panta de tauta energei to hen kai to auto Pneuma (πάντα δὲ ταῦτα ἐνεργεῖ τὸ ἓν καὶ τὸ αὐτὸ Πνεῦμα)—Paul concludes the gift-list with emphatic reiteration: one (hen) and the selfsame (to auto) Spirit operates all gifts. No room exists for gift-boasting or gift-envy—all are the Spirit's sovereign distributions. Energei (present active indicative) stresses ongoing, continuous divine activity.
Dividing to every man severally as he will—diairoun idiā hekastō kathōs bouletai (διαιροῦν ἰδίᾳ ἑκάστῳ καθὼς βούλεται, "distributing individually to each just as He wills"). The Spirit's sovereign will (bouletai, deliberate purpose, not arbitrary whim) determines gift-distribution. Believers cannot choose or manufacture their gifts; we receive what the Spirit assigns. This demolishes human pride (gifts are not achievements) and prevents gift-competition (we cannot earn preferred gifts). The Spirit's wisdom in distribution far exceeds our preferences—He knows what the body needs.