1 Corinthians 12:13
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 25
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
πνεῦμα
Spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
5 of 25
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
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
σῶμα
body
G4983
σῶμα
body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
10 of 25
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
ἐβαπτίσθημεν
are
G907
ἐβαπτίσθημεν
are
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
11 of 25
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
Ἕλληνες
Gentiles
G1672
Ἕλληνες
Gentiles
Strong's:
G1672
Word #:
15 of 25
a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew
δοῦλοι
we be bond
G1401
δοῦλοι
we be bond
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
17 of 25
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
ἐλεύθεροι
free
G1658
ἐλεύθεροι
free
Strong's:
G1658
Word #:
19 of 25
unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e., (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (genitive case) exempt (from obligation or lia
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
22 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Ephesians 4:5One Lord, one faith, one baptism,Colossians 3:11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.Galatians 3:28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.1 Peter 3:21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:Romans 3:29Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:Acts 1:5For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.Matthew 3:11I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:John 4:10Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.Luke 3:16John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:Ephesians 5:26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
Historical Context
Corinth's church included Jewish Christians (synagogue-background), God-fearing Gentiles, and pagan converts; wealthy patrons and poor slaves; educated Greeks and illiterate laborers. These divisions threatened unity. Paul insists Spirit-baptism creates a new identity transcending all previous social categories.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Spirit-baptism 'into one body' differ from water baptism as a public declaration?
- What modern identity-markers (political, economic, cultural) threaten church unity like Jew/Gentile or slave/free?
- What does it mean practically that all believers 'drink of one Spirit'?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body—En heni Pneumati hēmeis pantes eis hen sōma ebaptisthēmen (ἐν ἑνὶ Πνεύματι ἡμεῖς πάντες εἰς ἓν σῶμα ἐβαπτίσθημεν)—Spirit-baptism is the basis of church unity. The en ("by/in") is instrumental: the Spirit is the agent/sphere of this baptism. The aorist passive ebaptisthēmen points to the definitive event of conversion when the Spirit incorporates believers into Christ's body. This is not a post-conversion "second blessing" but the initial Spirit-work that constitutes church membership.
Whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free—Spirit-baptism obliterates the ancient world's fundamental divisions: ethnicity (Jew/Gentile), social status (slave/free), later Paul adds gender (Galatians 3:28). In Christ, these identity-markers become secondary to shared incorporation into one body. And have been all made to drink into one Spirit—pantes hen Pneuma epotisthēmen (πάντες ἓν Πνεῦμα ἐποτίσθημεν, "we were all given one Spirit to drink"). The metaphor shifts from baptism (immersion) to drinking (internalization)—the Spirit is both external environment and internal reality, surrounding and indwelling believers.