1 Corinthians 12:15
If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
Original Language Analysis
ἐὰν
If
G1437
ἐὰν
If
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 21
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ὅτι
Because
G3754
Ὅτι
Because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
χείρ
the hand
G5495
χείρ
the hand
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
8 of 21
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
11 of 21
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σώματος
the body
G4983
σώματος
the body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
13 of 21
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
παρὰ
it therefore
G3844
παρὰ
it therefore
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
15 of 21
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
19 of 21
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Historical Context
Lower-class Corinthian Christians, lacking education or oratorical skill, might feel marginalized in worship gatherings dominated by the wealthy and articulate. Paul affirms their indispensable value despite lacking high-status gifts.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you felt like the 'foot' wishing you were the 'hand'—envying others' gifts?
- How does understanding God's sovereign gifting combat feelings of spiritual inadequacy?
- What practical steps can churches take to help 'foot' Christians feel as valued as 'hand' Christians?
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Analysis & Commentary
If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?—Paul personifies body-parts to dramatize gift-envy. The foot's complaint—"I'm not a hand, therefore I don't belong"—exposes faulty logic: difference doesn't equal deficiency. The rhetorical question expects an obvious "No!"—the foot's self-assessment doesn't alter its membership.
This addresses believers who feel inferior because they lack prestigious gifts. The Corinthian who cannot speak in tongues might conclude, "I'm not truly spiritual; I don't really belong." Paul declares such thinking absurd—the Spirit's sovereign gifting determines membership and function, not self-perception or others' evaluation. The foot isn't malfunctioning; it's fulfilling precisely the role the head (Christ) designed. Its value derives not from being a hand but from being a foot—perfectly suited for walking, while the hand cannot.