1 Corinthians 12:16
And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
2 of 22
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ὅτι
Because
G3754
Ὅτι
Because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 22
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὀφθαλμός
the eye
G3788
ὀφθαλμός
the eye
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
9 of 22
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
12 of 22
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 #:
13 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σώματος·
the body
G4983
σώματος·
the body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
14 of 22
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 #:
16 of 22
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 #:
20 of 22
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
The Corinthians' competitive spirituality created an atmosphere where Christians compared gifts, ranking themselves and others. Paul systematically dismantles this by showing every member's essential, non-interchangeable contribution.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'ear' gifts (discernment, wisdom, helps) might be undervalued compared to 'eye' gifts (prophecy, teaching)?
- How can you cultivate gratitude for the gifts you have rather than envy for gifts you lack?
- In what ways does the church's 'comprehensive perception' require diverse gifts working together?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?—Paul repeats the argument with different body-parts (ear/eye instead of foot/hand) to reinforce the point through variation. The ear's function—hearing—differs entirely from the eye's function—seeing. Neither is superior; both are necessary. A deaf person lacks what the hearing possess; a blind person lacks what the seeing possess. Yet neither deficiency negates their humanity.
Applied spiritually: the believer with discernment gifts (spiritual "hearing" to detect truth from error) shouldn't envy the believer with vision gifts (prophetic foresight or strategic planning). God designed the body to need both. The ear cannot see, but it can hear what the eye cannot—vibrations, tones, warnings from behind. Diversity of function creates comprehensive perception—the body sees, hears, smells, tastes, touches simultaneously. No single member provides all sensory input; collectively, the body experiences reality fully.