1 Corinthians 12:18
But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἔθετο
hath
G5087
ἔθετο
hath
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
5 of 15
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶν
of them
G846
αὐτῶν
of them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 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
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 12:28And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.1 Corinthians 12:11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.Romans 12:3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.1 Corinthians 3:5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?Luke 12:32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.Psalms 135:6Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.1 Corinthians 12:24For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:Luke 10:21In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
Historical Context
Ancient creation accounts portrayed deity organizing chaos into ordered cosmos. Paul applies this to the new creation: God orders the church-body, assigning each member according to divine wisdom, not human preference or social status.
Questions for Reflection
- How does believing God 'set' you in the body with your specific gifts affect your self-acceptance?
- What happens when believers resist their God-assigned role to pursue a different function?
- How can church leaders help members discover and embrace their God-appointed place?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him—Etheto (ἔθετο, aorist of tithēmi, "to place, appoint, establish") emphasizes God's deliberate, purposeful arrangement. Every one of them (hen hekaston autōn)—no member's placement is accidental or arbitrary. As it hath pleased him (kathōs ēthelēsen)—God's sovereign will, His good pleasure, determines each member's position and function.
This is the theological foundation demolishing all gift-pride and gift-envy: God Himself assigned each believer's gifting, role, and place in the body. To despise another's gift is to criticize God's wisdom. To envy another's gift is to question God's goodness. To refuse your gift is to rebel against God's design. The passive voice throughout this section (etheto, "has been set") removes human agency—we don't choose our placement; God does. Like an artist arranging colors on a canvas or a conductor positioning orchestra members, God knows exactly where each gift serves the whole best.