1 Corinthians 12:21

Authorized King James Version

And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

Word-by-Word Analysis

οὐκ

G3756

cannot

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δύναται

G1410

to be able or possible

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

ὀφθαλμὸς

G3788

the eye

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

εἰπεῖν

G2036

say

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χειρί

G5495

unto the hand

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

Χρείαν

G5532

need

employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

σου

G4675

of thee

of thee, thy

#10

οὐκ

G3756

cannot

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#11

ἔχω·

G2192

I have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#12

ἢ

G2228

nor

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

#13

πάλιν

G3825

again

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

#14

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

κεφαλὴ

G2776

the head

the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

#16

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

ποσίν

G4228

to the feet

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

#18

Χρείαν

G5532

need

employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

#19

ὑμῶν

G5216

of you

of (from or concerning) you

#20

οὐκ

G3756

cannot

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#21

ἔχω·

G2192

I have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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