1 Corinthians 12:23

Authorized King James Version

And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἃ

G3739

those

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δοκοῦμεν

G1380

we think

compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)

ἀτιμότερα

G820

less honourable

(negatively) unhonored or (positively) dishonored

εἶναι

G1511

to be

to exist

τοῦ

G3588

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

σώματος

G4983

members of the body

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

τούτοις

G5125

upon these

to (for, in, with or by) these (persons or things)

τιμὴν

G5092

honour

a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself

#10

περισσοτέραν

G4053

superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive; adverbially (with g1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence

#11

περιτίθεμεν

G4060

we bestow

to place around; by implication, to present

#12

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#13

τὰ

G3588

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

#14

ἀσχήμονα

G809

uncomely

properly, shapeless, i.e., (figuratively) inelegant

#15

ἡμῶν

G2257

our

of (or from) us

#16

εὐσχημοσύνην

G2157

comeliness

decorousness

#17

περισσοτέραν

G4053

superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive; adverbially (with g1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence

#18

ἔχει

G2192

parts 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 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?
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?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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