1 Corinthians 12:23
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἃ
those
G3739
ἃ
those
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
δοκοῦμεν
we think
G1380
δοκοῦμεν
we think
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
3 of 18
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
ἀτιμότερα
less honourable
G820
ἀτιμότερα
less honourable
Strong's:
G820
Word #:
4 of 18
(negatively) unhonored or (positively) dishonored
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σώματος
members of the body
G4983
σώματος
members of the body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
7 of 18
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
τούτοις
upon these
G5125
τούτοις
upon these
Strong's:
G5125
Word #:
8 of 18
to (for, in, with or by) these (persons or things)
τιμὴν
honour
G5092
τιμὴν
honour
Strong's:
G5092
Word #:
9 of 18
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
περισσοτέραν
G4053
περισσοτέραν
Strong's:
G4053
Word #:
10 of 18
superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive; adverbially (with g1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀσχήμονα
uncomely
G809
ἀσχήμονα
uncomely
Strong's:
G809
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, shapeless, i.e., (figuratively) inelegant
Historical Context
Roman society was brutally stratified—slaves, freedmen, and plebeians received little honor while aristocrats demanded public recognition. Paul insists the church operates by inverse values: the least receives most honor, reflecting Jesus's kingdom-ethic (Matthew 20:16, "the last shall be first").
Questions for Reflection
- Who in your church might be the 'uncomely parts' society overlooks but Christ values?
- How can churches 'bestow abundant honor' on members lacking natural social status or prestigious gifts?
- What would change if your church intentionally elevated the marginalized rather than celebrating the prominent?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour—Dokoumen atimotera einai ("we think to be less honorable")—Paul references unpresentable body parts (genitals, digestive organs) that receive extra covering/clothing despite being "dishonorable" in public view. We bestow more abundant honour (peritithemen perissoterān timēn)—we clothe, protect, care for these hidden parts with greater attention than we give hands or face.
And our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness—ta aschēmona hēmōn euschēmosynēn perissoterān echei—we adorn what is naturally unbeautiful, giving it artificial beauty through clothing, protection, modesty. Application: church members society deems "dishonorable" (poor, uneducated, socially awkward, lacking prestigious gifts) should receive more honor from the body, not less. Healthy bodies protect vulnerable members; healthy churches elevate marginalized members. This is God's design for preserving dignity and preventing division.