1 Corinthians 12:28

Authorized King James Version

And 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
οὓς
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#3
μὲν
some
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
#4
ἔθετο
hath set
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
#5
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
θεὸς
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#7
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#8
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἐκκλησίᾳ
the church
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
#10
πρῶτον
first
firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)
#11
ἀποστόλους
apostles
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
#12
δεύτερον
secondarily
(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)
#13
προφήτας
prophets
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
#14
τρίτον
thirdly
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
#15
διδασκάλους
teachers
an instructor (genitive case or specially)
#16
ἔπειτα
after that
thereafter
#17
δυνάμεις
miracles
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
#18
εἶτα
then
a particle of succession (in time or logical enumeration), then, moreover
#19
χαρίσματα
gifts
a (divine) gratuity, i.e., deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a (spiritual) endowment, i.e., (subjectively) religious qualification, o
#20
ἰαμάτων
of healings
a cure (the effect)
#21
ἀντιλήψεις,
helps
relief
#22
κυβερνήσεις
governments
pilotage, i.e., (figuratively) directorship (in the church)
#23
γένη
diversities
"kin" (abstract or concrete, literal or figurative, individual or collective)
#24
γλωσσῶν
of tongues
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Corinthians.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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