1 Corinthians 12:30
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
Have
G3361
μὴ
Have
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 12
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
χαρίσματα
the gifts
G5486
χαρίσματα
the gifts
Strong's:
G5486
Word #:
3 of 12
a (divine) gratuity, i.e., deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a (spiritual) endowment, i.e., (subjectively) religious qualification, o
ἔχουσιν
G2192
ἔχουσιν
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
4 of 12
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
μὴ
Have
G3361
μὴ
Have
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 12
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
γλώσσαις
with tongues
G1100
γλώσσαις
with tongues
Strong's:
G1100
Word #:
8 of 12
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
Historical Context
Corinth's charismatic excesses—uninterpreted tongues dominating worship, ecstatic disorder, gift-pride—necessitated Paul's corrective. His rhetorical questions establish that gift-diversity, not gift-uniformity (especially regarding tongues), reflects the Spirit's intention.
Questions for Reflection
- How do these verses challenge modern movements that emphasize tongues as essential evidence of Spirit-fullness?
- Why might Paul mention tongues repeatedly in these rhetorical questions given its last-place ranking in verse 28?
- What would healthy gift-diversity look like in your church's worship and ministry?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?—Mē pantes charismata echoysin iamatōn; mē pantes glōssais laloysin; mē pantes diermēneyoysin;—Paul continues rhetorical questions expecting "No!" Not all have healing gifts; not all speak in tongues; not all interpret. The Greek construction (mē + question) makes the negative answer emphatic. This is God's design, not a deficiency to correct.
The focus on tongues in verses 29-30 (mentioned twice) suggests the Corinthians overemphasized this gift, perhaps viewing it as the premier sign of spirituality. Paul systematically dismantles this hierarchy: tongues is one gift among many, given to some (not all), and listed last in importance (v.28). The coming chapter (13) will relativize all gifts in light of love, and chapter 14 will regulate tongues-use for body-edification. Paul's point: stop obsessing over one gift; embrace the diversity the Spirit designed.