1 Corinthians 12:4
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
Original Language Analysis
χαρισμάτων
of gifts
G5486
χαρισμάτων
of gifts
Strong's:
G5486
Word #:
3 of 8
a (divine) gratuity, i.e., deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a (spiritual) endowment, i.e., (subjectively) religious qualification, o
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Peter 4:10As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.1 Corinthians 12:28And 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.Hebrews 2:4God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
Historical Context
The Corinthian church was fractured by status-consciousness reflecting their broader culture's obsession with honor, class, and public recognition (1 Cor 1:26-29). Wealthy patrons competed for prestige; Corinthian Christians imported this rivalry into worship, treating spectacular gifts as status symbols rather than servant tools.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing spiritual gifts as 'grace-gifts' prevent pride in those who possess them?
- Where do you see gift-comparison and spiritual competition in the modern church?
- How can diversity of gifts become a source of unity rather than division?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit—Paul begins a threefold repetition (verses 4-6) emphasizing unity in diversity. Diaireseis charismaton (διαιρέσεις χαρισμάτων) means "distributions of grace-gifts"—charisma derives from charis (grace), underscoring that gifts are unmerited, freely given. The Corinthians ranked gifts hierarchically (especially prizing tongues), creating competitive spirituality. Paul counters: diversity itself glorifies the same Spirit (to auto Pneuma).
The gifts differ in kind, manifestation, and function, yet share one divine source. This theological foundation demolishes pride ("my gift is superior") and envy ("why don't I have that gift?"). The Spirit distributes as He wills (verse 11), not according to human merit or preference. Unity is not uniformity—the body's strength lies in its members' complementary differences, all animated by one Spirit.