1 Corinthians 12:6
And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
which
G3588
τὰ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτός
the same
G846
αὐτός
the same
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
θεός
God
G2316
θεός
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
9 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τὰ
which
G3588
τὰ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Colossians 3:11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.1 Corinthians 3:7So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.1 Corinthians 12:11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.John 5:17But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.Hebrews 13:21Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.Colossians 1:29Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.Ephesians 4:6One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.1 Corinthians 15:28And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.Philippians 2:13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.Job 33:29Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man,
Historical Context
Greek philosophical thought debated the relationship between divine and human causation. Paul affirms both: humans exercise gifts, yet God energizes the outcome. This differs from pagan ecstatic religion (which obliterated human will) and from mere human effort (which claimed autonomous achievement).
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God as the one 'energizing' all gifts affect your confidence in ministry?
- Where do you see the Trinity working cooperatively in the church's ministry today?
- How can Christians balance human responsibility in using gifts with dependence on God's empowerment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all—Energēmatōn (ἐνεργημάτων, "workings" or "operations") stresses the effects or results of gifts. The root energeō means "to work effectively, to produce results." God the Father is the ultimate energizer of all spiritual activity—which worketh all in all (ho energōn ta panta en pasin).
This completes Paul's Trinitarian framework: the Spirit distributes gifts (v.4), Christ assigns ministries (v.5), the Father energizes operations (v.6). The threefold repetition of "the same" (auto) hammers home unity amid diversity. The Father's sovereign working "in all" persons and "all" situations means no gift, ministry, or result occurs independently of divine empowerment. Human agency cooperates with divine energy—we minister, but God produces fruit. This guards against both laziness ("I don't need to exercise my gift") and pride ("Look what I accomplished").