1 Corinthians 12:8

Authorized King James Version

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

Word-by-Word Analysis

ᾧ

G3739

to one

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

μὲν

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

διὰ

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πνεῦμα

G4151

Spirit

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

δίδοται

G1325

is given

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

λόγος

G3056

the word

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

σοφίας

G4678

of wisdom

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

#10

ἄλλῳ

G243

to another

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

#11

δὲ

G1161

but, and, etc

#12

λόγος

G3056

the word

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

#13

γνώσεως

G1108

of knowledge

knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge

#14

κατὰ

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

#15

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

αὐτὸ

G846

the same

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

#17

πνεῦμα

G4151

Spirit

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing wisdom contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood wisdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Corinthians chapter 12 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on wisdom address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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