1 Corinthians 12:8
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
Original Language Analysis
ᾧ
to one
G3739
ᾧ
to one
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
4 of 17
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
Spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
6 of 17
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
is given
G1325
δίδοται
is given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
7 of 17
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
λόγος
the word
G3056
λόγος
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
8 of 17
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
λόγος
the word
G3056
λόγος
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
12 of 17
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
γνώσεως
of knowledge
G1108
γνώσεως
of knowledge
Strong's:
G1108
Word #:
13 of 17
knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge
κατὰ
by
G2596
κατὰ
by
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
14 of 17
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:5That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;2 Corinthians 8:7Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.Psalms 143:10Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.Proverbs 2:6For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.Nehemiah 9:20Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.1 Corinthians 1:30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:Isaiah 59:21As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.Isaiah 50:4The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.Job 32:8But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.Exodus 31:3And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
Historical Context
Corinth was obsessed with sophia (wisdom) and gnōsis (knowledge), evidenced by their pride in human philosophy (1 Cor 1-3) and knowledge (8:1). Paul redirects their attention to Spirit-given wisdom and knowledge, which differs radically from worldly intellectual achievement.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Spirit-given wisdom differ from worldly intelligence or academic knowledge?
- When have you seen 'a word of wisdom' provide supernatural guidance beyond human reasoning?
- Why might Paul emphasize verbal teaching gifts before spectacular sign-gifts?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom—Logos sophias (λόγος σοφίας, "word of wisdom") likely refers to Spirit-given ability to apply divine truth to complex situations, offering wise counsel and practical insight. This differs from natural intelligence—it's supernatural wisdom for navigating life's challenges according to God's perspective. To another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit—logos gnōseōs (λόγος γνώσεως) perhaps means Spirit-revealed understanding of divine truth, doctrinal insight, or supernatural knowledge of facts otherwise unknowable.
The distinction between sophia (wisdom) and gnōsis (knowledge) is debated—possibly wisdom applies truth while knowledge grasps truth, or wisdom is practical while knowledge is theoretical. Paul's main point: by the same Spirit (dia tou autou Pneumatos)—different gifts, identical source. He begins listing specific charismata (grace-gifts), emphasizing verbal gifts first, perhaps to balance the Corinthians' overemphasis on spectacular sign-gifts like tongues.