1 Corinthians 12:9
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
Original Language Analysis
πίστις
faith
G4102
πίστις
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
3 of 15
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῷ
the same
G846
αὐτῷ
the same
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 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
πνεύματι
Spirit
G4151
πνεύματι
Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
7 of 15
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
χαρίσματα
the gifts
G5486
χαρίσματα
the gifts
Strong's:
G5486
Word #:
10 of 15
a (divine) gratuity, i.e., deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a (spiritual) endowment, i.e., (subjectively) religious qualification, o
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 4:13We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;Ephesians 2:8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:1 Corinthians 13:2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.Hebrews 11:33Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,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.1 Corinthians 12:30Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?Mark 16:18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Historical Context
The ancient world was rife with disease lacking medical remedies. Healing shrines (like Asclepius temples) dotted the Mediterranean. Christian healing, however, occurred through prayer and faith in Christ's name, not magic rituals or patron deities, demonstrating Yahweh's superior power and compassion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the 'gift of faith' differ from everyday Christian faith in salvation and sanctification?
- Why might healing gifts come in various forms ('gifts of healings' plural) rather than one uniform ability?
- How should churches today understand and exercise healing gifts without presumption or superstition?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
To another faith by the same Spirit—This is not saving faith (common to all believers, Ephesians 2:8) but supernatural trust that moves mountains (Matthew 17:20), confidence for extraordinary acts of obedience, miraculous provision, or answered prayer. This gift enables believers to trust God for what seems humanly impossible, acting with certainty based on divine promises. George Müller's orphanages, fed without soliciting funds, exemplify this charisma.
To another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit—Charismata iamatōn (χαρίσματα ἰαμάτων, "gifts of healings")—the double plural suggests variety: different kinds of healings, perhaps for different diseases, or different occasions rather than a permanent healing-office. These are supernatural restorations of health, signs of the in-breaking kingdom (Luke 9:2, 10:9). The phrase by the same Spirit (repeated with each gift) becomes a liturgical refrain, hammering home unity amid diversity.