1 Corinthians 14:12
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
Even
G2532
καὶ
Even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πνευμάτων
of spiritual
G4151
πνευμάτων
of spiritual
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
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
8 of 15
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκοδομὴν
the edifying
G3619
οἰκοδομὴν
the edifying
Strong's:
G3619
Word #:
10 of 15
architecture, i.e., (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίας
of the church
G1577
ἐκκλησίας
of the church
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
12 of 15
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
ζητεῖτε
gifts seek
G2212
ζητεῖτε
gifts seek
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
13 of 15
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 14:26How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.1 Corinthians 14:1Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.1 Corinthians 12:31But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
Historical Context
The Corinthians' zeal for spiritual manifestations was misdirected toward self-glorification. Paul channels that energy toward corporate edification, the true measure of spiritual maturity.
Questions for Reflection
- How can zeal for spiritual gifts be both commendable and misguided?
- What does it mean to 'excel' in edifying the church rather than in personal experience?
- How should this principle guide our evaluation of worship practices and spiritual gifts?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts—Paul acknowledges their zēlōtai (ζηλωταί, "zealots, enthusiasts") for pneumatōn (πνευμάτων, "spirits" or "spiritual gifts"). Seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church—Greek zēteite hina... perisseūēte (ζητεῖτε ἵνα... περισσεύητε, "seek that you may abound") redirects their zeal toward oikodomē tēs ekklēsias (οἰκοδομή τῆς ἐκκλησίας, "edification of the church").
Paul doesn't quench their enthusiasm ("zealous") but redirects it toward the right goal ("edifying of the church"). The verb perisseuō ("abound, excel") suggests abundance, but abundance measured by edification, not personal experience. This verse summarizes verses 1-11: pursue gifts that build up the body.