1 Corinthians 14:12

Authorized King James Version

Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

Word-by-Word Analysis

οὕτως

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

καὶ

G2532

Even

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

ἐπεὶ

G1893

forasmuch as

thereupon, i.e., since (of time or cause)

ζηλωταί

G2207

zealous

a "zealot"

ἐστε

G2075

ye are

πνευμάτων

G4151

of spiritual

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

G4314

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

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

#10

οἰκοδομὴν

G3619

the edifying

architecture, i.e., (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation

#11

τῆς

G3588

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

#12

ἐκκλησίας

G1577

of the church

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

#13

ζητεῖτε

G2212

gifts seek

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

#14

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#15

περισσεύητε

G4052

ye may excel

to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Corinthians.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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