1 Corinthians 12:21
And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
Original Language Analysis
ὀφθαλμὸς
the eye
G3788
ὀφθαλμὸς
the eye
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
4 of 21
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χειρί
unto the hand
G5495
χειρί
unto the hand
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
7 of 21
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
Χρείαν
need
G5532
Χρείαν
need
Strong's:
G5532
Word #:
8 of 21
employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution
ἔχω·
I have
G2192
ἔχω·
I have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
11 of 21
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
13 of 21
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κεφαλὴ
the head
G2776
κεφαλὴ
the head
Strong's:
G2776
Word #:
15 of 21
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Χρείαν
need
G5532
Χρείαν
need
Strong's:
G5532
Word #:
18 of 21
employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution
Historical Context
Corinthian social stratification led wealthy, educated, prominent Christians to marginalize poor, uneducated, servant-class believers. Paul insists spiritual gifts transcend social status—a slave with mercy-gifts is as necessary as a wealthy patron with teaching gifts.
Questions for Reflection
- Which believers or gifts might your church's leadership be subtly saying 'I have no need of you' to?
- How does recognizing your dependence on 'lesser' gifts combat spiritual pride?
- What structures or attitudes communicate that some gifts are necessary and others optional?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you—Now Paul addresses gift-pride, the flip side of gift-envy. Having shown the foot/ear cannot say "I don't belong" (vv.15-16), he now shows the eye/head cannot say "I don't need you." Ou dynastai ("cannot") is stronger than "should not"—it's impossible, not merely inadvisable. The eye's superior position doesn't grant autonomy; it requires the hand's service.
The head (most prominent, directive) cannot dismiss the feet (lowly, distant) as unnecessary. This targets the Corinthians' elitist spirituality—those with prominent gifts (prophecy, teaching, tongues) despising those with humble gifts (helps, administration, mercy). Paul declares such pride irrational: the eye genuinely needs the hand; the head genuinely needs the feet. No member is self-sufficient; all are mutually interdependent. The body functions through coordinated cooperation, not autonomous individuals.