1 Corinthians 12:24
For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
Original Language Analysis
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εὐσχήμονα
comely
G2158
εὐσχήμονα
comely
Strong's:
G2158
Word #:
3 of 18
well-formed, i.e., (figuratively) decorous, noble (in rank)
χρείαν
need
G5532
χρείαν
need
Strong's:
G5532
Word #:
6 of 18
employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution
ἔχει
parts have
G2192
ἔχει
parts have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
7 of 18
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
10 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
συνεκέρασεν
hath tempered
G4786
συνεκέρασεν
hath tempered
Strong's:
G4786
Word #:
11 of 18
to commingle, i.e., (figuratively) to combine or assimilate
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῶμα
the body
G4983
σῶμα
the body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
13 of 18
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑστεροῦντι
to that part which lacked
G5302
ὑστεροῦντι
to that part which lacked
Strong's:
G5302
Word #:
15 of 18
to be later, i.e., (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient)
περισσοτέραν
G4053
περισσοτέραν
Strong's:
G4053
Word #:
16 of 18
superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive; adverbially (with g1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence
Historical Context
God's value-inversion challenged Roman patronage systems where benefactors bestowed honor on wealthy clients capable of reciprocation, ignoring the poor who could give nothing back. Paul insists God's economy honors precisely those who lack honor in worldly systems.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's 'tempering' (blending) the body ensure every member receives appropriate honor?
- What practices can churches adopt to give 'abundant honor' to those who 'lack' social status?
- How does this verse inform how church budgets, platforms, and decision-making include marginalized voices?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together—Ta gar euschēmona hēmōn ou chreian echei ("our presentable parts have no need")—hands, face, eyes need no extra covering or honor; they're naturally presentable. God's design compensates: prominent members need less care; hidden members need more. God hath tempered the body together (ho theos synekerasen to sōma)—synekerasen (from synkerannymi) means "mixed together, blended, composed" like ingredients in a recipe. God is the divine chef who blended diverse members into one harmonious organism.
Having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked—God's intentional design compensates for deficiency, ensuring no member is neglected or devalued. The Creator's wisdom balances the body so weaker/hidden/uncomely parts receive honor offsetting their apparent disadvantages. This reflects the gospel: God exalts the humble, gives grace to the lowly, chooses the weak to shame the strong (1 Cor 1:27-29). Church leadership must imitate God's compensatory honor-giving, protecting and elevating vulnerable members.