1 Corinthians 12:25
That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
2 of 15
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ᾖ
there should be
G5600
ᾖ
there should be
Strong's:
G5600
Word #:
3 of 15
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σώματι
the body
G4983
σώματι
the body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
7 of 15
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸ
the same
G846
αὐτὸ
the same
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 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
ὑπὲρ
one for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
one for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
11 of 15
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
Cross References
2 Corinthians 13:11Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.2 Corinthians 8:16But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.1 Corinthians 3:3For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?2 Corinthians 7:12Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.
Historical Context
Corinth's church was fractured by class divisions—wealthy patrons hosting house churches, poor believers marginalized at the Lord's Supper (11:20-22). Paul's body-theology demands equal care regardless of social status, directly challenging their stratified society.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'schisms' (divisions) exist in your church along lines of gifting, socioeconomic status, or influence?
- How can churches foster 'the same care' for all members, not preferential care for prominent ones?
- What practical expressions of 'care for one another' would prevent division in your church?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
That there should be no schism in the body—Hina mē ē schisma en tō sōmati (ἵνα μὴ ᾖ σχίσμα ἐν τῷ σώματι)—schisma (σχίσμα, "division, tear, split") is Paul's diagnosis of Corinth's core problem (cf. 1:10, "no divisions among you"). God's compensatory honor-system (vv.22-24) serves one purpose: that there should be no schism. Elevating weaker members prevents the strong from despising them; honoring uncomely members prevents division between haves and have-nots.
But that the members should have the same care one for another—to auto hyper allēlōn merimnōsin ta melē ("the members might have the same concern for one another")—merimnōsin (from merimnaō) means "anxious care, devoted concern." Mutual care (hyper allēlōn, "for one another") characterized by equality (to auto, "the same") prevents division. Eyes care for feet; head cares for hands. No hierarchy of concern where prominent members receive attention while hidden members are neglected. God's design creates interdependence producing mutual investment in each member's flourishing.