1 Corinthians 12:3
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 23
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οὐδεὶς
no man
G3762
οὐδεὶς
no man
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
5 of 23
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
πνεύματι
Ghost
G4151
πνεύματι
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
7 of 23
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
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
8 of 23
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
λέγει
calleth
G3004
λέγει
calleth
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
10 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἀνάθεμα
accursed
G331
Ἀνάθεμα
accursed
Strong's:
G331
Word #:
11 of 23
a (religious) ban or (concretely) excommunicated (thing or person)
Ἰησοῦν,
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν,
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
12 of 23
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐδεὶς
no man
G3762
οὐδεὶς
no man
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
14 of 23
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
Κύριον
is the Lord
G2962
Κύριον
is the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
17 of 23
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦν,
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν,
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
18 of 23
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
20 of 23
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
2 Corinthians 3:5Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;Romans 10:9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.John 15:26But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:John 13:13Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.1 Corinthians 8:6But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.Matthew 22:43He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,Mark 9:39But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.Deuteronomy 21:23His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.Romans 9:3For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:1 Corinthians 16:22If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
Historical Context
Roman imperial cult demanded citizens declare "Caesar is Lord" (Kyrios Kaisar). Christians' confession "Jesus is Lord" was politically subversive, often costing them their lives. Jewish Christians faced excommunication from synagogues for this confession. The phrase became a baptismal formula and central creedal statement of the early church.
Questions for Reflection
- How can Christians today test whether spiritual experiences or teachings genuinely honor Christ's lordship?
- What modern 'spiritual' practices might appear powerful yet fail to confess Jesus as Lord?
- In what areas of life do you struggle to say 'Jesus is Lord' rather than maintaining self-sovereignty?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
No man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed—The ultimate test of Spirit-inspired speech: does it confess or curse Jesus? Anathema Iēsous (ἀνάθεμα Ἰησοῦς, "cursed be Jesus") may reflect Jewish synagogue curses against Christians (cf. Acts 26:11) or pagan oaths required during persecution. No genuinely Spirit-inspired utterance—whether prophecy, tongues, or teaching—can blaspheme Christ.
No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost—Kyrios Iēsous (Κύριος Ἰησοῦς) is the earliest Christian creed, assigning to Jesus the divine name reserved for Yahweh in the Septuagint. This confession requires supernatural illumination (Matthew 16:17). Mere intellectual assent differs from Spirit-wrought conviction that bows the will to Christ's lordship. Paul establishes the criterion for evaluating all spiritual gifts: Do they exalt Christ? Do they acknowledge His supreme authority? Gifts that draw attention to the speaker rather than magnifying Christ fail this test.