1 Corinthians 12:22

22 On the contrary, we cannot do without the parts of the body that seem to be weaker;

1 Corinthians 12:22 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 12:22

Nay, much more those members of the body
The apostle, in a beautiful gradation, proceeds to take notice of such parts of the body as are more weak, dishonourable, and uncomely, showing the necessity and usefulness of them: which seem to be more feeble;
than others, do not consist of a strong bony substance, and are not fenced with sinews, as the belly and its intestines: yet these are necessary;
nor could the body be sustained, nourished, and refreshed, without them; so the more weak and feeble saints, whose hearts and hands are to be strengthened, whose infirmities are to be bore, have their usefulness; and the effectual working in the measure of every part, even of the feeble and tender, maketh increase of the body, to the edifying of itself in love: and these God has seen fit, as necessary to call by his grace, and place in the body, that his strength may be made perfect in their weakness, and to confound the mighty; and out of the mouths even of babes and sucklings to ordain strength and praise.

1 Corinthians 12:22 In-Context

20 As it is, there are many parts but one body.
21 So then, the eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" Nor can the head say to the feet, "Well, I don't need you!"
22 On the contrary, we cannot do without the parts of the body that seem to be weaker;
23 and those parts that we think aren't worth very much are the ones which we treat with greater care; while the parts of the body which don't look very nice are treated with special modesty,
24 which the more beautiful parts do not need. God himself has put the body together in such a way as to give greater honor to those parts that need it.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.