1 Corinthians 12:8

8 For to one is given the word of 1wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of 2knowledge according to the same Spirit;

1 Corinthians 12:8 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 12:8

For to one is given by the Spirit
Now follows a distinct and particular enumeration of the operations of the Spirit, though not all of them, yet as many as the apostle thought necessary; and which are called the manifestation of him, and which most clearly show him to be the author of them to different persons;

the word of wisdom:
by which is meant "the manifold wisdom of God"; the wonderful scheme of salvation through the incarnation, sufferings, and death of Christ, in which God has "abounded in all wisdom and prudence"; together with all other deep, mysterious, and sublime doctrines of the Gospel, the knowledge of which were peculiarly given to the apostles in the first place, who have the first office or ministry in the church, by "the spirit of wisdom"; and which they had a faculty, a gift of declaring, opening, and explaining unto others.

To another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
meaning either knowledge of future events; or an universal knowledge of the Scriptures of truth, and the doctrines contained in them, of the whole mind and will of God therein, which is a distinct thing from saving grace: see ( 1 Corinthians 13:2 1 Corinthians 13:8 1 Corinthians 13:9 ) and is what was given to the prophets, the second office in the church, by him who is the spirit of prophecy, and by whom the prophetical writings were dictated; and therefore he is the best interpreter of them, and who only can lead into the true knowledge thereof.

1 Corinthians 12:8 In-Context

6 There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.
7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit;
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,
10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues.

Cross References 2

  • 1. 1 Corinthians 2:6; 2 Corinthians 1:12
  • 2. Romans 15:14; 1 Corinthians 2:11, 16; 2 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Corinthians 4:6; 2 Corinthians 8:7; 2 Corinthians 11:6
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