1 Corinthians 12:4

4 Now 1there are varieties of gifts, but 2the same Spirit;

1 Corinthians 12:4 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 12:4

Now there are diversities of gifts
Of spiritual ones, as in ( 1 Corinthians 12:1 ) which spring from the free grace, and good will and pleasure of God, and are not owing to the merits of men; and therefore such who have the largest share of them should not boast of them as acquired by themselves, or be puffed up on account of them; and those who have the smallest measure should be content and thankful; for though the gifts are different, some have greater, and others lesser, none have all, but all have some, yet not alike:

but the same Spirit;
is the author and giver of all as he pleases; the lesser gifts, and the smallest degree of them, come from the Spirit of God, as well as the greater. Gifts here seem to be the general name for all that follow; and

administrations
and

operations
are the two species of them; and of these a particular account is afterwards given.

1 Corinthians 12:4 In-Context

2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led.
3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says "Jesus is accursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except in the Holy Spirit.
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit;
5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord;
6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.

Cross References 2

  • 1. [Hebrews 2:4]; See Romans 12:6
  • 2. Ephesians 4:4-6
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.