King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 1:7 Mean?

1 Corinthians 1:7 in the King James Version says “So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: coming: Gr. revelation — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: coming: Gr. revelation

1 Corinthians 1:7 · KJV


Context

5

That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;

6

Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:

7

So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: coming: Gr. revelation

8

Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9

God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So that ye come behind in no gift (hoste hymas me hystereis thai en medeni charismati, ὥστε ὑμᾶς μὴ ὑστερεῖσθαι ἐν μηδενὶ χαρίσματι)—The term charisma (χάρισμα, "grace-gift") is derived from charis (grace), emphasizing that spiritual gifts are undeserved endowments, not earned rewards. The Corinthians lacked nothing in gifts—yet they were spiritually immature, factious, and immoral. This paradox drives the entire letter: gifted but not godly, enriched but not mature.

Waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (apekdechomenous ten apokalypsin, ἀπεκδεχομένους τὴν ἀποκάλυψιν)—The verb apekdechomai (ἀπεκδέχομαι) means to eagerly await, implying patient endurance and forward-looking hope. The apokalypsis (ἀποκάλυψις, "revelation, unveiling") of Christ is His second coming. Eschatological expectation should shape present behavior—a theme Paul will apply to marriage (ch. 7), lawsuits (ch. 6), and the resurrection (ch. 15).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Christians lived in fervent expectation of Christ's imminent return (see 1 Thess 4:13-18, written a few years earlier). This eschatological urgency informed ethics, community life, and priorities. However, the Corinthians behaved as if the kingdom had fully arrived—they were "already filled, already rich, already reigning" (4:8)—leading to complacency about sin and disunity. Paul recalibrates their eschatology: the kingdom is inaugurated but not consummated.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the abundance of spiritual gifts fail to guarantee spiritual maturity?
  2. In what ways should "waiting for the coming of our Lord" shape present-day Christian ethics and priorities?
  3. Do you live with eager expectation of Christ's return, or has comfortable Christianity dulled that hope?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ὥστε1 of 15

So that

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

ὑμᾶς2 of 15

ye

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

μὴ3 of 15

no

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ὑστερεῖσθαι4 of 15

come behind

G5302

to be later, i.e., (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient)

ἐν5 of 15

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

μηδενὶ6 of 15
G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

χαρίσματι7 of 15

gift

G5486

a (divine) gratuity, i.e., deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a (spiritual) endowment, i.e., (subjectively) religious qualification, o

ἀπεκδεχομένους8 of 15

waiting for

G553

to expect fully

τὴν9 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀποκάλυψιν10 of 15

the coming

G602

disclosure

τοῦ11 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυρίου12 of 15

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν13 of 15

of our

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ14 of 15

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ·15 of 15

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 1:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 1:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study