King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 12:10 Mean?

1 Corinthians 12:10 in the King James Version says “To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of to...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:”

1 Corinthians 12:10 · King James Version

Context

8

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

9

To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

10

To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

11

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

12

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
To another the working of miracles—Energēmata dynameōn (ἐνεργήματα δυνάμεων, "workings of powers") encompasses supernatural deeds beyond healing: exorcisms, nature miracles, judgments (Acts 5:1-11, 13:11), raisings from death. Dynamis (power) describes God's mighty acts, used throughout Scripture for creation, exodus, resurrection. To another prophecy—prophēteia (προφητεία) is Spirit-inspired utterance declaring God's message, either forthtelling (proclaiming truth) or foretelling (predicting future). Primary emphasis falls on edification, exhortation, comfort (14:3).

To another discerning of spirits—diakriseis pneumatōn (διακρίσεις πνευμάτων, "distinguishings of spirits") enables believers to test whether a message/messenger comes from the Holy Spirit, human spirit, or demonic spirit (1 John 4:1). Essential for protecting the church from false prophecy. To another divers kinds of tongues—genē glōssōn (γένη γλωσσῶν, "kinds of tongues/languages"), ecstatic Spirit-inspired speech, possibly human languages unknown to the speaker or angelic language (13:1). To another the interpretation of tongues—hermēneia glōssōn (ἑρμηνεία γλωσσῶν), the ability to translate tongues-speech into understandable language for the congregation's benefit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

All these gifts operated in the apostolic church: Paul worked miracles (Acts 19:11), Agabus prophesied (Acts 11:28, 21:10), Philip's daughters prophesied (Acts 21:9), the Jerusalem church spoke in tongues (Acts 2), Corinthians exercised tongues extensively (perhaps excessively, prompting Paul's regulation in ch. 14).

Reflection Questions

  1. How can churches cultivate 'discernment of spirits' to test prophetic messages today?
  2. Why does Paul list 'interpretation of tongues' as essential to tongues-speaking's value?
  3. What is the relationship between the sign-gifts (miracles, tongues) and the teaching-gifts (prophecy, wisdom)?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ἄλλῳ1 of 19

“To another”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

δὲ2 of 19
G1161

but, and, etc

ἐνεργήματα3 of 19

“the working”

G1755

an effect

δυνάμεων4 of 19

“of miracles”

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

ἄλλῳ5 of 19

“To another”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

δὲ6 of 19
G1161

but, and, etc

προφητεία7 of 19

“prophecy”

G4394

prediction (scriptural or other)

ἄλλῳ8 of 19

“To another”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

δὲ9 of 19
G1161

but, and, etc

διακρίσεις10 of 19

“discerning”

G1253

judicial estimation

πνευμάτων11 of 19

“of spirits”

G4151

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

ἑτέρῳ12 of 19

“to another”

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

δὲ13 of 19
G1161

but, and, etc

γένη14 of 19

“divers kinds”

G1085

"kin" (abstract or concrete, literal or figurative, individual or collective)

γλωσσῶν·15 of 19

“of tongues”

G1100

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

ἄλλῳ16 of 19

“To another”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

δὲ17 of 19
G1161

but, and, etc

ἑρμηνεία18 of 19

“the interpretation”

G2058

translation

γλωσσῶν·19 of 19

“of tongues”

G1100

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

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 12:10 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 12:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 14:391 John 4:1Mark 16:171 Corinthians 12:28-30Joel 2:281 Corinthians 14:31-32

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