King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 12:11 Mean?

1 Corinthians 12:11 in the King James Version says “But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 12:11 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

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.

13

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. Gentiles: Gr. Greeks

Read 1 Corinthians 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit—Panta de tauta energei to hen kai to auto Pneuma (πάντα δὲ ταῦτα ἐνεργεῖ τὸ ἓν καὶ τὸ αὐτὸ Πνεῦμα)—Paul concludes the gift-list with emphatic reiteration: one (hen) and the selfsame (to auto) Spirit operates all gifts. No room exists for gift-boasting or gift-envy—all are the Spirit's sovereign distributions. Energei (present active indicative) stresses ongoing, continuous divine activity.

Dividing to every man severally as he will—diairoun idiā hekastō kathōs bouletai (διαιροῦν ἰδίᾳ ἑκάστῳ καθὼς βούλεται, "distributing individually to each just as He wills"). The Spirit's sovereign will (bouletai, deliberate purpose, not arbitrary whim) determines gift-distribution. Believers cannot choose or manufacture their gifts; we receive what the Spirit assigns. This demolishes human pride (gifts are not achievements) and prevents gift-competition (we cannot earn preferred gifts). The Spirit's wisdom in distribution far exceeds our preferences—He knows what the body needs.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Greek culture valued autonomy and self-determination. Paul's emphasis on the Spirit's sovereign gifting counters individualism, reminding believers they are part of an organism whose head determines each member's function for the whole's benefit.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Spirit's sovereign distribution of gifts ('as He wills') affect your contentment with your gifting?
  2. What dangers arise when believers try to manufacture or choose spiritual gifts rather than receive them?
  3. How should churches balance encouraging gift-discovery with trusting the Spirit's sovereign distribution?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
πάντα1 of 15

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

δὲ2 of 15

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ταῦτα3 of 15

“these”

G5023

these things

ἐνεργεῖ4 of 15

“worketh”

G1754

to be active, efficient

τὸ5 of 15
G3588

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

ἓν6 of 15

“that one”

G1520

one

καὶ7 of 15

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸ8 of 15
G3588

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

αὐτὸ9 of 15

“the selfsame”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

πνεῦμα10 of 15

“Spirit”

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

διαιροῦν11 of 15

“dividing”

G1244

to separate, i.e., distribute

ἰδίᾳ12 of 15

“severally”

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

ἑκάστῳ13 of 15

“to every man”

G1538

each or every

καθὼς14 of 15

“as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

βούλεται15 of 15

“he will”

G1014

to "will," i.e., (reflexively) be willing

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 12:11 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 12:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 12:4Hebrews 2:42 Corinthians 10:131 Corinthians 12:6Ephesians 4:7John 3:27

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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