King James Version
What Does 1 Corinthians 12:15 Mean?
“If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?”
1 Corinthians 12:15 · KJV
Context
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
14
For the body is not one member, but many.
15
If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16
And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17
If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryIf the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?—Paul personifies body-parts to dramatize gift-envy. The foot's complaint—"I'm not a hand, therefore I don't belong"—exposes faulty logic: difference doesn't equal deficiency. The rhetorical question expects an obvious "No!"—the foot's self-assessment doesn't alter its membership.
This addresses believers who feel inferior because they lack prestigious gifts. The Corinthian who cannot speak in tongues might conclude, "I'm not truly spiritual; I don't really belong." Paul declares such thinking absurd—the Spirit's sovereign gifting determines membership and function, not self-perception or others' evaluation. The foot isn't malfunctioning; it's fulfilling precisely the role the head (Christ) designed. Its value derives not from being a hand but from being a foot—perfectly suited for walking, while the hand cannot.
This addresses believers who feel inferior because they lack prestigious gifts. The Corinthian who cannot speak in tongues might conclude, "I'm not truly spiritual; I don't really belong." Paul declares such thinking absurd—the Spirit's sovereign gifting determines membership and function, not self-perception or others' evaluation. The foot isn't malfunctioning; it's fulfilling precisely the role the head (Christ) designed. Its value derives not from being a hand but from being a foot—perfectly suited for walking, while the hand cannot.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Lower-class Corinthian Christians, lacking education or oratorical skill, might feel marginalized in worship gatherings dominated by the wealthy and articulate. Paul affirms their indispensable value despite lacking high-status gifts.
Reflection Questions
- When have you felt like the 'foot' wishing you were the 'hand'—envying others' gifts?
- How does understanding God's sovereign gifting combat feelings of spiritual inadequacy?
- What practical steps can churches take to help 'foot' Christians feel as valued as 'hand' Christians?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 21 wordsἐὰν1 of 21
“If”
G1437a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
χείρ8 of 21
“the hand”
G5495the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
ἐκ11 of 21
“of”
G1537a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
σώματος13 of 21
“the body”
G4983the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
παρὰ15 of 21
“it therefore”
G3844properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
ἐκ19 of 21
“of”
G1537a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
σώματος21 of 21
“the body”
G4983the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
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 12:15 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 12:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge