King James Version
What Does 1 Corinthians 12:16 Mean?
“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?”
1 Corinthians 12:16 · KJV
Context
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?
18
But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?—Paul repeats the argument with different body-parts (ear/eye instead of foot/hand) to reinforce the point through variation. The ear's function—hearing—differs entirely from the eye's function—seeing. Neither is superior; both are necessary. A deaf person lacks what the hearing possess; a blind person lacks what the seeing possess. Yet neither deficiency negates their humanity.
Applied spiritually: the believer with discernment gifts (spiritual "hearing" to detect truth from error) shouldn't envy the believer with vision gifts (prophetic foresight or strategic planning). God designed the body to need both. The ear cannot see, but it can hear what the eye cannot—vibrations, tones, warnings from behind. Diversity of function creates comprehensive perception—the body sees, hears, smells, tastes, touches simultaneously. No single member provides all sensory input; collectively, the body experiences reality fully.
Applied spiritually: the believer with discernment gifts (spiritual "hearing" to detect truth from error) shouldn't envy the believer with vision gifts (prophetic foresight or strategic planning). God designed the body to need both. The ear cannot see, but it can hear what the eye cannot—vibrations, tones, warnings from behind. Diversity of function creates comprehensive perception—the body sees, hears, smells, tastes, touches simultaneously. No single member provides all sensory input; collectively, the body experiences reality fully.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The Corinthians' competitive spirituality created an atmosphere where Christians compared gifts, ranking themselves and others. Paul systematically dismantles this by showing every member's essential, non-interchangeable contribution.
Reflection Questions
- What 'ear' gifts (discernment, wisdom, helps) might be undervalued compared to 'eye' gifts (prophecy, teaching)?
- How can you cultivate gratitude for the gifts you have rather than envy for gifts you lack?
- In what ways does the church's 'comprehensive perception' require diverse gifts working together?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 22 wordsκαὶ1 of 22
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐὰν2 of 22
“if”
G1437a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ὀφθαλμός9 of 22
“the eye”
G3788the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
ἐκ12 of 22
“of”
G1537a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
σώματος·14 of 22
“the body”
G4983the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
παρὰ16 of 22
“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
ἐκ20 of 22
“of”
G1537a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
σώματος·22 of 22
“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 12:16 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 12:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge