King James Version
What Does 1 Corinthians 12:19 Mean?
“And if they were all one member, where were the body?”
1 Corinthians 12:19 · KJV
Context
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.
19
And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20
But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21
And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd if they were all one member, where were the body?—Paul's climactic rhetorical question: if uniformity prevailed, the body itself would cease to exist. A body requires multiplicity—many members with diverse functions. En melos ("one member") is a contradiction in terms; melos (member) implies belonging to something larger. A solitary organ isn't a body but a fragment.
The question's force: Corinthian insistence on gift-uniformity (everyone should speak in tongues) would destroy the church. Unity doesn't mean uniformity; it means diverse members functioning in coordinated harmony under the head's direction. A room full of eyeballs isn't a body; it's a horror. A church full of only teachers or only prophets isn't a body; it's a monstrosity. God's design requires administrators and mercy-givers, encouragers and discerners, givers and servers—all working in complementary symphony.
The question's force: Corinthian insistence on gift-uniformity (everyone should speak in tongues) would destroy the church. Unity doesn't mean uniformity; it means diverse members functioning in coordinated harmony under the head's direction. A room full of eyeballs isn't a body; it's a horror. A church full of only teachers or only prophets isn't a body; it's a monstrosity. God's design requires administrators and mercy-givers, encouragers and discerners, givers and servers—all working in complementary symphony.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Corinth's factional divisions (1 Cor 1:12—"I am of Paul," "I am of Apollos") reflected their failure to grasp body-unity. Each faction wanted uniformity around their preferred leader/gift. Paul insists diversity under Christ's headship, not uniformity under human leadership, constitutes the body.
Reflection Questions
- How does gift-diversity create genuine unity rather than threaten it?
- What would be missing from your church if everyone had the same gift you have?
- How can churches pursue unity without imposing uniformity in gifts, methods, or personalities?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 10 wordsσῶμα10 of 10
“were 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 12:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.