King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 12:23 Mean?

1 Corinthians 12:23 in the King James Version says “And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our ...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. bestow: or, put on”

1 Corinthians 12:23 · KJV

Context

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.

22

Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

23

And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. bestow: or, put on

24

For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:

25

That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. schism: or, division

Read 1 Corinthians 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour—Dokoumen atimotera einai ("we think to be less honorable")—Paul references unpresentable body parts (genitals, digestive organs) that receive extra covering/clothing despite being "dishonorable" in public view. We bestow more abundant honour (peritithemen perissoterān timēn)—we clothe, protect, care for these hidden parts with greater attention than we give hands or face.

And our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness—ta aschēmona hēmōn euschēmosynēn perissoterān echei—we adorn what is naturally unbeautiful, giving it artificial beauty through clothing, protection, modesty. Application: church members society deems "dishonorable" (poor, uneducated, socially awkward, lacking prestigious gifts) should receive more honor from the body, not less. Healthy bodies protect vulnerable members; healthy churches elevate marginalized members. This is God's design for preserving dignity and preventing division.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman society was brutally stratified—slaves, freedmen, and plebeians received little honor while aristocrats demanded public recognition. Paul insists the church operates by inverse values: the least receives most honor, reflecting Jesus's kingdom-ethic (Matthew 20:16, "the last shall be first").

Reflection Questions

  1. Who in your church might be the 'uncomely parts' society overlooks but Christ values?
  2. How can churches 'bestow abundant honor' on members lacking natural social status or prestigious gifts?
  3. What would change if your church intentionally elevated the marginalized rather than celebrating the prominent?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

“And”

G2532

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

ἃ2 of 18

“those”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δοκοῦμεν3 of 18

“we think”

G1380

compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)

ἀτιμότερα4 of 18

“less honourable”

G820

(negatively) unhonored or (positively) dishonored

εἶναι5 of 18

“to be”

G1511

to exist

τοῦ6 of 18
G3588

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

σώματος7 of 18

“members of the body”

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

τούτοις8 of 18

“upon these”

G5125

to (for, in, with or by) these (persons or things)

τιμὴν9 of 18

“honour”

G5092

a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself

περισσοτέραν10 of 18
G4053

superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive; adverbially (with g1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence

περιτίθεμεν11 of 18

“we bestow”

G4060

to place around; by implication, to present

καὶ12 of 18

“And”

G2532

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

τὰ13 of 18
G3588

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

ἀσχήμονα14 of 18

“uncomely”

G809

properly, shapeless, i.e., (figuratively) inelegant

ἡμῶν15 of 18

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

εὐσχημοσύνην16 of 18

“comeliness”

G2157

decorousness

περισσοτέραν17 of 18
G4053

superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive; adverbially (with g1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence

ἔχει18 of 18

“parts have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

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 12:23 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 12:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 3:21

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