King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 12:25 Mean?

That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. schism: or, ... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 12:25 · King James Version

Context

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

26

And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

27

Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

Read 1 Corinthians 12 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
That there should be no schism in the body—Hina mē ē schisma en tō sōmati (ἵνα μὴ ᾖ σχίσμα ἐν τῷ σώματι)—schisma (σχίσμα, "division, tear, split") is Paul's diagnosis of Corinth's core problem (cf. 1:10, "no divisions among you"). God's compensatory honor-system (vv.22-24) serves one purpose: that there should be no schism. Elevating weaker members prevents the strong from despising them; honoring uncomely members prevents division between haves and have-nots.

But that the members should have the same care one for another—to auto hyper allēlōn merimnōsin ta melē ("the members might have the same concern for one another")—merimnōsin (from merimnaō) means "anxious care, devoted concern." Mutual care (hyper allēlōn, "for one another") characterized by equality (to auto, "the same") prevents division. Eyes care for feet; head cares for hands. No hierarchy of concern where prominent members receive attention while hidden members are neglected. God's design creates interdependence producing mutual investment in each member's flourishing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Corinth's church was fractured by class divisions—wealthy patrons hosting house churches, poor believers marginalized at the Lord's Supper (11:20-22). Paul's body-theology demands equal care regardless of social status, directly challenging their stratified society.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'schisms' (divisions) exist in your church along lines of gifting, socioeconomic status, or influence?
  2. How can churches foster 'the same care' for all members, not preferential care for prominent ones?
  3. What practical expressions of 'care for one another' would prevent division in your church?
KS
Written by KJV Study Commentary • Biblical Commentary

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἵνα
1 of 15
G2443
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
μὴ
2 of 15
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ᾖ
3 of 15

“there should be”

G5600
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
σχίσμα
4 of 15

“schism”

G4978
a split or gap ("schism"), literally or figuratively
ἐν
5 of 15

“in”

G1722
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
τῷ
6 of 15
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σώματι
7 of 15

“the body”

G4983
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
ἀλλὰ
8 of 15

“but”

G235
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τὸ
9 of 15
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸ
10 of 15

“the same”

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
ὑπὲρ
11 of 15

“one for”

G5228
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
ἀλλήλων
12 of 15

“another”

G240
one another
μεριμνῶσιν
13 of 15

“care”

G3309
to be anxious about
τὰ
14 of 15
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μέλη
15 of 15

“that the members”

G3196
a limb or part of the body

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 12:25 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 12:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 13:111 Corinthians 1:10-12John 17:21-262 Corinthians 8:162 Corinthians 7:121 Corinthians 3:3

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