King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 12:25 Mean?

1 Corinthians 12:25 in the King James Version says “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 · KJV

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

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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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?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἵνα1 of 15
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ2 of 15
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ᾖ3 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

σχίσμα4 of 15

“schism”

G4978

a split or gap ("schism"), literally or figuratively

ἐν5 of 15

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ6 of 15
G3588

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

σώματι7 of 15

“the body”

G4983

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

ἀλλὰ8 of 15

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τὸ9 of 15
G3588

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

αὐτὸ10 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

ὑπὲρ11 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

ἀλλήλων12 of 15

“another”

G240

one another

μεριμνῶσιν13 of 15

“care”

G3309

to be anxious about

τὰ14 of 15
G3588

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

μέλη15 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

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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