King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 12:28 Mean?

1 Corinthians 12:28 in the King James Version says “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then g...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. diversities: or, kinds”

1 Corinthians 12:28 · KJV

Context

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.

28

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. diversities: or, kinds

29

Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? workers: or, powers?

30

Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

Read 1 Corinthians 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers—Etheto ("has placed, appointed")—God sovereignly establishes roles in the church, listed with numerical order (prōton, deuteron, triton—first, second, third). Apostoloi (ἀπόστολοι, "sent ones") are Christ's commissioned representatives with foundational authority (Ephesians 2:20). Prophētai (προφῆται) speak God's word to the church. Didaskaloi (διδάσκαλοι, "teachers") explain and apply Scripture. These three are person-offices, ongoing roles.

After that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues—The list shifts from offices to functions: dynameis (miracles), charismata iamatōn (healing gifts), antilēmpseis (ἀντιλήμψεις, "helps"—practical service, assistance), kyberneseis (κυβερνήσεις, "governments/administration"—from kybernētēs, ship's pilot, suggesting leadership/guidance), genē glōssōn (tongues). Notice Paul places tongues last, countering Corinthian overvaluation. Helps and administration receive equal footing with spectacular gifts—God values unglamorous service.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Apostles like Paul, Peter, and the Twelve exercised unique foundational authority in establishing churches and writing Scripture. Prophets like Agabus delivered God's revelatory messages. Teachers like Apollos explained Scripture systematically. The Corinthians had all these ministries but misused them through gift-competition.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why might Paul list apostles, prophets, and teachers 'first, second, third' while leaving other gifts unnumbered?
  2. How should churches today honor 'helps' and 'governments' (administration) as much as prophecy or teaching?
  3. What does placing tongues last communicate about its relative importance compared to Corinthian assumptions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
καὶ1 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

οὓς2 of 24
G3739

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

μὲν3 of 24

“some”

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

ἔθετο4 of 24

“hath set”

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

ὁ5 of 24
G3588

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

θεὸς6 of 24

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐν7 of 24

“in”

G1722

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

τῇ8 of 24
G3588

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

ἐκκλησίᾳ9 of 24

“the church”

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

πρῶτον10 of 24

“first”

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

ἀποστόλους11 of 24

“apostles”

G652

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

δεύτερον12 of 24

“secondarily”

G1208

(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)

προφήτας13 of 24

“prophets”

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

τρίτον14 of 24

“thirdly”

G5154

third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly

διδασκάλους15 of 24

“teachers”

G1320

an instructor (genitive case or specially)

ἔπειτα16 of 24

“after that”

G1899

thereafter

δυνάμεις17 of 24

“miracles”

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

εἶτα18 of 24

“then”

G1534

a particle of succession (in time or logical enumeration), then, moreover

χαρίσματα19 of 24

“gifts”

G5486

a (divine) gratuity, i.e., deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a (spiritual) endowment, i.e., (subjectively) religious qualification, o

ἰαμάτων20 of 24

“of healings”

G2386

a cure (the effect)

ἀντιλήψεις,21 of 24

“helps”

G484

relief

κυβερνήσεις22 of 24

“governments”

G2941

pilotage, i.e., (figuratively) directorship (in the church)

γένη23 of 24

“diversities”

G1085

"kin" (abstract or concrete, literal or figurative, individual or collective)

γλωσσῶν24 of 24

“of tongues”

G1100

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

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 12:28 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 12:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 4:11-13Romans 12:6-81 Corinthians 12:181 Corinthians 12:7-11Ephesians 3:5Ephesians 2:20

Test Your Knowledge

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

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