King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 12:3 Mean?

1 Corinthians 12:3 in the King James Version says “Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man ca... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. accursed: or, anathema

1 Corinthians 12:3 · KJV


Context

1

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

2

Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

3

Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. accursed: or, anathema

4

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5

And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. administrations: or, ministries


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
No man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed—The ultimate test of Spirit-inspired speech: does it confess or curse Jesus? Anathema Iēsous (ἀνάθεμα Ἰησοῦς, "cursed be Jesus") may reflect Jewish synagogue curses against Christians (cf. Acts 26:11) or pagan oaths required during persecution. No genuinely Spirit-inspired utterance—whether prophecy, tongues, or teaching—can blaspheme Christ.

No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy GhostKyrios Iēsous (Κύριος Ἰησοῦς) is the earliest Christian creed, assigning to Jesus the divine name reserved for Yahweh in the Septuagint. This confession requires supernatural illumination (Matthew 16:17). Mere intellectual assent differs from Spirit-wrought conviction that bows the will to Christ's lordship. Paul establishes the criterion for evaluating all spiritual gifts: Do they exalt Christ? Do they acknowledge His supreme authority? Gifts that draw attention to the speaker rather than magnifying Christ fail this test.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman imperial cult demanded citizens declare "Caesar is Lord" (Kyrios Kaisar). Christians' confession "Jesus is Lord" was politically subversive, often costing them their lives. Jewish Christians faced excommunication from synagogues for this confession. The phrase became a baptismal formula and central creedal statement of the early church.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can Christians today test whether spiritual experiences or teachings genuinely honor Christ's lordship?
  2. What modern 'spiritual' practices might appear powerful yet fail to confess Jesus as Lord?
  3. In what areas of life do you struggle to say 'Jesus is Lord' rather than maintaining self-sovereignty?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
διὸ1 of 23

Wherefore

G1352

through which thing, i.e., consequently

γνωρίζω2 of 23

I give

G1107

to make known; subjectively, to know

ὑμῖν3 of 23

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι4 of 23

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐδεὶς5 of 23

no man

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἐν6 of 23

by

G1722

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

πνεύματι7 of 23

Ghost

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

θεοῦ8 of 23

of God

G2316

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

λαλῶν9 of 23

speaking

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

λέγει10 of 23

calleth

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἀνάθεμα11 of 23

accursed

G331

a (religious) ban or (concretely) excommunicated (thing or person)

Ἰησοῦν,12 of 23

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

καὶ13 of 23

and

G2532

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

οὐδεὶς14 of 23

no man

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

δύναται15 of 23

can

G1410

to be able or possible

εἰπεῖν16 of 23

say

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Κύριον17 of 23

is the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Ἰησοῦν,18 of 23

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

εἰ19 of 23
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ20 of 23
G3361

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

ἐν21 of 23

by

G1722

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

πνεύματι22 of 23

Ghost

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἁγίῳ23 of 23

the Holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)


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 12:3 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 12:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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